Azamara Cruises is celebrating the cultures and traditions represented across its international crew by sharing the story of Ana, a Guest Relations Officer aboard Azamara Quest.

Ana comes from Chalatenango, a mountainous region in northern El Salvador known for its peaceful countryside, close communities and cooler climate.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Ana shared several recommendations for travelers interested in discovering her home region.

One destination she recommends is La Palma, a colorful town famous for its murals and traditional handicrafts. Many buildings are decorated with bright naïf-style designs connected to Salvadoran artist Fernando Llort, whose work helped establish the town’s distinctive artistic identity.

Visitors can explore workshops producing items made from wood, leather, ceramics, seeds and cotton fabric. Some workshops also allow guests to try painting their own colorful designs.

La Palma also holds an important place in El Salvador’s modern history. The town hosted the first formal peace talks between the Salvadoran government and guerrilla representatives in 1984, during the country’s civil war.

Beyond its art and history, Chalatenango is known for mountain landscapes, organic farms and coffee production. The region is home to El Pital, the highest point in El Salvador at approximately 2,730 meters above sea level.

Ana also recommends trying pupusas, one of El Salvador’s best-known traditional foods. The thick handmade tortillas are commonly filled with cheese, beans, pork or a combination of ingredients. They are traditionally served with curtido, a lightly fermented cabbage mixture, and tomato sauce.

For Ana, sharing these recommendations is an opportunity to introduce colleagues and cruise guests to the traditions, food and communities that shaped her before she began working at sea.

Azamara said its Hispanic Heritage Month initiative is intended to recognize the stories and places represented by its employees

Crew members aboard cruise ships come from countries and communities around the world. Although passengers may first meet them in restaurants, guest services, housekeeping or other shipboard departments, every crew member brings a personal history and culture on board.

“Thank you, Ana, for sharing a little piece of home with us,” the cruise line said.