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AirAsia’s ‘free seat’ offer is back

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 17 October 2023: AirAsia reinforces its commitment to stimulate the Malaysian tourism industry in 2024 with its signature FREE* Seat initiative.

It invites travellers to discover the best of Malaysia and fly to Penang, Langkawi, Alor Setar, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu and more from MYR25* all-in one-way and uncover ASEAN gems, such as Bali, Krabi, Phnom Penh, Phu Quoc and Bangkok from MYR 80* all-in one-way. 

Photo credit: AirAsia.

AirAsia X offers flights to the Gold Coast, Australia, Busan, Taipei and Beijing from MYR269* all-in one-way in economy. Flights are available for booking starting today until 25 October 2023, with the travel period between 4 March 2024 and 12 February 2025.

AirAsia Aviation Group Limited CEO  Bo Lingam said: “Earlier this year, we launched our first FREE* Seats campaign with 5 million seats. Since then, we have flown more than 37 million travellers across the region from March until the first week of October.

“We aim to have all of our 204 aircraft back by the end of this year, and we will continue to robustly grow our network with new routes and reinstate routes across ASEAN and beyond.”

*Domestic: all-in one-way fare from MYR25. International: all-in one-way fare from MYR80. Includes airport taxes, MAVCOM fees, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees.

Fast way to fly to the beach

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 16 October 2023: Thai Air Asia will reduce direct flights from four to twice weekly between Chiang Mai, the gateway city to North Thailand and the beach resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand.

From Chiang Mai, the new schedule switches to two weekly flights (Friday and Sunday), starting 30 October. The one-way is around USD78.40 (THB2,846), including fees and tax.

Photo credit: AirAsia

The low-cost airline slotted four weekly flights (FD3900) from the northern city on 29 September. Flights depart Chiang Mai at 1415 and arrive in Hua Hin at 1535 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The return flight FD3901 departs Hua Hin at 1605 and arrives in Chiang Mai at 1720. It’s probably the fastest flight time between an urban city and a beach, clocked at one hour and four minutes using an A320.

However, the latest information from independent booking channels indicates the airline will reduce flights to twice weekly on Friday and Sunday starting 30 October. The twice-weekly flights will continue in the winter schedule until the end of March 2024. Flight FD3900, effective 30 October, will depart Chiang Mai at 1020 and arrive in Hua Hin at 1140. The return flight (FD3901) will depart Hua Hin at 1540 and arrive in Chiang Mai at 1710.

Instagrammable Hong Kong shopping

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 16 October 2023: A new study reveals that Harbour City is the most Instagrammable shopping destination in Hong Kong.

Cross-border shopping platform Ubuy analysed the number of Instagram hashtags for shopping destinations in Hong Kong to find the most Insta-worthy. Hashtags for the shopping destinations were included if they contained a sufficient proportion of posts related to the shopping areas of each destination.

1. Harbour City – 322,407 Instagram posts

Harbour City is the most Instagrammable Hong Kong shopping destination, with 322,407 Instagram posts that include its hashtags. Located on the north shore of Victoria Harbour, Harbour City is Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall, providing a wide variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment, and even an ocean liner terminal. Its prime location offers sweeping views of the Hong Kong skyline and the sea.

2. D2 Place – 182,652 Instagram posts

D2 Place is the second most Instagrammable Hong Kong shopping destination, with 182,652 Instagram posts featuring its hashtag. D2 Place is spread over two nearby locations in West Kowloon, offering a chic and vibrant destination to shop, eat, and socialise. The complex is a redeveloped industrial area with fashion boutiques, creative markets, and a sky garden.

3. K11 MUSEA – 147,536 Instagram posts

The third most Instagrammable Hong Kong shopping destination is K11 Musea, with 147,536 Instagram posts. Situated on the harbourfront, the shopping centre is designed to offer an immersive experience for visitors. Its striking façade of flowing greenery draped over glass and concrete, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, gives visitors every opportunity to find that perfect picture.

4. Langham Place – 64,278 Instagram posts

With 64,278 Instagram posts using its hashtag, Langham Place is the fourth most Instagrammable shopping destination in Hong Kong. Located in the heart of Mongkok, Langham Place gives visitors a plethora of shops, restaurants, and other entertainment to experience. It also provides direct access to the area’s only five-star hotel. 

