I stopped in at a recent Scenic/Emerald workshop in Toronto to hear more about the magnificent Emerald Yachts from Emerald Cruises.
There are three at sea now, the Emerald Azzurra, the Emerald Sakara and the new Emerald Kaia, which launched in April of this year. They each have a capacity of 128 passengers and carry nearly 70 crew.
Because the ships are relatively small, they can get into ports that other ships can’t. A monster cruise ship with several thousand passengers might have to dock two hours from Venice, but the Emerald Yachts can dock in the heart of the city, a spokesperson said.
“This concept of travelling has really taken off,” she said. “There’s a very large demand. It’s a yachting lifestyle, with no crowds and no lines.”
Emerald Kaia was launched in April as the “next generation” of Emerald Yachts, with several enhancements. The ship is sailing in the Adriatic, West Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Emerald Raiya launches in June of next year and Emerald Xara in March, 2028. Emerald Raiya will sail the Eastern Mediterrean, including the Greek Islands and Turkiye, as well as the Red Sea, the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean. Emerald Xara will be the first Emerald yacht to sail in Asia, Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Guests have free use of e-bikes and the marina platform features waterslides, inflatable kayaks, snorkel gear and more. Gratuities are included, and there’s even an on-board laundromat.
La Cucina restaurant serves up outstanding cuisine, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Emerald Kaia has an intimate, eight guest dining room with rotating cuisine that matches the destination as much as possible. Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara also will boast this feature, called Night Market Grill.
The Emerald Azzurra yacht in Kotor, Montenegro. Emerald Cruises Photo
There is at least one free excursion in every port, but guests can pay for other excursions if they wish. Emerald also can arrange add-ons, such as an African safari if you’re sailing the Indian Ocean.
Suites are luxurious and spacious, and they have entertainment on board (usually a singer or a guitar player, not the big Broadway-style shows).
A NEW AMAN HOTEL AND RESIDENCES IN THE UAE
Aman Group is pleased to introduce Janu Al Marjan Island, set along the shores of Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
Janu Residences, UAE
Janu is a hotel, residence and lifestyle brand offering a new expression of hospitality, centered on connection, wellbeing, and shared experiences. Janu Al Marjan Island brings the brand’s distinctive approach to coastal living to one of the United Arab Emirates’ most anticipated and exclusive waterfront addresses.
Comprising a 132-key hotel and a 29-storey residential tower, the development features a considered collection of 73 one- to five-bedroom residences, a singular five-bedroom duplex penthouse, and five secluded Marina Villas positioned alongside the island’s eastern shoreline. Jointly developed by Marjan and Wynn Resorts, and envisioned by SCDA Architects, Janu Al Marjan Island is designed to balance privacy and connection.
NEW HILTON HOTELS WORLDWIDE
Hilton is opening a variety of terrific-looking hotels around the world next year. Here’s a look at a few of them.
NoMad Detroit (Early Spring 2027), Hilton’s first luxury lifestyle hotel in the United States, set within the iconic Michigan Central Station. The 176-room hotel will blend the station’s Beaux-Arts heritage with NoMad’s sense of place and design elements celebrating Detroit’s local artists and makers. It will feature a signature restaurant, library/lobby bar and lounge and spa. I’ve been to Michigan Central Station, and it’s utterly fantastic; one of the most majestic pieces of architecture in North America.
The NoMad Detroit from Hilton
Conrad Corfu (Q2 2027), a secluded beachfront resort in southern Corfu, Greece. The property will feature 136 rooms, suites and villas, many with private heated pools or Jacuzzis, as well as curated wellness experiences, an open-air cinema, Kids’ Club, three restaurants and two bars, including signature dining by Michelin-starred chef Alexandros Tsiotinis. I’ve stayed at several Conrad hotels over the year, and they’re all very good. I particularly love the Conrad New York in lower Manhattan.
Waldorf Astoria Sydney (Q3 2027), the brand’s Australian debut at Circular Quay, with panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour. Chef Curtis Stone will lead the culinary vision for the hotel’s signature dining program, marking his first restaurant project in Australia. Circular Quay is the heart of Sydney, one of the world’s great cities.
Signia Hilton Naples Grande Beach Resort (Q1, 2027) will usher in a new era for one of Southwest Florida’s most iconic beachfront destinations, pairing Signia Hilton’s elevated hospitality experience with the natural beauty and relaxed sophistication of Florida’s Paradise Coast.
Canopy New York City 34th Street (Q1, 2027) will mark the brand’s debut in New York City. The 365-room, new-build hotel will be in the heart of Midtown, near Madison Square Garden, Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall, placing guests within walking distance of some of the city’s top attractions and neighborhoods.
The Canopy New York 34th Street
Maison Dupuy New Orleans French Quarter, Curio Collection by Hilton (Q2, 2027) will be Hilton’s first hotel located firmly within New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. The 200-room property sits on the site of the nation’s first cotton press and was created by joining five historic townhouses.
Hotel Lexicon Boston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Q3, 2027) will bring an original boutique stay to Beacon Hill, drawing inspiration from Boston’s legacy of writers, artists, educators and reformers who shaped the city’s culture of progress. I was in Boston last month for a terrific visit.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Kihei Maui (Q4, 2027). With sunny coastal beaches on Maui’s shore, Kihei continues to attract visitors year after year as a treasured vacation destination. This will be a nice addition to a great part of Maui.
