Azamara Cruises has announced the next evolution of its destination-focused experiences for winter 2026-27. The “Discover What the Locals Know” program redefines how guests experience each port of call, offering not just the chance to visit a destination, but to truly live as a local would.
Guests embarking on cruises across Azamara’s 2026-27 Mediterranean program, which includes itineraries from fall through spring, will gain access to culturally rich experiences. These include small-group excursions led by locals, exclusive entry to several European film festivals and artisan workshops, culinary journeys showcasing traditional cuisine and privileged access to iconic cities during off-peak hours when crowds are minimal.
With Azamara’s signature late nights and overnights, guests can explore at their own pace, take part in seasonal traditions and experience true cultural immersion as they wander through vibrant winter markets and connect with local communities in authentic and unforgettable ways. Here are a few highlights of the “Discover What the Locals Know” cultural experiences:
- Sail on the seven-night “Best Of The Mediterranean Cruise: Florence, Genoa & Marseille” and settle into one of Florence’s historic cinemas during Festival dei Popoli, where locals gather to watch powerful documentaries and connect over real stories from around the world.
- Travel to Catania, Sicily on the seven-night “Best of the Mediterranean Cruise: Saranda, Catania, & Amalfi Coast,” and celebrate composer Vincenzo Bellini’s birthday on November 3 with a citywide musical tribute known as Maratona Belliniana.
- Enjoy a double overnight on the nine-night “Spain Intensive Cruise: Valencia, Cartagena & Seville,” and join the locals at Seville’s European Film Festival, where the city hums with creativity and culture.
- Travel to Santa Margherita on the eight-night “Italy Intensive Cruise: Portofino, Florence & Porto Santo Stefano” and follow locals as they harvest olives in the crisp autumn air, then visit a family-run frantoio to taste the season’s first pressings straight from the source.
- Enjoy the festive season on the seven-night “Christmas Cruise: Florence, Mahon & Palma” and experience the Piazza del Duomo Market—a festive setup offering handcrafted gifts, holiday sweets, nativity displays, choirs, and more, right in the heart of Florence.
The new proposition also represents a significant evolution in cruise travel and provides an ideal backdrop for sailings during the quieter months of the year, when guests can experience the culture of the destinations they visit, without the crowds and bustle of the peak holiday season.
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