Azamara has revamped its signature destination-focused programming in response to COVID-19, and passengers are loving the changes.

Azamara Cruises has finally resumed operations this week after a 17-month pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic -- a time that saw the company acquired by new ownership. However, due to persistent COVID-19 restrictions in its sailing regions, logistical challenges, and the necessity for social distancing, the small-ship cruise line has had to modify one of its hallmark destination-immersion experiences, AzAmazing Evenings.

AzAmazing Evenings are complimentary nighttime excursions available to passengers on most voyages. Typically, the ship would remain in port late, allowing Azamara to take cruisers to a unique venue for a performance or activity that showcases the local culture. Notable examples include concerts under the stars at the ancient ruins of Ephesus in Turkey, acrobatic shows in Monaco, and evenings at the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra in Russia.

Now, for safety and logistical reasons, all sailings through at least January will feature what the line refers to as Destination Celebrations instead of AzAmazing Evenings. These celebrations will bring passengers together on the pool deck for snacks, drinks, and performances by local artists.

Reasons for the Temporary Change

The adjustment is temporary, Azamara president Carol Cabezas shared with TPG this week during an interview aboard the Azamara Quest, the line's first ship to set sail after a 17-month hiatus.

"Given the current circumstances, we've had to make some adjustments," Cabezas remarked, alluding to the temporary suspension of AzAmazing Evenings. "... [Destination Celebrations] will bring the culture to the guests onboard .... In the past, we would take guests out to a specific venue. Due to the [COVID-19] situation, that’s no longer feasible. I can't say how long this will continue, but we are dedicated to offering these signature experiences that truly fulfill our promise of destination immersion to our guests."

Cabezas noted that the logistics are currently too challenging. Besides needing to ensure social distancing for a full ship of guests during a single shoreside event, and managing their transport, she pointed out that many venues the line previously collaborated with require bookings to be made up to 18 months in advance -- something the line couldn't guarantee due to uncertainty about when sailings would resume.

Cabezas believes passengers will be delighted.

"We’ve included numerous special touches and features that I think our loyal guests, who are accustomed to our usual offerings, will truly value, as well as the newcomers," she expressed. "And really, what could be a more stunning backdrop than a Greek island?"

Experience of the First Destination Celebration

During this week's voyage of the Azamara Quest -- a Greek Isles journey starting in Athens and visiting Cyprus, Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini -- the inaugural Destination Celebration was held in Rhodes, where the ship stayed docked until 10 p.m. The captain officially launched the event at 8:15, with drinks served alongside an assortment of pastries, including baklava.

A group of actors donned as Greek deities made a grand entrance to greet the audience, while Duo Violins, a talented Greek string duo, serenaded guests beneath the warm glow of globe lights, with the picturesque backdrop of Rhodes.

The celebration unfolded over 75 minutes. The performance was exceptional, and the baklava was delightful, but strong winds caused unattended chairs meant for the event to be tossed about the decks, along with wayward napkins.

Upon returning to my cabin, I discovered a thoughtful bag of Greek-themed treats -- including olive oil soap, olive oil, oregano, and candy -- waiting for me, which was a lovely surprise.

Passenger Reactions

Initially, I felt that while the show was impressive, it was similar to any other performance on board -- indeed, other cruise lines also feature local talent. The main distinction here was that it took place outdoors, which doesn’t inherently make it a Greek experience.

The ship remained docked until 10 p.m. for the event, and I believe spending that extra hour in port could have offered a richer cultural experience. However, I don't represent Azamara's usual demographic, and since I haven’t sailed with them before, I can't compare this new approach to the previous AzAmazing Evenings.

I chatted with a few seasoned cruisers who have traveled with Azamara before; they praised the performance as fantastic and felt it was a worthy alternative to AzAmazing Evenings. When I asked if they would prefer more time ashore, they said no, mentioning that the typically older guests aboard Azamara would likely return to the ship early anyway, regardless of the celebration schedule.

Interestingly, several passengers I talked to mentioned that they aren't keen on excursions and prefer to navigate the ports independently, even though excursions like AzAmazing Evenings are included in the cruise fare, and some admitted they had never participated in them despite being loyal fans of the brand.

Final Thoughts

The Destination Celebrations represent a commendable effort by Azamara Cruises to fulfill its commitment to destination immersion for its guests. The opening performance was outstanding, leaving passengers (myself included) swaying in their seats. However, don’t anticipate these events to be overly cultural or to match the same level of excitement as AzAmazing Evenings.

TPG's Ashley Kosciolek is reporting live from the first Azamara Cruises voyage in 17 months. You can find all her updates on her author's page.