Azamara Cruises has unveiled its spring, summer and autumn 2028 deployment, introducing one of the most extensive destination-led programmes in the company’s history. The schedule places a strong emphasis on prolonged time ashore, with 87% of the deployment spent in port and more than 360 late-night and overnight calls accounting for over half of all port days.
The new season reflects a continued focus on immersive itineraries, allowing guests additional time to explore destinations beyond peak visitor periods and with greater regional depth. The programme also introduces an expanded presence in Asia, alongside 12 maiden ports across Europe and Asia, while recently completed refurbishments aboard Azamara Quest and Azamara Onward form part of the ongoing Azamara Forward fleet enhancement initiative.
Michael Pawlus, Head of Itinerary Planning at Azamara Cruises, indicated that the company continued to refine its itineraries around carefully planned regional exploration. He noted that country-intensive voyages in regions such as Greece and Italy remained central to the line’s deployment strategy, while the expanded Asia programme would broaden both the geographical range and depth of experiences available to guests.
For the first time, Azamara will operate a full dedicated season in Asia, with 33 sailings aboard Azamara Pursuit. The programme includes nine Combination Cruises designed to connect multiple countries within a single extended voyage, including itineraries featuring Japan, South Korea and China. Several departures have been scheduled to coincide with regional festivals and cultural events, allowing access to seasonal celebrations and local traditions.
Europe continues to represent a substantial portion of the 2028 deployment, with 85 sailings planned across the continent. These include 10 Grand Voyages and 48 country-intensive itineraries, combining established cruise destinations with smaller regional ports in countries including Greece, Italy and Croatia.
The season introduces 12 maiden calls, extending Azamara’s reach into new destinations. Among them are Caen in France, providing access to Normandy; Sokcho in South Korea, gateway to Seoraksan National Park; Tokushima and Miyazaki in Japan; and Itea, serving Delphi in Greece. Additional new ports include Porto Empedocle in Sicily, Dún Laoghaire near Dublin, and Liepāja in Latvia.
The line has also expanded its programme of scenic and river cruising, incorporating extended passages along waterways including the Guadalquivir River to Seville, the Garonne into Bordeaux, the Seine to Rouen, the Yangtze into Shanghai and the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City. These navigations are intended to form part of the destination experience rather than merely transit segments.
The 2028 programme further includes a selection of specialty voyages tied to international sporting and cultural events. Among them are Grand Prix-themed itineraries and a sailing linked to The 156th Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, during which Azamara Journey will call at Liverpool.
Azamara also confirmed that guests booking early for the 2028 season may access promotional fares offering savings of up to 30% under the company’s Early Booking Bonus programme.