WHY IT RATES: Now guests of Azamara Club Cruises will be able to easily enjoy a more in-depth cruise experience with tour operator Cox & Kings. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer
As part of Destination Immersion, Azamara Club Cruises has launched its City Stays program–in collaboration with Cox & Kings.
City Stays programs are available before and after sailings and offer curated travel experiences with emphasis on local connections, allowing Azamara guests additional time to explore the iconic arrival or departure ports.
MORE Cruise Line & Cruise Ship
“As a leader in delivering authentic cultural experiences across the globe, the expansion of Azamara’s land offerings to include City Stays programs in key markets enhances our guests’ connection with the destination by providing opportunities to explore a city from a local’s perspective,” said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “Now that we have the opportunity to visit more destinations with our new ship, Azamara Pursuit, we will continue to expand our City Stays program across most if not all of our turnaround ports, reinforcing Azamara’s commitment to Destination Immersion experiences.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Azamara on the new City Stays program,” Cox & Kings’ president Patrick Richards adds. “We’ve customized some truly special experiences in some of the world’s greatest cities and look forward to showcasing these to Azamara guests.”
The City Stays program includes accommodations for three or more nights, select meals, and transportation services from the port to the hotel, as well as a prearranged transfer from the airport. Highlights from the new City Stays, available before and after select Azamara Club Cruises’ voyages, include:
Singapore–Dive into Singapore’s renowned culinary culture with a local food critic as a guide. Travelers will set off on a scavenger hunt through the city’s cultural sites and enjoy private visits with local artisans, including a fifth-generation baker, a master of making paper houses, and a coffee connoisseur.
Barcelona, Spain–Travelers go beyond the traditional sights of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Guests can expect to visit a fourth-generation candy artisan, stroll through the unique district of Born–an artistic neighborhood with luxury shopping and museums-and experience a flamenco performance at night. On a food exploration of the city, guests will enjoy a meal with a local family while learning about their history, they will have a gourmet picnic lunch in the park with a Spanish family and join a local wine connoisseur in the evening to try a selection of Spain’s best wines, some of which are more than 30 years old.
Rome, Italy–During this tour of Rome, travelers will explore beyond the traditional sights of this historic city. Journey to an organic farm on the outskirts of Rome, where travelers will learn how to make bread and gnocchi, forage for wild herbs, enjoy a lakefront lunch, visit a milk and cheese laboratory, and go on a horseback ride. Following the excursion, participants will receive an exclusive tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel–before public opening hours–and have dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
SOURCE: Azamara Club Cruises press release.
