Novelty cruise ship christenings are on the up.
Rapper Pitbull crashed the all-female tradition as the first “godfather” to name a cruise ship. And Azamara Pursuit’s christening is a trendsetter by having not one, but two godmothers.
Godmothers Lucy Huxley, editor in chief of Travel Weekly UK, and Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio, executive vice president of AFAR Media, joined invited guests in Pursuit’s Cabaret Lounge to name Azamara Club Cruises’ newest ship. The ceremony was slightly more complex than usual, as it featured both the U.S. and U.K. national anthems and two bottles of champagne to smash against the hull.
Entertainment was provided by the Reading Scottish Pipe Band and concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
Larry Pimentel, CEO and president of Azamara, sees the addition of a third ship to the line’s boutique fleet as confirmation of the success and importance of its “Destination Immersion” concept.
“Azamara delivers more overnights, longer port stays and unique cultural experiences than any other cruise line,” he said. “Destination Immersion delivers guest satisfaction, shareholder returns and is a brand concept that delivers the world. We are extremely proud of our unique product.”
AzamaraPursuit_ Godmothers: (From left) Larry Pimentel, Lucy Huxley, Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio and Richard Fain
Credit: 2019 Lynn Houghton
Pursuit was most recently Fathom’s Adonia, and a P&O Cruises vessel before that. It has since been refurbished.
“The guest experience of Pursuit will be that of a virtually brand-new ship,” Pimentel said. “Many of the suites, including the Club Spa Suites, are completely new.”
Pursuit offers 351 staterooms and 46 suites, as well as the Den, a new concept area that replaces a casino.
The living room of Pursuit’s Club World Owner’s Suite
Credit: 2019 Lynn HoughtonThe ship has the classical, almost country-house style that Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey are known for, and it features muted neutral tones throughout. The suites have a crisp, modern style with white accessories and soft furnishings. The Sanctum Spa is a sparkling, white sanctuary, while the pool deck is a cool retreat for relaxing in the sun.
As part of the two-night cruise to Cherbourg, France, Azamara organized one of its well-known AzAmazing events at La Cite De La Mer martime museum. The afternoon was a re-creation of a typical French market, complete with flower stalls, pastries, baguettes and coffee carts — all in the historical customs hall of the port’s cruise terminal. The event included a cabaret show accompanied by an orchestra.
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Azamara Club Cruises
www.azamaraclubcruises.com
