Celebrity Cruises is launching a 710-guest ship, first of its new deluxe cruise brand, Azamara Cruises, designed for exotic destinations. Azamara Journey sets sail May 5, and sister ship, Azamara Quest, enters service in October. "This new line falls into what we consider the deluxe category -- a category between premium and luxury," said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, parent company of Azamara Cruises. Itinerary details for Azamara Cruises' Asia and world cruises are yet to be announced, but once finalized, the line expects to visit more than 200 ports -- most of them new to cruise travelers -- in more than 70 countries. Azamara Journey completed a four-week, approximately $19 million makeover. Azamara Cruises sails to Bermuda and the Panama Canal/South America in 2007; Asia and the Caribbean, South America and Europe in 2008; and around-the-world voyages in 2010. For more information, travel agents can call 877-222-2526 or visit [www.azamaracruises.com].
