Fourth ship 'not the end' of Azamara's plans

Carol Cabezas said the brand, which was purchased by private equity firm Sycamore Partners last month and soon after announced a fourth ship would enter its fleet in 2022, had “a lot of work ahead of us”, adding: “We’re up for the challenge.”

Talks between Sycamore and Royal Caribbean Group took place “over a number of months”, she revealed, with the deal the private equity firm’s first foray into the travel sector.

Hinting at further expansion, Cabezas said Azamara’s new owners had “made it clear [the addition of a fourth ship] isn’t the end of their plans with us”.

The Renaissance-class Pacific Princess purchase from Carnival Corporation was announced on 25 January.

The as-yet-unnamed vessel will have “as much consistency as possible” in look and feel to its sister ships Journey, Quest and Pursuit, although new elements of the brand’s technology will also be seen as it parts ways with Royal, including a new reservations system.