Azamara Cruises launches 35 evening experiences for 2026

Sign up to our newsletters

Stay informed with the
latest news and analysis

Azamara Pursuit docked overnight in Oslo

Azamara Cruises has revealed 35 new AzAmazing Evenings for 2026, expanding its signature programme of on-shore cultural events designed to immerse guests in local culture after dark.

First launched in 2011, the AzAmazing Evenings series offers “one-of-a-kind complimentary cultural celebrations” that showcase regional traditions and arts in scenic and historic venues around the world.

The programme has become a hallmark of the small-ship line’s ‘Destination Immersion’ philosophy, developed around extended days in port and late-night departures that allow guests to experience destinations at a slower, more authentic pace.

This follows the introduction earlier this year of the new ‘Destination Immersion Elevated’ initiative, adding 3,500 new shore excursions to its global portfolio.

The expanded 2026 evening line-up spans every corner of the globe, from the temples of Japan to the savannas of Africa, with highlights inlcuding attending a lumberjack festival in Alaska, acrobatic performances in Shanghai, and a candlelit choir in Gibraltar’s St Michael’s Cave.

Traditional Chinese dance performance, an on-shore Azamara evening experience

From 2026, most Azamara voyages of nine nights or longer will feature an AzAmazing Evening ashore, while select seven- and eight-night itineraries will host onboard celebrations.

Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler said: “With our late-night stays and extended evenings in port, Azamara provides guests with unique opportunities to enjoy destinations after dark.

“Our new 2026 AzAmazing Evenings build on this initiative with experiences that truly showcase the heart of each destination and foster deeper connections with local culture, people, and traditions.

Azamara doubles down on after-dark cruise experiences

Introducing the 2025 Cruise Insight Report

Among Azamara’s 2026 highlights:

Guayaquil, Ecuador – guests on the 15-night Mexico, Panama & Peru voyage departing 6 January can enjoy a performance by Orquesta de Mates y Bambúes Macolla at the restored Palacio de Cristal, a blend of indigenous instruments and coastal dance.
Hiroshima, Japan – the 14-night Japan Intensive Cruise departing 14 March features the traditional Hiroshima Kagura performance, the Yamata-no-Orochi myth, and Mihara Yassa Festival dances following a sake barrel opening.
Mombasa, Kenya – travellers on the 17-night Eastern & Southern Africa Cruise departing 14 April will explore Fort Jesus Museum after dark with live music, projections, holograms and fireworks illuminating its Swahili heritage.
Gibraltar – those on the 14-night Grand Prix Cruise departing 28 May 28, can hear the Gibraltar Youth Choir perform, alongside an 18-piece string ensemble in St Michael’s Cave by candlelight.
Helsinki, Finland – guests on the Baltic Intensive Cruise departing 9 July will take in Finnish music at the Helsinki Music Centre, led by organist Miikka Kallio and producer Vesa Ruotonen.
Ketchikan, Alaska – travellers on the 12-night Alaska sailing departing 3 August will enjoy local food, Tlingit dancing and lumberjack events such as chopping, log rolling and axe throwing.
Shanghai, China – passengers on the 15-night China Intensive Cruise leaving 16 October will spend an evening at Shanghai Centre Theatre for a cultural show combining acrobatics, folk music and dance.

Complementing the AzAmazing Evenings, the cruise line will also introduce a new ‘Stories Under the Stars’ series on sailings longer than nine nights.

The programme invites local speakers to share regional myths and folklore on deck, accompanied by desserts inspired by s’mores and chocolate-based cocktails.

To partner with Royal Caribbean Arabia call UAE +971 4 331 4299, KSA 800 897 1419, or email book@rccl.ae. For more information, visit www.azamara.ae