Azamara Onward has been revealed as the name of the boutique line’s fourth ship.
The name reveal and ship handover coincided with Azamara’s transition into an independent cruise company following its sale by Royal Caribbean Group to private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $201 million in January.
The newly purchased vessel, currently docked in Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, will receive an extensive renovation following its acquisition from Princess Cruises where it operated as Pacific Princess.
Azamara Onward will join the existing fleet of identical vessels comprising Azamara Pursuit, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.
Royal Caribbean Group chairman and chief executive Richard Fain, confirming the completion of the deal, said: “This creates huge opportunities for all parties.
“In fact, as we are inking this deal today, Azamara already has added a fourth ship to their fleet. I am confident that the brand’s success and growth trajectory will continue under the stewardship of Sycamore.”
Stefan Kaluzny, managing director of Sycamore Partners, added: “We look forward to guiding and supporting Azamara in its next phase of growth.
“The brand’s high guest engagement, personalised service and unique destination immersion strategy, position it strongly for continued growth in the upmarket space.”
Azamara Onward is due to embark on its inaugural season around Europe in 2022.
The name was chosen to evoke feelings of resilience, positivity, and “the endless possibilities of the future” – reflecting the brand’s trajectory and journey to the next chapter.
Company president Carol Cabezas said: “Today marks a new beginning for Azamara, as we increase our capacity and begin our journey as an independent cruise company.
“Our beautiful new ship can access smaller ports and allow us to bring our guests to even more destinations.
“When selecting a unique name, we realised our fourth ship marks the start of a new adventure and we chose a name that celebrates the bright future ahead for the brand, our guests, and the industry as a whole.”
Azamara executive chairman Orlando Ashford, former bo.ss of Holland America Line, added: “Azamara has a bright future and is positioned to continue growing as an independent company.
“We can’t wait to welcome back our loyal customers, as well as those new to the brand, with our expanded fleet offering more unique destination Immersion programming and itineraries.”