A boutique cruise line will heavily increase its time docked in global ports and launch its first full season in Asia as part of a newly unveiled 2028 sailing schedule.
Azamara cruises announced Wednesday that its new lineup will feature ships spending 87% of their deployment time in port. The upcoming schedule includes more than 360 late nights and overnight stays, representing 53% of total port days, according to a press release.
The company, which promotes itself as an industry leader in “Destination Immersion” experiences, said the schedule is specifically designed to give passengers more time to explore locations beyond peak crowds.
For the first time in its history, the cruise line will operate a full season in Asia. The company will offer 33 sailings aboard the Azamara Pursuit, introducing nine combination cruises that allow guests to seamlessly visit multiple countries such as Japan, South Korea and China in one extended journey.
Company officials said select itineraries are timed to align with more than 10 regional festivals to offer access to seasonal traditions and cultural celebrations.
In addition to the Asian expansion, Europe will remain a primary focus for the 2028 season. The schedule includes 85 European cruises, featuring 10 grand voyages and 48 country-intensive itineraries, according to the release.
These European routes will blend visits to iconic major cities with stops at smaller ports across destinations like Greece, Italy and Croatia. Azamara says these trips will allow passengers to gain a deeper understanding of regional cultures.
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Between Europe and Asia, the 2028 season will also introduce 12 maiden ports, with new stops including Caen, France; Sokcho, South Korea; Tokushima and Miyazaki, Japan; and Delphi, Greece. The cruise line will also make its first visits to Porto Empedocle, Sicily; Dublin; and Liepaja, Latvia.
Sokcho serves as a gateway to Seoraksan National Park, while the Japanese ports are known for coastal beauty and cultural traditions. Delphi will provide access to celebrated archaeological sites, and Caen will allow passengers to visit historic landmarks in Normandy.
Company officials noted that the new ports are designed to expand access to emerging cruise markets.
“We are constantly refining our itineraries to deliver thoughtfully curated experiences for our guests,” said Azamara Cruises’ head of itinerary planning Michael Pawlus. “Our country-intensive sailings in regions like Greece and Italy remain a core part of what we offer, and with the addition of Asia-focused itineraries in 2028, we’re expanding the range and depth of destinations guests can experience across our deployment.”
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The company is also planning a collection of specialty cruises built around iconic global events, including grand prix races and the 156th British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes, with a ship calling in Liverpool, England.
Azamara offers a boutique sailing experience
Azamara operates a fleet of four ships designed to navigate into smaller destinations that it says larger vessels can’t reach. The 2028 season will feature the cruise line’s newly refurbished Azamara Quest and Azamara Onward ships, alongside the Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit.
Azamara describes its onboard experience as an intimate hotel at sea, offering a variety of dining venues, room service, alcoholic beverages, gratuities and cultural events in its standard packages. The company says it aims to provide “no hassle, no crowds” alongside unique destinations and extended days in port.
Travelers who book early can receive up to a 30% discount on the upcoming sailings at azamara.com.
