The Azamara Journey is an R-class cruise ship that is owned by Azamara Club Crusies (a brand owned by Royal Caribbean International). The Azamara Journey started her life in 2000 as the R6 with the now defunct Renaissance Cruises. The 30,000 gross ton Azamara Journey hosts 694 guests and 390 crew. Features include internet, a beautiful martini bar, an exciting casino, pristine pool, and fabulous shopping. There is a traditional one-story dining room, Discoveries, as well as a lido deck buffet restaurant. The ship also features two specialty restaurants, Aqualina and Prime C. Azamara Club Cruises is considered an upper premium cruise product and its itineraries include overnight stays in popular ports of call. Azamara is known for port intensive itineraries and is a favorite of seasoned cruisers due to the exceptional value for the dollar this product delivers. more

Located on Great Bay, Philipsburg, is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, is on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. Founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy, the port city soon became a bustling center of international trade. The town began as a Dutch trading center, and the forts around Philipsburg are reminders of its one-time strategic importance. Traders from throughout the empire once sailed through Great Bay, establishing the town as a lively center of international commerce. Today, Philipsburg is a popular port call of many of the major cruise lines. Some of these include Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Windstar Cruises. Cruisers are drawn here for the beautiful white-sand beaches, romantic sunsets and because it is a major shopping district of St. Maarten. more