Azamara will return to cruise in Australian waters later this year

Azamara will be back in Australia later this year with plans to grow its presence in the region, president Carol Cabezas said.

“We have plans to be back for an Australian season later this year,” Ms Cabezas told Cruise Passenger in an interview.

Australians and New Zealand guests make up the “low teens” in the proportion of passengers who cruise with the brand.

Many Australians like to cruise in their own backyard and one of the popular destination is Japan, Ms Cabezas said.

“But Australians and New Zealanders also love Europe and spend many weeks cruising with us in the northern summer.”

She added that it is still “early days” whether lines like Azamara would insist on compulsory vaccination for all passengers and crew before they cruise.

“We have talked about vaccinations – it’s possible but its early days,” she added.

Azamara’s fleet of three, boutique ships has recently been sold to private equity firm Sycamore Partners for US$201 million. It recently bought Pacific Princess which starred in the popular television series, “The Love Boat”. The ship will be extensively refurbished before joining Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit.

The line has also recently appointed Orlando Ashford, the former president of Holland America Line, as Azamara’s executive chairman