Azamara Cruises is the new adventure cruise brand introduced by parent company Celebrity Cruises in May 2007 that injects sheer luxury into the world of exploratory voyages. It promises to “set a new standard in deluxe cruising” with its two 694-passenger ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest on journeys to destinations as far-flung the Panama Canal, Asia, the Caribbean and South America or closer to home in Europe or transatlantic. The ships tend to follow the warm seasons across the world slipping into tiny ports that bigger ships cannot squeeze into. Azamara helps its passengers to get under the skin of each destination through its in-depth shore excursions, which it calls immersions. The line’s Enrichment programme offers various on-board lectures on topics as diverse as finance and astronomy as well as detailed information about each destination visited.

With the quality of the on-board service and facilities – said to be unparalleled on the high seas - plus a whole host of luxury extras, it’s not surprising that Azamara Cruises appeals to a more refined type of passenger. They are the sort of cruisers who are keen to explore, but don’t want to rough it and Azamara makes sure they don’t with its butler service, fresh cut flowers and fresh fruit in each cabin along with plasma TVs and luxury European bedding. There are hors d‘oeuvres served every evening and afternoon tea every afternoon. More than 90 per cent of the cabins have ocean views while nearly 70 per cent have their own private verandahs, and wireless internet service is available in all the staterooms and public areas.

Passengers can expect fine cuisine whether they try the casual eateries serving buffets or the two speciality restaurants where each meal becomes a culinary delight – and diners can even choose to eat outside around the pool, have dinner in their stateroom or breakfast on their verandah. There’s plenty to do on-board, from daily fitness programmes and activities to evenings filled with lavish cabaret shows, dancing to live music in the bars or having a flutter in the casino. On-board shops offer further temptations, but if that isn’t enough try the regular art auctions with works from renowned artists. For those of you wondering how the striking name Azamara was born, it was taken from the “Romance” languages with “az” linked to blue and “mar” linked to the sea and it was also inspired by the Acamar star.