5. The Mills – 63,508 Instagram posts

The fifth most Instagrammable Hong Kong shopping destination is The Mills, with 63,508 Instagram posts using its hashtag. Found in Tsuen Wan, The Mills is a former textile mill converted into a shopping, arts, and cultural centre and offers a selection of shops and restaurants to explore. 

6. Festival Walk – 50,202 Instagram posts

At sixth is Festival Walk, with 50,202 Instagram posts featuring its hashtag. Festival Walk is a shopping mall in Kowloon Tong that offers shops, restaurants, a cinema, and an ice skating rink. 

7. Hysan Place – 48,961 Instagram posts

Sitting seventh is Hysan Place, with 48,961 Instagram posts including its hashtag. Found in Causeway Bay, Hysan Place provides visitors with various shops and restaurants to browse, as well as a rooftop urban farm.

8. Hollywood Road – 44,412 Instagram posts

With 44,412 Instagram posts that include its hashtags, Hollywood Road is the eighth most Instagrammable. Running between Central and Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island, Hollywood Road is renowned for its selection of shops offering antiques and art, in addition to historic landmarks like the Man Mo Temple.

9. 1881 Heritage – 43,500 Instagram posts

In ninth is 1881 Heritage, with 43,500 Instagram posts that include its hashtags. 1881 Heritage is a repurposed 19th-century police building, formerly the Marine Police Headquarters. Located in the heart of Tsim Tsa Shui, the open-air mall offers shops, restaurants, bars, and a Heritage Hall describing the site’s history.

10. New Town Plaza – 36,006 Instagram posts

Rounding out the top ten is New Town Plaza, with 36,006 Instagram posts that include its hashtags. Located in the centre of Sha Tin, New Town Plaza offers various shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including Snoopy’s World, a Peanuts-themed outdoor playground.

A spokesperson for Ubuy commented: “Hong Kong is world-renowned as a centre of commerce, culture, and tourism, and its selection of shopping destinations speaks to this shining reputation. Everything from bustling street markets to modern shopping malls has something for every taste, especially for those who like to show what they get up to on Instagram.

“Harbour City ranks as the top shopping destination for Instagram users, and it’s easy to see why. Situated alongside Victoria Harbour, Harbour City is Hong Kong’s biggest shopping mall with a wide variety of shops, food, and entertainment. It provides stunning cityscape views too, ideal for getting those perfect Instagram snaps.”

(Source: Instagram; https://www.ubuy.hk)

Emirates gives Apples to cabin crew

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 16 Oct 2023: Emirates has launched a new strategy called ‘One Device’ leveraging Apple products, whereby all 20,000 Emirates cabin crew receive iPhone 13 or iPad Air configured with custom Emirates apps to improve and streamline passenger service onboard, as well as enhancing the overall crew experience.

Emirates has invested more than AED32 million in the initiative and began giving out Apple devices one year ago. Today, more than 7,000 Emirates crew members use iPhones across 450 daily flights in the global network. In the coming months, an additional 5,000 cabin crew will receive iPhone and iPad featuring new apps and features that build on the successful deployment.

Emirates in-house Service Delivery and IT teams conducted an extensive user research campaign with cabin crew before designing and building a range of native, custom-built apps to revamp the cabin crew’s user experience and ensure passengers receive the world-class service experience expected from Emirates. Feedback to date shows that Apple products are empowering cabin crew to feel better prepared at work and enabling them to offer highly personalised service to passengers.

Custom-built applications include an app to improve the inflight meal order-taking process in Business Class, ensuring swift and precise service and allowing cabin crew to see each passenger’s profile and Skywards status. Another app ensures cabin crew can access up-to-the-minute roster and flight information, view seat changes and upgrades, and an overview of which cabin crew are onboard. By providing a 360-degree view of passengers, Emirates cabin crew can access critical real-time information and are equipped with the tools they need to perform at their best, personalising each customer’s experience to an unprecedented degree, even providing information such as dining and drinks preferences and onboard loungewear sizes – if used on prior flights.

The One Device initiative also enhances cabin crew performance and safety standards by ensuring they can access 24/7 support globally, including a team of specially trained experts at the Emirates Dubai hub and via Apple Support. Enhancing safety onboard, cabin crew can check official processes anytime via remotely updated operational manuals and use One Device as a platform for continuous education through micro-learning. Emirates Cabin Crew are permitted to use the iPhone for personal use, and their private data is protected.  

