| When Emerald Cruises—known for its award-winning river cruise fleet in Europe and Southeast Asia—entered the ocean cruising market last year with their first 100-guest luxury yacht, Emerald Azzurra, travelers took notice. The one-of-a-kind yacht’s inaugural Mediterranean season all but sold out, and the 2023 Mediterranean season is on track to do the same.
This November, both Emerald Azzurra and her twin, Emerald Sakara (launching in August), will begin their first Caribbean season island hopping in waters much closer to home for North American travelers.
Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara have the amenities to back up the private yacht comparison. Modern, luxe suites and staterooms range from 185 to 1,185 square feet—all but six of which feature large balconies. The open-air infinity pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and day beds ideal for relaxing and enjoying a cocktail from the nearby Aqua Café. A wellness deck complete with spa, infrared sauna and gym allows guests to keep focused on their health goals, while the top deck Sky Bar offers the ideal spot to watch the sun set over the Caribbean Sea.
Located off the yacht’s stern, a marina platform boasts water toys galore—kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkel equipment, SEABOBs and a giant trampoline are available to guests when the platform is deployed. The extra-spacious La Cucina dining room specializes in fresh, seasonal cuisine with seating indoors as well as on the adjacent terrace, while the warm and welcoming Amici Lounge is a friendly place to gather and enjoy live music in the evenings. Finally, with 76 crew members onboard, guests can count on receiving attentive, personalized service.
Emerald Cruises has a lot to offer when the sister yachts homeport in the Caribbean during the 2023 and 2024 winter seasons. Twelve distinct itineraries ranging from eight to 19 days will take guests to picture-perfect islands in the Grenadines, British and US Virgin Islands, Eastern Caribbean and West Indies, as well as ports in Puerto Rico, Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia.
 Les Iles de Saintes are a gorgeous set of islands that are part of Guadeloupe. – JIM BYERS PHOTO The eight-day Eastern Caribbean with St. Barths, sailing between Bridgetown, Barbados and Marigot, St. Martin, explores some of the most intimate ports in the Leeward and Windward islands. This part of the Caribbean has a distinctly European air, and the itinerary offers visits a new port each day. Terre-de-Haut in Îles de Saintes feels like the South of France with the addition of stunning white sand beaches. Here, guests can wander the colorful streets sampling the local pastries, get a taste of the island’s history at Fort Napoleon, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. In Gustavia, St. Baths, French “joie de vivre” can be felt in the historic wooden houses that populate the island as well as in the high-end shopping and world class dining found here. Soufrière, St. Lucia is situated in the crater of a dormant volcano, allowing visitors to experience hot springs, botanical gardens and waterfalls in close proximity.
For those looking to visit some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, the eight-day West Indies Island Hopping itinerary from San Juan, Puerto Rico is a great choice. Culebra, Puerto Rico is well known for its pristine beaches and its active reef is ideal for snorkelling. In Vieques, guests can choose between exploring the quaint coastal town of Esperanza with its lovely waterfront or booking a kayaking excursion in the famed Bioluminscent Bay. Known as ‘The Last Virgin Island,’ White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke in the BVI is the perfect setting for a hosted beach BBQ with a live band. This itinerary will offer multiple opportunities to experience the ships’ marina platform and enjoy the gorgeous waters of the West Indies.
Guests booking 2023 and 2024 Caribbean sailings by March 15 will save up to $2,000 per couple. Additionally, guests who pay in full 12 months prior to sailing, or within 72 hours of booking for cruises departing within 12 months, will also receive included economy flights when booking a stateroom, or premium flights when booking a suite.
Emerald Cruises offers a diverse lineup of river and yacht cruises on three continents. Emerald Azzurra, the line’s first ocean-going vessel which debuted in March 2022, is a 100-guest, luxury yacht sailing the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Red Seas, and new for the 2023/2024 season, the Caribbean and Central America. In November 2022, Emerald Azzurra was named Best New Luxury Ship in Cruise Critic’s 2022 Editors’ Picks Awards. Emerald Sakara, the brand’s second luxury yacht, launches in 2023. On the rivers, Emerald Cruises sails eight branded Star-Ships in Europe and one on the Mekong. The brand offers innovatively-designed ships, outstanding service and a focus on active shore excursions and onboard wellness offerings through their signature EmeraldACTIVE program. Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours in Australia. |
