You’ve all heard the old adage ‘… If it sounds too good to be true …’ and generally speaking, it’s usually a reliable rule of thumb to adhere to. Every now and then though, a deal comes along that proves the exception to the rule and the latest example is from none other than Azamara — the boutique cruise division of Royal Caribbean. Azamara occupies the upper end of the cruise market and boasts small ships that get into ports that the bigger ships can’t. Other advantages of sailing with Azamara are the fact that most itineraries include overnights in ports so you’re not restricted in terms of on-shore excursions that you are with the mainstream brands who generally dock at 07.00 or 08.00 in the morning and depart around 17.00 that same evening, limiting the kinds of itineraries that can be undertaken when ashore. Perhaps the biggest selling point of Azamara though is the exceptional food and service levels that one experiences on board which are simply second to none.
Azamara operates on a near fully inclusive basis which is to say that all wines are included with meals and you only pay extra for alcohol outside of meal times. Bottled water, soft drinks teas and coffee are complimentary to guests at all times throughout the cruise. During the entire month of August, Azamara are offering a series of Far East itineraries for sale starting from as low as €1,898 for an 8-night Vietnam cruise whose itinerary starts in Singapore, finishes up in Hong Kong and takes in Hi Chi Minh City and Hanoi in between (both with overnights). This works out at just under €211 per person per day which is exceptional value when you consider the standard throughout and what’s included. Connecting flights are available for just €249 return (£199 ex UK) with either British Airways or Emirates.
You’ll find many inclusive amenities on every Azamara voyage, including:
- Boutique red and white wines with lunch and dinner
- Gratuities included for housekeeping, dining and bar staff
- Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas throughout the day
- Complimentary self-service laundry
- True English butler service for suite guests
- Specialty dining available (complimentary for suite guests)
- Complimentary shuttle service to and from ports, where available
Check this exceptional offer out through your nearest Travel Centres’ affiliated agent. (Click on ‘Find an Agent’ tab on home page of www.travelbug.ie