Apple products support the demanding operating environment of Emirates cabin crew with many functionalities, including fast charging, an extended battery life, lightweight design, and premium build quality. Additionally, Apple’s industry-leading security protects customer and cabin crew information, protecting both the guest and employee’s privacy by leveraging the security built into the device, authenticating user identity with secure Face ID, and removing the flight information once the journey is completed.

The rollout of One Device has been supported by an in-person experience zone at Emirates Headquarters in Dubai, a 24/7 one-stop-shop for cabin crew to query hardware and operating software issues, access Emirates application support, fulfil their device accessory needs and more.

For more information on the airline’s services and for bookings, visit www.emirates.com. 

Centara’s citation for spectacular reef

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TTR WEEKLY
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Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives Diving

BANGKOK, 16 October 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is proud to announce that Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives has received second place in the ‘Best House Reef in the Maldives’ category at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023. 

This prestigious recognition reaffirms the resort’s commitment to providing guests with exceptional marine and hospitality experiences, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers and holidaymakers worldwide.

Nestled within the captivating South Ari Atoll, declared a Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) by the Maldivian government in 2009, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a tropical haven that promises awe-inspiring underwater excursions and breathtaking views of the surrounding turquoise waters.

At the heart of this aquatic sanctuary lies the award-winning house reef, teeming with an amazing array of marine life. Divers and snorkellers alike have the unique opportunity to witness diverse schools of small and large pelagic fish species thriving amidst coral-rich depths, including one of the area’s magnificent gentle giants, ‘Fernando’.

For those seeking exhilarating experiences below the waves, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa offers accredited Maldivian dive masters who lead explorations to renowned dive sites, including a historic shipwreck just minutes away. The resort’s PADI Dive & Experience Course Centre caters to divers of all levels with comprehensive learning programmes and certification opportunities.

Beyond the captivating marine life, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is a paradise for water sports and activities, from windsurfing and parasailing to water skiing and wakeboarding. Guests will never forget an adrenaline-pumping turn on an inflatable banana boat, or taking leisurely pedalos and kayak rides in the stunning lagoon.

This award-winning resort is also home to serene accommodations seamlessly blending in with the surrounding natural beauty. From Duplex Beach Villas to Premier Overwater Villas, each design complements the stunning environment, making every stay a true immersion. Relaxation continues with rejuvenating wellness experiences at Spa Cenvaree, including soothing massage treatments and beachfront yoga.

Culinary delights also abound with a curated selection of dining establishments, from authentic Thai cuisine at Suan Bua to dreamy Italian creations at Azzuri Mare. Aqua Bar offers classic cocktails and sunset views, while The Club provides an exclusive experience within the resort.

Experience the magic of the Maldives at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, where authenticity meets marine marvels. For more information, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cirm

Malaysia Truly Asia Golf tees off

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TTR WEEKLY
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PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, 16 October 2023: Malaysia is set to host the prestigious Malaysia Truly Asia Tourism Golf Challenge 2023, a premier golf tournament that attracts 200 domestic and ASEAN players. 

Organised in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Tourism Malaysia, this grand event will take place at the renowned Saujana Golf & Country Club (SGCC) in Shah Alam on 25 October 2023.

With more than 40 esteemed organisations as strategic partners, the primary objectives of this tournament are to strengthen collaborations within Malaysia’s travel industry and attract local and international golf enthusiasts to promote Malaysia as the ultimate holiday destination and thus contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.

“The Malaysia Truly Asia Tourism Golf Challenge 2023 promises to be a unique experience, merging the thrill of golf with the charm of our local culture and landscapes. The tournament will unfold in three distinct sessions, each designed to offer a comprehensive view of what makes Malaysia truly special,” said Datuk Musa H Yusof, chairman of Koperasi Kakitangan Kementerian Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Malaysia Berhad (KOPPEMA) – the event’s organiser.

Malaysia boasts a rich golfing heritage, with over 200 golf courses spanning private and public venues since the 1990s. According to the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), there are an average of 968 registered golfers for each golf club in Malaysia, with approximately 138,000 to 158,000 golfers across the country.

Check out the Malaysia Truly Asia Tourism Golf Challenge 2023 Facebook or Instagram page at https://www.facebook.com/mtatgc23 or https://www.instagram.com/mtatgc2023/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D. 

Vistara flies to Amritsar

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 October 2023: Vistara will launch daily flights between Mumbai and Amritsar in India starting 1 November using A320 aircraft for the two-hour and 20-minute direct flight

 One-way fares for the Mumbai-Amritsar flight start at INR 6649, excluding tax and fees.

