Naming ceremony for Azamara Onward in Monte Carlo

Azamara has officially added Azamara Onward to its fleet following a glitzy naming ceremony in Monte Carlo yesterday.

The christening ceremony was led by Azamara president Carol Cabezas and godmother Beth Santos, founder and CEO of global community and lifestyle brand Wanderful.

The ship’s christening ceremony was held shipside at the port of Monte Carlo, and featured an address by cruise director Eric De Gray, a musical performance by Chœur d’enfants, blessings by Rabbi Howard Apothaker and Father John McCrone, and speeches by Carol Cabezas and Beth Santos.

This was followed by the godmother’s ceremonial bottle breaking tradition to bring good fortune to the vessel in its future voyages.

“I am so honored to have been selected as godmother of Azamara’s newest ship, Onward,” said Beth Santos.

“This is such a symbolic moment not just for Azamara, but for the entire travel industry. Following two years of pause, we look forward to pressing onward with new mindsets, new adventures, and new opportunities to learn how we can be better travellers.”

Carol Cabezas said: “We are thrilled to introduce Azamara Onward and share this special moment with our loyal guests.”

She added: “This is an exciting new chapter for our company, and we are so thankful for our hardworking team both onboard and offshore, for making this possible. Together, we look forward to bringing Azamara Onward and our love of travel further than ever before, to connect even more guests with the many people and cultures of the world.”

Following the ceremony, the vessel set sail for an 11-night maiden voyage throughout the Mediterranean.

Before the ceremony, Azamara Onward had ventured from Barcelona to Monte Carlo on a five-day pre-inaugural voyage, including stops in Marseille, France and Porto Venere, Italy.

In Marseille, passengers enjoyed a Marseille City Sights shore excursion, and in Porto Venere, the line organised an AzAmazing event with Italian food and live music.

Guests then explored the Cinque Terre with three specially curated shore excursions, including Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre, Hike through Cinque Terre, and Best of Cinque Terre’.

The voyage ended in Monte Carlo with a White Night Party celebration with an open-air buffet and live music.

Azamara Onward is the fourth ship in the cruise line’s fleet.