Australia soars for Azamara ahead of local debut

Australia soars for Azamara ahead of local debut
By admin


Azamara's success in the local market has seen Australia emerge as the cruise line's second largest source market, with its first Australian sailing still over 18 months away.

The local “love affair” with the product is due to the Aussie passion for travelling the world, according to president and chief executive Larry Pimentel.

“It is a product that’s about where we take people and Australians love exploring the world,” he told Travel Today. “They love touching cultures through food, through drink and through experiences.”

He identified the cruise line’s offer of overnight stays in a destination as a major drawcard, enabling Aussies to “truly experience” the culture.

“For example, think of the Spaniards who start dinner at 10pm – other ships are long gone by then,” Pimentel said.

“So the appeal to Australians is really the destinations and how you can experience them.”

Australians now represent 11% of the cruise line’s overall passengers, with Pimentel predicting that will grow to between 15% and 18% by 2016.

“The Australian market has grown tenfold in about four and a half years which is very impressive,” he said. “Australia is the largest growth market for us globally – yet we haven’t been here yet.”

The 694-passenger Azamara Quest will make the cruise line’s first visit Down Under as part of a 14-night voyage between December 22, 2015 and January 5, 2016.

Sales for the Australian itinerary have so far been “very well received”, Pimentel revealed.

“Bookings are going well. Guests are extremely eager to know what is happening after the Bali to Cairns voyage and we look forward to announcing details of the 2016 deployment in the future.”

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