Two cruise lines have unveiled enticing new features or itineraries for luxury travelers. First, Azamara Cruises is elevating the suite experience across its fleet with more inclusions. Second, Windstar Cruises announced short cruises in Europe, designed for pairing with an escorted tour or city stay. Here’s the scoop on these two developments.
(Shown above is the Azamara Cruises fleet. The ships’ top suites will offer more inclusive suite perks in spring 2026. Photo by Azamara Cruises.)
New Azamara Top Suite Perks
Azamara Cruises has unveiled updates to its most premium accommodations, designed to give guests more value, comfort and personalized luxury. Starting with sailings departing on or after April 1, 2026, guests staying in top suite categories will receive enhanced or newly included perks.
“Our suite guests are looking for seamless, elevated travel experiences,” says Simon Blacoe, Azamara’s vice president of hotel operations. So, “before finalizing these enhancements, we reached out directly to many of our suite guests and carefully listened to what they value most.”
Now guests staying in World Owner’s Suites, Ocean Suites and Spa Suites will receive these new or enhanced inclusions:
- Ultimate Beverage Package: Unlimited top-shelf spirits (for example, Ketel One, Disaronno Amaretto), wine by the glass, craft beers, cocktails, and premium non-alcoholic beverages including artisanal sodas and specialty coffees.
- Acamar Experience Dinner (formerly called Best of the Best): A chef-curated, multi-course culinary event paired with destination-inspired wines.
- Unlimited Wi-Fi (Starlink-powered) for up to two devices per guest.
- Unlimited laundry (wash and fold).
But rest assured, Azamara’s guests in all these categories of top suites will continue to receive some beloved signature elements,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “For example, they’ll enjoy such inclusions as butler service; specialty dining in Prime C and Aqualina; Thalassotherapy Pool access and priority embarkation.”
New Azamara Perks: Continent Suites
Another Azamara suite category with warm, nature-inspired decor is the Continent Suite. Starting April 1, 2026, Continent Suites (formerly known as Club Continent Suites) will also now include these new perks:
- Starlink Wi-Fi for one device per person.
- Upgraded wash-and-fold laundry service.
Yet, with the new perks, guests in all suite categories won’t need to manage separate onboard purchases or service add-ons. Upgraded benefits will be applied automatically to new Top Suite bookings made on or after August 1, 2025, for sailings beginning April 1, 2026, and beyond.
So where should you go on Azamara? You might enjoy an Azamara ‘slowcation,’ with plenty of time for destination immersion. “Read our recent blog for ideas,” suggests Pavlus‘ Steudle. “Then give one of our personal travel planners a call. We’ll answer all your questions and match you with the perfect vacation.”
Now, there are plenty of new Azamara options to consider!
Windstar’s New Quick Getaways!
It’s often hard to choose between an escorted tour, luxury ocean cruise or city stay package. Now, Windstar Cruises makes it easier to have it all!
In spring 2026, the luxury boutique cruise line will set sail with new “Quick Getaways.” This is a new collection of three- to five-night cruises in Europe.
Breaking from its own tradition, Windstar is crafting more under-a-week escapes for 2026 and 2027. Right now, guests can now choose from nine departure dates and five new itineraries.
These short-but-sweet journeys bring together a mix of iconic cities and tucked-away ports that rarely fit into one itinerary. “At the same time, travelers can expect the same relaxed, friendly atmosphere that travelers will find on every Windstar voyage,” says Pavlus’ Steudle.
She adds: “They might be the perfect add-on to a longer escorted tour, such as those of Tauck, Globus or other tour operators. Or guests might even combine one of these Quick Getaways with a second cruise in Europe. Talk with one of our skilled personal travel planners about the options.”
Independently minded travelers might also combine the short cruise with a work trip or perhaps a hosted city stay.
How Does it Work?
Guests will take overnight flights from the East Coast and board the same day (as flight arrival) in Europe. These compact itineraries will mix iconic cities with hidden gems.
“These new sailings are designed for spontaneity and simplicity,” says Jess Peterson, Windstar’s director of destination experience and itinerary planning. “They’re the perfect way to experience the Windstar style of travel—especially if you’re already traveling for work or play in Europe.”
He adds that “with overnight flights from the East Coast, you can be sailing beneath the Tower Bridge or sipping wine in Southern France with minimal jet lag and no time wasted.”
Quick Getaway Itineraries
Here’s a sampling of Quick Getaway itineraries.
- A Taste of Southern France: On this three-night cruise, travelers might kayak near Sete, wander Collioure, and ride to the storybook citadel of Carcassonne.
- La Dolce Vita in Italy & France: This three-night voyage is a great way to sail past seaside villages, roam Corsican markets and raise a glass in Tuscany.
- Belgium: A Sweet Getaway: Travelers can discover Bruges’ canals, snack on Belgian chocolates and admire fairytale architecture during this three-night getaway.
- St. Malo Getaway: During this four-night cruise, guests will sail under London’s Tower Bridge, then dive into the beauty of France’s northern coast, Mont St. Michel, and beyond.
“Windstar is also setting its sights on more short European getaways in 2027,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. So, stay tuned! “More details will be revealed when the new Europe schedules are revealed in September 2025.”
Windstar’s Early Booking Offer
Book by August 31, 2025, for special pricing, up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom and an “All-In” package (select alcohol, gratuities, Wi-Fi). The latter is valued at $99 a day per person or almost $1,400 for two on a weeklong cruise.
Best of all, travelers will have first dibs on securing a premium suite. “For further savings, talk to your personal travel planner as Windstar’s “Pay Now, Save More” offer saves the traveler an extra 5 percent if you pay in full at the time of booking,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “The advisor will use a special booking code to secure that deal.”
Whether you’re interested in a new Azamara voyage with enhanced top suite benefits, or a Windstar Quick Getaway, give us a call,” says the Pavlus executive: “You’ll receive top-notch, personalized service, and with no added service fee.”
Best of all, the personal travel planner will also answer all your questions, professionally manage your booking and serve as your personal travel resource.
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