Azamara Club Cruises to include alcohol in fare

Add Azamara Club Cruises to the list of lines where alcohol is included in the fare.

Azamara's top executives today announced the upscale, two-ship operator would offer passengers a selection of wines, beers and spirits at bars and eateries at no extra cost starting early next year.

Until now, Azamara has offered complimentary wine only at lunch and dinner.

While some premium drinks still will come with an extra charge, "essentially it's an open bar concept," Azamara senior vice president of Sales and Marketing Edie Borstein told cruise writers on a conference call.

Azamara CEO Larry Pimentel says the line is responding to customer preferences.

"They're quite OK paying for something up front, and they prefer the notion in the upscale market of not being nickel-and-dimed," he says.

Azamara is joining luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Crystal Cruises in switching to an all-inclusive policy when it comes to alcoholic drinks.

The new policy will take effect March 27, 2013 on the Azamara Quest and May 15, 2013 on the Azamara Journey.