Expert’ s View | Azamara Cruises
How does Azamara incorporate local cuisine into Alaska sailings? We source regional ingredients and collaborate with local purveyors to bring authentic Alaskan flavors onboard— from wild salmon and halibut to seasonal produce and regional wines. Guests can enjoy Destination Entrées in Discoveries Restaurant, a Signature Alaskan Chef’ s Table with curated wine pairings and even a specialty lunch at Aqualina featuring fresh seafood towers and King Crab Legs. Our Jazz Brunch will spotlight locally sourced dishes and drinks, while beverage seminars will highlight Alaska’ s microbreweries and fruit wines. It’ s all part of our commitment to celebrating local provenance and delivering a truly immersive culinary experience. We also offer culinary excursions ashore, so guests can taste Alaska in its natural setting— whether it’ s a seafood boil on the shore or a tasting at a local brewery.
How were the new Cruisetours curated? We worked closely with local experts and travel partners to design land programs that complement our immersive philosophy. These itineraries blend iconic sights with off-the-beaten-path experiences, ensuring guests get a full picture of Alaska’ s natural beauty and cultural depth. It’ s about creating a seamless narrative from ship to shore.
Which land experiences will resonate most with guests, and why? The luxury dome railcars to Denali are a standout— guests can relax in comfort while taking in panoramic views of Alaska’ s wild interior. Girdwood’ s glacier-carved valleys offer a serene contrast to the rugged coastlines, and the Rocky Mountaineer journey adds a layer of elegance and storytelling that’ s truly unforgettable. Each experience is designed to evoke wonder and connection.
Denali National Park, Alaska
How does Azamara ensure a seamless cruise-to-land transition? We handle all logistics— from transfers and accommodations to guided tours— so guests can focus on enjoying the journey. Our land programs are hosted by experienced travel professionals who stay with guests throughout, ensuring consistency, comfort and personalized service every step of the way.
The Azamara Difference
How does ship size influence the Alaska experience? Our smaller ships allow us to access remarkable ports that larger vessels simply can’ t reach— like Wrangell, where guests can explore ancient petroglyphs and take jet boat adventures up the wild Stikine River; Klawock, a Tlingit
4 · ESCAPE Winter 2025