Celebrity launches new ship and new brand

When Celebrity’s new ship set sail on May 5, it did not debut with the name Celebrity Journey as the cruise line had originally announced. Instead of joining the Expeditions line, the ship took on the name Azamara Journey and became the first ship in Celebrity’s new deluxe cruise brand—Azamara Cruises.

The Azamara line will target guests who identify somewhere between the premium and luxury lines, what Celebrity calls “deluxe.” The Azamara Quest will join the brand in October, and together the two ships will sail to exotic Caribbean and European destinations. Celebrity also plans for the ships to sail Asia and round-the-world cruises.

The ships will offer two specialty restaurants, the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina and the steak-and-seafood restaurant Prime C. Book a suite and you receive two complimentary dinners in these restaurants; book a regular cabin and you’ll eat free once. Azamara guests will not need to don formal attire to go to dinner and the main restaurant will feature open seating.

Other onboard amenities include a wine bar, in-room spa services, and an excursion consultant to help guests plan their time ashore.

If you’re wondering how Celebrity came up with the wacky name, the cruise line explains that they made the name up from “aza” (meaning blue) and “mar” (meaning sea), as well as “acamar” (meaning the southernmost bright star seen from Greece). The cruise line hopes Azamara will be a bright star on the blue sea.