Amritsar is the heart and soul of Punjab and home to the famed Golden Temple, revered by Sikhs worldwide. Visitors can explore Amritsar’s rich history, spirituality and flavourful cuisine. 

Flights will operate from 1 November 2023 to 30 March 2024.

Mumbai-Amritsar route

A few days earlier, on 29 October, the airline will launch daily nonstop flights between Delhi and Amritsar, with one-way fares starting at INR 3149 using A320s on the route.

Delhi-Amritsar route

CAAM scolded over MYAirline collapse

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 16 October 2023: Three days before MYAirline suspended all operations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia awarded the airline a two-year extension of its Airport Operator Certificate.

The airline announced on 9 October that the AOC extension “signifies a thorough evaluation of MYAirline’s operations, including but not limited to maintenance, crew training, safety protocols, and organisational management.”

Three days later, on 12 October, the airline suspended all operations, leaving at least 5,000 passengers stranded at airports in Malaysia and an estimated 125,000 passengers who are now demanding refunds.

MYAirline suspended all fights to eight domestic destinations from its home base in Kuala Lumpur and its sole international service to Bangkok, Thailand (twice daily); one flight to DMK and the other BKK airports.

Commenting on the AOC extension and a New Straits Times opinion column on Sunday, 15 October, thundered: “This stinks. It is not about an errant airline disappearing into thin air without informing the authorities, but about how the ministry, the Malaysian Aviation Commission and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia let such companies enter the airline business in the first place.”

Just days before the financial collapse, the airline’s CEO  Rayner Teo, who holds 2% of the company’s shares, resigned, citing health reasons. Chief Operating Officer Stuart Cross replaced him as interim CEO.

On Friday, Malaysia’s Bernama news agency commented that  MYAirline Sdn Bhd, which suspended operations last Thursday, was “exploring all avenues to reactivate its operations and fly the skies again.”

Zillion Wealth holds 88% of the airline’s shares, with Trillion Cove Holidays having 10% and former CEO Rayner Teo the remaining 2%. They are hoping to inject fresh capital to get the airline airborne again.

Since the collapse, the airline posted an apology on its website to all passengers and aviation agencies affected by the suspension.

“On behalf of MYAirline, we would like to express our deep regret about the recent event and how it impacted all our passengers,” said the interim accountable executive, Dato Sri Azharuddin. “We are currently expediting the refund process and would like to kindly request your patience as we are handling a high volume of over 12,000 e-mails. MYAirline is also in the process of establishing a hotline to assist our affected passengers better.”

To facilitate the refund process, passengers must provide their booking number (PNR) and e-mail the airline at [email protected].  

Regarding employment status, he noted that MYAirline personnel are still under full employment… “We have not placed anyone on unpaid leave.”

The airline’s only international service to Bangkok started on 28 June with two daily flights – one heading to Don Mueang Airport (DMK) and the other to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Both AirAsia and Batik Air are offering rescue tickets discounted heavily for MYAirline passengers who were stranded at airports or needed ticketing to complete their return home from domestic destinations and Bangkok.

PAL sets up Cebu to Laoag flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 16 October 2023: Philippine Airlines (PAL) will pioneer a new direct flight between Cebu and Laoag in December as part of the flag carrier’s efforts to improve connectivity between Northern Luzon and the central and southern Philippines.

Starting 15 December 2023, PAL Express will operate twice weekly flights on Tuesday and Friday between Cebu and Laoag with convenient morning departures.

Photo Credit: PAL.

PAL Express will deploy a De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft on the Cebu – Laoag configured with 86 seats, including six  Comfort Class seats for the two-hour, 30-minute flight compared with an overland road trip, which includes some ferry links and covers 1,300 km about 30 hours behind the wheel. 

PR 2251 Cebu-Laoag (twice weekly, Tuesday and Friday) departs at 0735 CEB and arrives at 1005 in LAO.
PR 2252 Laoag-Cebu (Tuesday and Friday) departs LAO at 1025 and arrives at CEBU at 1235.

With no other airline competing with direct flights between the two cities, the cheapest roundtrip fare between the two cities starts at USD264, according to a Skyscanner search. The alternative is to book a flight from Cebu to Laoag via Manila, where there is a plane change. Flight time is three hours and 50 minutes on the one-stop route with a roundtrip fare of around USD213. Bookings are already open on the new direct route CEB – LAO.

