64 PLANNER PERSPECTIVE Owning the night Michael Pawlus tells Amber Hickman about Azamara Cruises’ new double overnight stays that allow guests to get the most out of a variety of destinations Azamara Cruises has long treated ‘destination immersion’ as a core strategy, seeking to ensure guests have as good an experience onshore as they do onboard the ship. The cruise line’s commitment to destination immersion is more important than ever as guest expectations change says Michael Pawlus, head of itinerary planning at Azamara. “Guests are seeking longer stays in ports and want to experience more during their cruises, including chances to explore and discover destinations in the evening hours,” he says. To meet the need for more in-depth onshore experiences, Azamara is introducing 28 new double overnight stays in a variety of destinations, which Pawlus says will provide guests with a range of things to do and see. “This means that guests will have significantly more time to enjoy everything the destination has to offer,” he says. “Additionally, staying for multiple days allows us to offer extended excursions, which can include overnight stays on land.” There are over 246 exclusive nighttime excursions available for guests. For example, during double overnight stays in Seville, Spain, guests can treat themselves to a flamenco evening at Tablao El Arena. Meanwhile, guests enjoying a double overnight visit to Hamilton, Bermuda, can book a sunset cruise and sample drinks prepared with the island’s national rum cocktail. Azamara has also partnered with local guides to offer night tours that explore the spirit of each destination after sunset. Guests have the opportunity to take part in a wine tasting in a hidden garden in Dubrovnik, Croatia; go bar-hopping in Singapore; or enjoy a Spanish guitar
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