Azamara Onward is named at Monte Carlo festivities

The ceremony took place shipside on Monday, the embarkation day of Azamara Onward’s 11-night maiden voyage to Ravenna. It included a welcome toast by Cruise Director Eric De Gray, musical performance by Chœur d’enfants and clergy blessings.

Beth Santos used giant golden scissors to snip the ribbon, releasing the Champagne

Symbolic moment

Santos called it 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 travelers.'

'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,' Azamara President Carol Cabezas said. '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.'

Fourth Azamara ship

Azamara Onward is the brand's fourth ship, added following Azamara's acquisition by Sycamore Partners.

Prior to the naming ceremony, Azamara Onward sailed from Barcelona on a five-day pre-inaugural voyage, stopping at Marseille and Porto Venere, where a signature AzAmazing Event was held shoreside with Italian opera entertainment, local cuisine and the opportunity to stroll around the romantic town. Specially curated excursions to Cinque Terre were also available.

In Monte Carlo the voyage concluded with a signature White Night Party celebration onboard.

Carol Cabezas, right, with the godmother and Azamara Onward's captain

Carol Cabezas features in the latest issue of Seatrade Cruise Review among '10 to watch' cruise line executives in the spotlight this year