Azamara’s twin vessels promise intimate exploration of the Southern Hemisphere’s most captivating destinations
The allure of Australia and New Zealand has long captivated discerning globetrotters, but experiencing these diverse landscapes from the intimate perspective of a small ship elevates the journey from ordinary to extraordinary. Azamara Cruises, the boutique cruise line celebrated for its Destination Immersion experiences, is returning to Southern Hemisphere waters for the 2025-26 season with not one, but two vessels ready to unlock the region’s hidden treasures.
Following Azamara’s triumphant 2024-25 season in these waters, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward will chart separate courses through Australia and New Zealand, each vessel offering its own carefully curated selection of itineraries designed for travelers who value quality over quantity and depth over superficial sightseeing.
Two ships, two distinct adventures
Like elegant sisters pursuing their own paths, the twin vessels will explore different facets of this remarkable region. Azamara Pursuit arrives first, making her Australian debut in late December 2025 with an ambitious program that spans both coasts of the continent. Her itineraries promise comprehensive exploration of Australia’s eastern and southern shores before crossing the Tasman Sea for New Zealand adventures that showcase the country’s dramatic landscapes and welcoming culture.
The ship’s journey doesn’t end there. After returning to Australia via Adelaide and the renowned wine region of Margaret River, Azamara Pursuit will embark on a fascinating northward voyage to Singapore, incorporating three carefully selected Indonesian ports that offer glimpses into Southeast Asia’s rich maritime heritage.
Meanwhile, Azamara Onward joins the region in mid-February 2026 as part of her epic World Cruise circumnavigation. Her Southern Hemisphere sojourn focuses on New Zealand’s most spectacular destinations alongside select Australian ports, creating a refined itinerary for world travelers seeking the ultimate global perspective.
Beyond ordinary port calls
What sets these voyages apart isn’t merely their destinations but how guests experience them. Azamara’s signature Extended Destination Days ensure vessels remain in port for ten or more hours, allowing travelers to move beyond the typical rush of conventional cruise itineraries. This approach transforms each stop from a hurried glimpse into a meaningful cultural immersion.
The line’s exclusive AzAmazing Evenings add another layer of authenticity, treating guests to unique local events that capture the genuine spirit of each destination. These aren’t generic entertainment offerings but carefully crafted experiences that reflect the character and traditions of the places visited.
New elevated evening tour programs expand the possibilities for after-dark exploration, while 150 newly introduced destination-inspired main courses ensure the culinary journey matches the geographical one. These additions demonstrate Azamara’s commitment to evolving their offerings while maintaining the intimate, bespoke service that defines small-ship cruising.
The art of intimate exploration
With only four vessels in their fleet, Azamara represents the antithesis of mass-market cruising. Their ships carry fewer than 700 guests each, creating an atmosphere more akin to a floating boutique hotel than a massive resort. This scale allows access to smaller ports that larger vessels simply cannot reach, opening doors to hidden gems alongside the marquee destinations that anchor most itineraries.
The Always Azamara program eliminates the nickel-and-diming that can plague cruise experiences, bundling dining, beverages, gratuities, cultural events, and even laundry service into the fare. This all-inclusive approach allows travelers to focus entirely on the experience rather than calculating additional costs.
Strong demand signals exceptional experiences
The enthusiasm for Azamara’s antipodean return is evident in booking patterns, with only limited staterooms remaining for the upcoming season. This strong demand follows what industry insiders describe as an exceptional 2024-25 performance, suggesting that discerning cruisers have embraced the line’s approach to Southern Hemisphere exploration.
For North American cruisers accustomed to Caribbean or Mediterranean itineraries, Australia and New Zealand offer a compelling alternative. The summer season timing aligns perfectly with Northern Hemisphere winters, creating an ideal escape to warmer climates and longer days. The cultural similarities make these destinations comfortable for English-speaking visitors while offering enough unique experiences to satisfy the most curious explorers.
A new standard for destination-focused cruising
Azamara’s return to Australian and New Zealand waters represents more than just another cruise season. It signals the growing recognition that modern cruisers seek experiences over entertainment, authenticity over artifice, and immersion over superficial touring.
As Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward prepare to write new chapters in their Southern Hemisphere exploration, they carry the promise that small-ship cruising can deliver what larger vessels cannot: genuine connection to the places visited and the people who call them home. In an era of overtourism and rushed itineraries, this return to thoughtful, immersive travel feels both timely and essential.
Visit the Aamara website for more information.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
