Azamara Cruises Unveils Enhanced Destination Immersion® Program for Winter 2026–2027 - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Azamara Cruises, the small-ship cruise line celebrated for its Destination Immersion® experiences and industry-leading number of late nights and overnights in port, has announced the launch of Discover What the Locals Know. This enhanced program redefines how travelers experience each port of call, offering opportunities not only to visit but to live each destination like a local.

Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, said:

“Travel expectations are evolving, with a growing desire for genuine, immersive experiences that go beyond the typical tourist view. Today’s travelers want to connect more deeply by sharing meals where locals gather, celebrating regional traditions, and exploring everyday life with a fresh perspective. That’s what Discover What the Locals Know offers: a reimagined approach to cruise travel that brings guests closer to the heart of each destination. Whether it’s walking the quiet waterfront in Gythion, Greece, or visiting the hillside village of Şirince, Turkey, these unscripted moments create lasting impressions, and Azamara is proud to make them possible.”

Immersive Cultural Highlights

Guests sailing on Azamara’s 2026–2027 Mediterranean itineraries, running from fall through spring, will enjoy privileged access to authentic cultural experiences, including:

·         Florence, Italy – Join locals at the Festival dei Popoli documentary film festival during the 7-Night Best of the Mediterranean: Florence, Genoa & Marseille voyage.

·         Catania, Sicily – Celebrate composer Vincenzo Bellini’s birthday on November 3rd with the Maratona Belliniana, a citywide musical tribute, as part of the 7-Night Best of the Mediterranean: Saranda, Catania & Amalfi Coast cruise.

·         Seville, Spain – Experience the vibrant European Film Festival during a double overnight on the 9-Night Spain Intensive: Valencia, Cartagena & Seville itinerary.

·         Santa Margherita, Italy – Harvest olives alongside locals in autumn, then taste the season’s first pressings at a family-run frantoio on the 8-Night Italy Intensive: Portofino, Florence & Porto Santo Stefano voyage.

·         Florence, Italy – Discover the festive Piazza del Duomo Market on the 7-Night Christmas Cruise: Florence, Mahon & Palma, featuring handcrafted gifts, holiday sweets, nativity displays, and choirs.

Travel Without the Crowds

With Azamara’s hallmark late nights and overnights in port, guests will have the freedom to explore at their own pace, join seasonal traditions, and connect with local communities in authentic ways. Sailing during the quieter winter months allows travelers to experience iconic destinations without the peak-season crowds, making for a deeper and more personal connection.

All Discover What the Locals Know voyages are now open for booking at www.azamara.com. With this program, Azamara strengthens its position as the cruise line of choice for culturally curious travelers seeking meaningful, immersive journeys.

Image Credit: © Azamara Cruises