New owner Sycamore Partners plans to increase fleet capacity by one-third next year
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Sycamore Partners is to add a fourth cruise ship to the Azamara fleet in 2022, following its acquisition of the cruise brand from Royal Caribbean Group this spring.
The yet-to-be-named vessel is comparable in size to her three new sister ships – Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit – which will expand the fleet’s overall capacity by 33 per cent. Prior to beginning service, the ship will undergo a full renovation to ensure she will offer guests a boutique onboard experience.
“The addition of this ship is an important milestone and reflects Sycamore Partners’ commitment to supporting Azamara in its next phase of growth,” said Stefan Kaluzny, managing director of Sycamore Partners. “Expanding the fleet will allow Azamara to continue to serve loyal customers, as well as those new to the brand, with more unique Destination Immersion programming and itineraries.”
The new ship will sail her inaugural season in Europe and sail to “unique, smaller ports” to support Azamara’s “commitment to enrich immersion” around the world. Sycamore Partners will share additional information about deployment and itineraries in due course.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our fleet with a fourth ship, allowing us to visit even more regions of the world and better serve our guests,” said Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara. “We look forward to launching even more unique and immersive itineraries and feel this is just the beginning of an exciting growth phase for Azamara.”