All four Azamara ships rendezvous for the first time, in Koper

With the latest fleet addition, Azamara Onward, making its maiden call alongside Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit, the occasion was celebrated by the Municipality of Koper with a ceremony in the Praetorian Palace, a 15th-century Venetian Gothic palace in Tito Square.

Government and authorities came together with the captains of each Azamara ship to exchange plaques commemorating the meeting.

Azamara captains and senior officers with Mike Pawlus (in dark jacket) at Koper's Praetorian Palace

'Years in the making'

'This has been a special moment that’s been years in the making. At first, we were planning to have our three sister ships meet but just two weeks ago, we were able to confirm our full fleet to be docked at the same time,' said Mike Pawlus, director of strategic itinerary and destination planning. 

He called it one of the most satisfying projects in his more than 30 years of planning itineraries, and the day was perfect — great weather, calm seas, a beautiful sunrise. 'The port and locals in Koper were fabulous.  The captains did a great job. too.

'This wouldn’t have happened without the support of the Municipality of Koper, Port of Koper, the Slovenian Tourism Board and Atlas Express,' Pawlus continued. 'We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome and thrilled to show our guests the beautiful country of Slovenia.'

Growing cruise calls

Koper is Slovenia's largest port.

'This port has been primarily a cargo port, but over the past few decades, we have been pleased to welcome more and more cruise ships to our beautiful country,' said Mitja Dujc, head of the cruise terminal for the Port of Koper.

'Azamara has been one of our most important cruise partners, and we look forward to welcoming them back next year and the years to come,' Koper Mayor Aleš Bržan added.

Fall 2023 encore

Azamara’s four ships will be meeting once again in Koper in the fall of 2023.