From Africa and the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean and Japan's cherry blossom season, the new cruises pair distinctive itineraries with extended time in port
MIAMI, November 4, 2026 – Azamara Cruises, the global leader in Destination Immersion®, today unveiled 85 new cruises across all four ships and 81 countries from October 29, 2028, through May 19, 2029. With 210 ports of call, 94 overnight stays, and more than 200 late-night departures, the season offers travelers more opportunities to explore destinations beyond traditional sightseeing hours and experience the character of each place at a more leisurely pace.
Headlining the season is the highly anticipated return of Azamara Onward to Africa and the Indian Ocean following a multi-year absence, with itineraries spanning South Africa, East Africa and West Africa. Among the standout calls is Jamestown, Saint Helena, on December 12, 2028, offering guests the opportunity to discover one of the world’s most remote island destinations. Across the fleet, guests can also experience the Mediterranean, explore the coastlines of Australia and New Zealand, and discover Japan during cherry blossom season.
“These newly announced cruises reflect what makes Azamara so special, allowing guests to go beyond the expected and experience destinations in a more meaningful way,” said Mike Pawlus, Head of Itinerary Planning at Azamara. “We’re especially excited to offer guests more opportunities to explore Africa and the Indian Ocean, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, with itineraries featuring destinations such as Western Australia and the Kimberley Coast. From rare port calls to extended stays that allow travelers to connect with local culture, these itineraries are designed to make every destination an integral part of the journey.”
Guided by the idea that the world doesn't take a season off, Azamara's newly announced cruises offer a varied collection of journeys shaped by distinctive destinations, seasonal experiences and opportunities for discovery around the world. Highlights of the upcoming season include:
- Season in Africa and the Indian Ocean: Azamara Onward sails to the region with itineraries spanning South Africa, East Africa and West Africa, visiting 27 countries throughout the season. A standout highlight is Jamestown, Saint Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic with a rich history, including its association with Napoleon Bonaparte's exile. Guests can also discover the Indian Ocean's celebrated Vanilla Islands, including the Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar, through itineraries that showcase the region's distinctive cultures and natural beauty.
- Discover the Mediterranean in a New Season: Azamara Journey invites guests to rediscover Europe during the local season, with itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Iberia and the Canary Islands. Visiting 16 countries and 65 ports of call, the ship offers opportunities to experience destinations with fewer seasonal crowds and a closer connection to everyday local life. Select itineraries also feature three consecutive days in Alexandria, Egypt, providing additional time to explore the country's ancient wonders, including opportunities to visit Cairo and Luxor, home to the Valley of the Kings. Other signature moments include an overnight stay in Marseille over Christmas Eve and an overnight in Çanakkale, Turkey.
- Explore Australia, New Zealand and Japan in Greater Depth: Azamara Pursuit offers an extensive Asia-Pacific season, combining Australia and New Zealand with immersive exploration of Japan. Highlights include a journey along Western Australia's remote Kimberley Coast, with an overnight in Broome, and a sailing from Sydney to Singapore featuring several Great Barrier Reef gateway destinations. From late March through May 2029, five consecutive Japan Intensive sailings offer further opportunities to explore the country's varied regions during the spring season, with itineraries designed to give guests the chance to experience Japan's celebrated cherry blossoms across multiple ports.
- Experience a Mediterranean-to-Caribbean Cruise: Before transitioning to the 2029 World Cruise, Azamara Quest will offer a collection of Mediterranean, Transatlantic and Caribbean sailings from October 29, 2028, through January 1, 2029. The season culminates in a Panama Canal holiday and New Year's sailing offering a memorable way to close out the year.
Guests looking to plan ahead can take advantage of Azamara’s 30% Early Booking Bonus, available across all stateroom categories.
Travelers can also take advantage of Azamara's curated combination cruises and Grand Voyages, which connect select itineraries to create longer journeys across multiple destinations. These thoughtfully designed options allow guests to explore more of a region on one seamless trip, with varied ports and extended opportunities for discovery. (*Early Booking Bonus not available for Grand Voyages reservations.)
For more information on Azamara's newly announced cruises from Oct 29, 2028 – May 19, 2029, and to explore available itineraries, visit https://www.azamara.com/.