Azamara Club Cruises celebrated the addition of Azamara Pursuit to the company’s existing fleet with a naming ceremony onboard the ship in Southampton, U.K. Azamara Pursuit’s two Godmothers—Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio and Lucy Huxley—christened the vessel with Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Richard Fain; President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises Larry Pimentel; and the cruise line's Board of Directors.
After the celebration, the ship sailed for a two-night voyage to Cherbourg, France to start the festivities with an event similar to AzAmazing Evenings—a free evening excursion offered to cruise-goers to connect them with the local culture and understand the destination’s heritage.
Guests can discover the essence of the destination through moments that echo the French town’s personality. The festivities began by walking through a French market near the gangway with stalls selling flowers, cheeses and fresh fruits, pastries, French wines, baguettes and more. Later, Main Hall at La Cité de la Mar was turned into a cabaret house where guests heard performances by an over ten-piece orchestra, dancers, a solo singer, and others.
The guests also had the chance to connect with local culture via programming. Opportunities ranged from viewing Bayeux Tapestry, which showcases the moments leading up to the Norman conquest of England, and Panoramic Cherbourg, having views of the city’s landmarks, including Abbey of Our Lady of the Vow, a 12th-century Catholic monastery and former marine hospital.
The voyage ended with a White Night celebration.
This story originally appeared on www.travelagentcentral.com.
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