Upscale travelers are increasingly looking for deeper, experience-driven vacations. During 2025, Azamara Cruises says it has seen what it calls a growing “slowcations” trend. Potential cruisers are increasingly seeking voyages beyond a week. Instead, they’re choosing cruises that perhaps span 10 to 18 days, for instance.
But slowcations — or deeper immersion and taking more time for that — doesn’t necessarily mean a slower pace.
Yes, it can mean more sea days, at times. But in many other cases, it means going beyond basic sightseeing and actually doing more ashore during extended port stays and overnight dockings by cruise ships.
In particular, guests seeking slowcations are a good fit for Azamara’s popular “Country Intensive” itineraries. So, here’s a sampling of journeys that embody this spirit.
(Shown in the photo above is an Azamara ship at Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier. Photo by Azamara Cruises.)
Slowcations: 18-Night West Africa Cruise
Along the way, guests will go ashore at Dakar, Senegal; Banjul, Gambia; Jamestown, St. Helena Island; Walvis Bay, Namibia (overnight); and Luderitz, Namibia.
“Among the voyage highlights is a wildlife-watching adventure to a watering hole in Namibia,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “In addition, cruise guests will visit Noflaye’s Turtle Village in Senegal for the opportunity to mingle with sea and land turtles.”
Extended time ashore is also offered at multiple ports. “Plus, this itinerary offers four days at sea, perfect for a slowcation experience of enjoying activities and enrichment on the ship. At press time, pricing began at $3,679 per person, double occupancy.
Azamara Trend: Japan Intensive Cruise
Among Azamara‘s popular “Country Intensive” cruises is the 14-night Japan Intensive Cruise: Kobe, Nagasaki & Tokyo itinerary. Departing April 10, 2026, Amazara Pursuit will sail from Kobe, Japan (overnight) to Tokyo, Japan (overnight).
This deep dive into Japanese culture and heritage will unfold during time ashore in Hiroshima, Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Niigata, Akita, Aomori and Hakodate.
Some port visits may be new even to repeat Asia travelers. For instance, “Sakaiminato, a small port town nestled into a landscape of mountain vistas and ocean views, is best known for its seafood,” explains Pavlus’ Steudle. So, travelers will find local restaurants serving crab, hon-maguro and prized Bluefin tuna.
As for other highlights, cruise guests will ride the famous Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. They’ll also explore Nagasaki’s Peace Park. Plus, the ship will spend one day at sea and also call at Busan, South Korea.
At press time, fares started at $7,129 per person, double occupancy. “Those seeking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture should give Pavlus a call to discuss this robust ‘Country Intensive’ itinerary,” Steudle adds.
Azamara Trend: 10-night Italy Intensive
On May 2, 2026, Azamara’s 10-night “Italy Intensive Cruise: Florence, Rome & Amalfi” will depart Nice, France, for Venice (Fusina), Italy.
Azamara Quest will call at the Italian ports of Florence/Pisa (Livorno – overnight), Rome (Civitavecchia), Sorento, Amalfi, Crotone and Bologna (Ravenna). Guests will also go ashore at Kotor, Montenegro. This itinerary also has one sea day.
“One top highlight for guests is the line’s AzAmazing Evening of Italian opera,” emphasizes Pavlus’ Steudle. “This exclusive event for Azamara’s guests will celebrate the legacy of composer Pietro Mascagni.”
Pricing at press time for this Italy Intensive cruise started at $3,269 per person, double occupancy.
Slowcations in North America
Two 16-night vacations in North America were also mentioned by Azamara as slocation options for travelers. Spanning both land and sea is the “Alaska Cruisetour: Juneau & Haines + 6-Nt Pre Banff & Canadian Rockies Tour” that begins on June 16, 2026.
During the cruise portion of this vacation, Azamara Pursuit will call at Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan, Klawock, Icy Strait Point, Valdez, Seward and Whittier. Plus, the ship will cruise along the Hubbard Glacier.
In Klawock, guests might choose to embark on a wildlife adventure on board a specialized boat, according to Pavlus’ Steudle. “Give us a call and we’ll also assist you in learning more about this itinerary and ways to explore ‘The Great Land.'”
For example, we’d check out a two-day, optional Azamara overland tour that will explore Glacier Bay. Guests will enjoy scenic flightseeing, guided outdoor adventures and a one-night stay at the cozy Bear Track Inn.
At press time, pricing for the land portion of this vacation started at $10, 229 per person, double occupancy. Contact your personal travel planner for more about the pre-cruise Banff & Canadian Rockies Tour. Previously, the Meandering Traveler also published a blog about Azamara’s 2026 Alaska summer season.
Azamara Trend: 16 Days from Canada to Iceland
A 16-night “Canada, Greenland & Iceland Cruise: Quebec City, Nuuk & Reykjavik” itinerary will begin on August 26, 2026. In Quebec, Canada, the Azamara Journey will set sail from Montreal and visit Quebec City, Saguenay and Havre-Saint-Pierre.
Highlights of the journey include exploring the heart of historic Quebec from Place-Royale to Montmorency Falls. Plus, guests will enjoy a day of scenic cruising at Saguenay Fjord plus three other sea days.
Other port visits will include Nuuk (Godthaab), Paamiut (Fredrikshaab), and Qaqortoq (Julianehaab), all in Greenland. Plus, the ship will call at Grundarfjordur, Iceland, before the voyage ends in Reykjavik, Iceland.
At press time, fares began at $5,459 per person, double occupancy. So, when thinking about your next cruise vacation, think in-depth exploration, a voyage of more than just a week, and special activities to deepen the destination immersion. It’s all about creating a great slowcation!
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