When Azamara Quest sails out of Sydney for the first time tomorrow (16/1), the 686 passengers on board can look forward to an exclusive evening in Hobart with one of the world’s finest small orchestras.
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra will be performing on the wharf for the first time. It will be, in the vernacular of Australia’s newest cruise line, “Azamazing”.
The entertainment is to give Azamara cruisers a once-in-a-lifetime experience when the ship docks in Hobart for an overnight stay.
“The orchestra will play some classical favourites including Waltzing Matilda – it will be a beautiful performance by 54 members of the TSO,’’ orchestra spokesman David Hurley says.
The event is one of a number celebrating the arrival of the Azamara – which is claiming the title Australia’s newest cruise line.
The Azamara Quest has sailed a 10-night Great Barrier Reef intinerary from Cairns to Sydney.
“Australia is now our third largest market and we know that much more growth will follow Azamara Quest’s inaugural season down under,’’ regional commercial director Adam Armstrong says.
The ship arrived in Sydney on Thursday and will cruise from White Bay to the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay later today before setting off on a 16-night Australia and New Zealand journey with a total of 686 passengers, including 80 Australians, tomorrow evening.
What sets Azamara apart from other rival ships is that it spends more overnight stays in some of the most unique ports around the world.
“We also treat guests to a signature, complimentary AzAmazing evening event during each cruise that showcases the destination,’’ Mr Armstrong says.
The line recently launched a new dine and sleep under the stars option on the private Thalassotherapy deck which includes champagne, canapés and seafood or meats cooked over a hot stone grill – all served by your own butler.
The ship will return to Sydney on February 12 before leaving for the Great Barrier and Bali on February 13. She will then undergo a major bow to stern refit in Singapore, similar sister ship Azamara Journey, which is undergoing hers now.
The line will deploy both ships to Australia during the next two seasons, with Azamara Journey making its first journey down under next year and Azamara Quest returning in 2018.
