Azamara Onward unveiled during grand Christening in Monaco

Azamara Onward unveiled during grand Christening in Monaco
By Alexandra Coulton


Azamara has officially welcomed the latest addition to its fleet with the christening of Azamara Onward last night in Monaco.

The ship’s godmother, Beth Santos, performed the traditional naming rites and champagne bottle breaking at a ceremony in Monte Carlo on 2 May alongside the ship’s captain, Carl Smith and Azamara president Carol Cabezas.

Santos is the founder and CEO of global community and lifestyle brand Wanderful, which champions diversity and sustainability in travel.

Her network connects over 45,000 women and gender diverse travellers through group trips, an online social network, and local events in more than 50 cities worldwide.

During an interview Travel Weekly, Santos said she was shocked when Azamara asked her to be the godmother of Azamara Onward.

“I’m not a cruiser, not traditionally at least,” she said. 

“I told Azamara this and they said that is exactly why they’d chosen me.

“They are not only viewing the godmother as a space for, you know, being an honorific title, but as a true partner in the direction that they want to take not just the ship, but their brand and their company.”

Beth Santos, godmother of Azamara Onward

In true Azamara fashion, the christening ceremony was a grand affair, featuring aerial ballet performences, musical performances by Nice’s chœur d’enfants, the ship’s cruise director Eric De Grey, Emily Love and the Azamara Signature Singers.

“A christening is important because it is believed to bring good luck and safe travel to the vessel. In the maritime community, we hold close to traditions, and a christening is one of the most important,” Cabezas said during the celebration.

“We have all been tested these past couple of years and I am exceedingly pleased to see where we are today.

“There is a combination of what I consider superheroes on shore and onboard who have exemplified resilience and passion. Thanks to all their efforts, we have made it to this wonderful day.”

Azamara Onward in Monaco ahead of her christening

Azamara Onward has just completed her pre-inaugural cruise from Barcelona visiting Marseille, Portovernere and Monaco.

The ship will now go on to complete her maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Venice with an inaugural season taking travellers to the heart of the Mediterranean with its destination first approach and immersive land experiences.

Featuring new onboard venues and luxury retail spaces, the ship features refreshed accommodations and new entertainment options, including the exclusive Atlas Bar, which offers delicious artisinal cocktails using the latest techniques from smoking domes to nitro-infusions.

Stay tuned-in to our newsletter this week for more about the immersive experiences Azamara offers its passengers.

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