Azamara to return to South Africa this winter
The boutique line will offer six back-to-back voyages starting in January 2022
Azamara is set to return to South Africa this winter as the country reopens for international cruising.
Azamara Pursuit will set sail from January to March 2022 with six back-to-back voyages, including five country-intensive itineraries.
The boutique cruise line will also resume land tours with luxury safari operator Micato Safaris.
Land tour highlights include a five-night Greater Kruger National Park Safari and Winelands itinerary, and a five-night Victoria Falls and Chobe Game Park Safari, both of which can be booked pre- or post-cruise.
Azamara’s South African voyages will also feature a 12-night Golf Voyage, including five rounds of golf.
Shore excursions will be operated by Abercrombie & Kent’s cruise division, Akorn, and include a 4×4 drive through the African bushveld at Thula Thula game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, home to elephants, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, birds and more.
Azamara president Carol Cabezas said: “A trip to Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the kind of travel Azamara is known for, which is why I am so pleased to confirm our guests are now welcome back to South Africa following the reopening of its ports to international cruising.”
She added: “Once again, Micato Safaris will deliver unrivalled pre- and post-cruise land programmes, as they share Azamara’s love of travel, exploration and value of creating one-of-a-kind experiences for travellers.”
Dennis Pinto, Micato managing director, said: “We have crafted a series of unique custom programmes which showcase the very best of Southern Africa for Azamara’s discerning passengers.”
Oceania unveils 2023 Europe and North America programme
Seven ships will sail 179 itineraries and call at 260 ports, including nine new additions
Oceania Cruises has unveiled a series of new voyages to Europe and North America for 2023 that range from seven to 56 days.
The new programme features seven ships sailing 179 itineraries and calling at more than 260 ports.
Now on sale, destinations include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Baltic and Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada and the Americas.
Nine off-the-beaten-path ports of call have been added to the collection including Kalundborg, Denmark; Nordfjordeid, Norway; Oban, Scotland; Runavík (Faroe Islands), Denmark; Torbay, UK; Limnos, Greece; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Lipari, Italy; and Eastport, Maine.
Bob Binder, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises, said: “These new voyages are ideal for discerning travellers seeking to rediscover the world.”
“Whether they are retracing familiar paths or setting off to uncharted territories, guests will find endearing smiles, enthralling cultural elements and fascinating culinary experiences.”
The line says it spends “30 to 50 per cent more time in port than premium cruise lines”.
Oceania’s new itineraries feature 190 overnight or multi-day stays in both marquee and boutique ports of call, along with hundreds of evening and late-night departures to allow guests to immerse themselves in the history, culture and cuisines of the destinations.