Here are the top ten reasons to sail Azamara.

1.  Azamara Cruises…deluxe small ship cruise line that offers an experience that is “rich within reach”
2.  Azamara Cruises offers guests impeccable service and exceptional cuisine
3.  Azamara Cruises has open dining with no assigned seating plus 2 specialty restaurants with no up-charge
4.  Azamara Cruises has no formal nights…leave your gowns and tuxedo at home!
5.  Azamara Cruises offers Butler style amenities in all staterooms
6.  Azamara travels to unique destinations that the large ships cannot with overnights and late night departures
7.  Azamara Cruises offers a variety of live entertainment plus a full casino onboard
8.  Azamara Cruises  offers overland/overnight excursions and cruisetour options
9.  Azamara Cruises offers enrichments programs on every cruise
10. AMAZING SHIPS, AMAZING OFFERS!!

Azamara is a deluxe cruise line, and was voted one of the World’s Best Cruise Lines by Condé Nast Traveler. Europe. Asia. South America. The Caribbean. Where in the world would you like to go? With Azamara, you can travel to the far reaches of the earth and explore a myriad of ports and cities that most can only dream of. From French Polynesia to the warm waters off the islands of St. Barts, whatever your passion, let Azamara take you there in magnificent style. Enjoy butler service, the most delectable dining on the high seas, a masterful spa, graceful accommodations, and more.

Guests who travel with Azamara Cruises are explorers, seeking experiences that are richer than those offered by most cruise lines. Many Europe and Asia itineraries will include overnight stays in cities such as Istanbul, Barcelona and Venice. The ability to reach smaller ports isn’t the only advantage of traveling on smaller ships. On both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, 93% of staterooms enjoy ocean views, with 70% offering private verandas. You’ll also discover an intimacy not found on larger vessels, creating a relaxed atmosphere that is far more conducive to interacting with the staff, as well as fellow travelers. The advantages of smaller ships are even evident when you’re in port. Captains can navigate right into the heart of the engaging ports of call so that almost immediately after you dock, you’re free to begin explorations.

Past Azamara & Captain Club members can receive up to $300 off all stateroom categories on the following cruises, when booking Jan 1st – March 31, 2009. Call about these and other Azamara discount offers.

7 Night Europe Mediterranean Azamara Journey Apr 25; May 2, 9, 16, 2009

10 Night Europe Mediterranean Azamara Journey Apr 5, 15, 2009
Azamara Quest June 4, 2009

14 Night Europe Mediterranean Azamara Journey May 23, 2009
Azamara Quest June 14, 28, 2009

12 Night Scand/Russia Azamara Journey June 6, 30, 2009

12 Night Caribbean Azamara Journey March 8, 2009

14 Night Asia Azamara Quest March 14, 2009

16 Night Transatlantic Azamara Journey March 20, 2009

24 Night Asia Azamara Quest April 7, 2009

Several other sailings include exclusive amenities such as ship board credits, complimentary shore excursions or pre-paid gratuities. Call
800-942-3301 for more details.

Want to learn more about Azamara? Take a Virtual Tour

Cruise News: Fuel Surcharge Update
Carnival Corporation
As fuel prices continue to decline, Carnival Corporation has announced that it will suspend fuel supplements for its six North American brands effective for all voyages departing on or after December 17, 2008. Brands include: Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and the Yachts of Seabourn.

Finally! Cruise line are responding to consumer demand to eliminate fuel surcharges. Let’s hope the airlines start bringing down their prices as well.

Here are the latest updates:

Norwegian Cruise Line
In response to the current continued decline of fuel prices, NCL has announced that it is suspending the company’s fuel supplement effective immediately for all voyages departing in 2009.

Prestige Cruise Holdings, Inc
Prestige Cruise Holdings, parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced that the fuel supplement charge will be eliminated from all voyages departing in 2009. Guests who have already paid in full for their 2009 voyage will be issued a shipboard credit equal to the fuel supplement charge they were assessed.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd has announced the suspension of its fuel supplement for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, andAzamara Cruises sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2009. The decision reflects the recently sustained lower price of fuel.

Windstar Cruises
Windstar has announced a suspension on fuel surcharges for 2009 sailings.  Clients that are paid in full will receive the refund in the form of a Shipboard Credit & bookings that are under deposit will have the fuel surcharges taken off.  All of the bookings will be updated by Christmas.

For more information, visit our web site our call 800-942-3301.

Being a premium cruise traveler and having just experienced Celebrity’s Solstice, what is all the hype about stepping up to a luxury cruise, and are the finer things worth their asking price?

Silversea is known for their All-Inclusive program, which is comprised of Gourmet Meals, Fine Wines (25 Red / 25 White), Champagne, Spirits, and Bulgari Toiletries. However, when comparing caviar with lobster, I found there to be a major difference, yet insufficient data to substantiate the answer to my question: are the finer things really worth their asking price? I did some research and I compared the proverbial apples to oranges in order to give this question proper consideration. In my research, I compared the Silversea Wind’s 240 square foot ocean view Vista Suite with the 323 sq. ft. Sky Suite aboard the Azamara Quest.

Here are my findings:

Silversea Wind:                                           Azamara Quest:
                                  10-Night Mediterranean
June 16, 2009                                                 June 4, 2009
$6,716.00 pp                                                 $4,386 pp

                                     What You Get…
314 Passengers                                              694 Passengers
Decks 4 & 5                                                     Deck 8 – Balcony
Sitting Area                                                    Daily European bedding
Unlimited Pommery Champagne                  Butler Service
Mini Bar Stocked                                       Bottled water
Acqua Di Parma Bath Amenities                 Pillow menu
Plush Robe & Choice of Pillow                   Hansgrohe shower head
Personalized Stationary                            Daily fruit basket
Marble Bath / Full Bath                             Fresh cut flowers
Gratuities Included                                  Daily hors d’oeuvres
Viking cooking school at sea                    Soft drinks from mini-bar
Beverage cabin in suite                           3 Nights at specialty restaurants
Complimentary newspaper daily                Silk wrapped hangers
1 complimentary shore excursion               Hansgrohe showerhead
Transfers to town/city center in port         Welcome champagne
                                                          4-6 pm specialty coffee in suite

                                             Difference: $2,330 Per Person

Alright! We have a significant price difference. Both cruise lines have an excellent reputation, and consumers would be happy would either choice.  The question is, with the current economic condition would you be more inclined to consider a premium cruise line, or are you willing to pay for luxury?