Azamara Cruises, known for its Destination Immersion® and industry-leading number of late nights and overnights in port, has officially announced the next evolution of its destination-focused experiences, headlined by the introduction of Discover What the Locals Know initiative.
According to certain reports, this would he an enhanced program, geared towards redefining how guests experience each port of call, as well as ensuring that you can enjoy your travels like a local rather than just a tourist.
More on that would reveal how the program packs together itineraries from fall through spring, accessing unparalleled access to culturally rich experiences. These experiences include intimate small-group excursions led by locals, exclusive entry to several European film festivals and artisan workshops, immersive culinary journeys showcasing traditional cuisine, and privileged access to iconic cities during off-peak hours, when crowds are minimal and authenticity is at its peak.
On top of it, guests can also come expecting to explore at their own pace, take part in seasonal traditions, and experience true cultural immersion as they wander through vibrant winter markets and connect with local communities in authentic and unforgettable ways.
Talk about the whole value proposition on a slightly deeper level, we begin from a facility to sail on the 7-Night Best Of The Mediterranean Cruise: Florence, Genoa & Marseille and settle into one of Florence’s historic cinemas during Festival dei Popoli, where locals gather to watch powerful documentaries and connect over real stories from across the world.
Next up, guests will travel to Catania, Sicily on the 7-Night Best of the Mediterranean Cruise: Saranda, Catania, & Amalfi Coast, where they can celebrate composer Vincenzo Bellini’s birthday on November 3rd with a citywide musical tribute known as Maratona Belliniana.
Once departed from there, you will reach Spain, where a double overnight on the 9-Night Spain Intensive Cruise: Valencia, Cartagena & Seville awaits. Not just that, you can also join the locals at Seville’s European Film Festival.
Hold on, we still have a couple of bits left to unpack, considering we haven’t touched upon the prospect of travelling to Santa Margherita on the 8-Night Italy Intensive Cruise: Portofino, Florence & Porto Santo Stefano and follow locals as they harvest olives in the crisp autumn air. After that, you can will even visit a family-run frantoio to taste the season’s first pressings straight from the source.
Rounding up this expedition would be a chance to enjoy the festive season on the 7-Night Christmas Cruise: Florence, Mahon & Palma and experience the Piazza del Duomo Market. The stated cruise includes a festive setup capable of offering handcrafted gifts, holiday sweets, nativity displays, choirs, and more, right in the heart of Florence, Italy.
Among other things, it ought to be acknowledged that ‘Discover What the Locals Know’ marks a major turning point in cruise travel, considering it provides an ideal backdrop for sailings during the quieter months of the year, when guests can truly experience the culture of a destination without the crowds and bustle of the peak holiday season.
“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,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises.