“We welcome the holiday season with a historic air link between Cebu and Laoag City. This brand-new service will help us open up a new market for tourist and business travellers by connecting the Ilocos Region via nonstop flights to Cebu and beyond to other cities in the Visayas and Mindanao,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Stanley K Ng. “You can expect more convenient connections that boost tourism and help spur economic development in different areas of the Philippines as we progressively expand our domestic network. We expect to mount more flights in and out of our Mactan-Cebu hub in the coming months.”

Laoag is located in the west-central part of the Province of Ilocos Norte, bordering the South China Sea. The Laoag International Airport is the northernmost international airport in the Philippines and the only airport in Ilocos Norte.
The small coastal city is considered the jewel of the northern Philippines due to its stunning views and heritage sites. La Paz San Dunes is the most popular attraction in Laoag City, where visitors can enjoy an exhilarating 4×4 ride or a more leisurely sandboarding activity.

Credit: Google Maps

Azamara sails to seven wonders

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 13 October 2023: Azamara, a small-ship cruise line, unveils its 2026 World Cruise, a majestic journey setting sail from Miami, Florida, on 6 January 2026. 

This grand expedition, concluding in Barcelona, Spain, is a golden ticket to explore over 35 countries and experience the ‘Seven Wonders’ of the World. 

Azamara Onward’s World Cruise presents guests with an extended exploration featuring 55 late nights and overnights, 60 Extended Destination Days, three exclusive World Cruise events and 10 AzAmazing events.

“We are thrilled to welcome our world cruisers on this journey of a lifetime,” said Azamara president Carol Cabezas. “Our 2026 World Cruise offers our guests an opportunity to uncover a new perspective on a wide variety of cultures and visit all seven wonders of the world while enjoying some of the most exclusive and specially curated events throughout this exciting itinerary.”

Highlighted shore excursions and overnight experiences introducing guests to the Seven Wonders.

Chichen Itza: Wander through ancient realms, where the whispers of the great pyramid of Kulkulcan and the preserved Mayan ballpark intertwine with the enchanting tales of the Temple of Venus and the Temple of Warriors, all brought to life with the magic of virtual- and augmented-reality technology.

Christ the Redeemer: Experience the iconic Christ the Redeemer within a grand multi-day exploration, unveiling Rio’s architectural gems, the panoramic splendours of Sugar Loaf Mountain, the captivating beauty of Iguazu Falls, and the ancient mysteries of Easter Island’s statues. 

Taj Mahal: Discover the timeless Taj Mahal, a symbol of love, bathed in the changing hues of dawn. This multi-day journey unveils the majestic Agra Fort and enchanting “Baby Taj,” immersing you in vibrant cultures and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine.

Machu Picchu: Explore the enigmatic beauty of Machu Picchu and the ancient wonders of Cusco, including the colossal Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a symbol of Inca ingenuity. Enjoy the luxury of Palacio del Inca and exquisite Peruvian cuisine as you traverse breathtaking landscapes and discover revered sites like Qoricancha and the majestic Cathedral.

Colosseum: Explore this architectural marvel and the remnants of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, steeped in history, before indulging in a delightful Italian lunch, completing this immersive journey into Rome’s illustrious past.

The Great Wall of China: Travellers can fly to Beijing for three nights to explore the Forbidden City with an expert guide and visit the Great Wall to take in one of the world’s greatest wonders of architectural history. Guests can also ride the cable car to explore the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace before heading to Hong Kong for three nights.

Petra: Guests can journey to the desert city of Petra in Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once a mysterious city isolated in a forbidden valley, to hike through the ‘Siq’ and discover the Rose Red City. Travellers can view the Treasury, the Greek Theatre, the ancient Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street, and the Temple of Qasr Al-Bint.

World Cruisers will have access to a destination concierge and pre-cruise dedicated call centre specialists as they plan their journey on Azamara. In addition to checking off countless bucket list travel destinations and experiences, Azamara’s 2026 World Cruise offers over USD22,000 in exclusive amenities, including 13 exclusive world voyage special events, USD3,000 in onboard credit, an additional USD4,000 onboard credit for shore excursions, airfare credit, pre-and post-cruise transfers and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay.

About Azamara:

Azamara is a small-ship cruise line with a fleet of four ships: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward.

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