When Emerald Cruises – known for its award-winning river cruise fleet in Europe and Southeast Asia – entered the ocean cruising market last year with its first 100-passenger luxury yacht, Emerald Azzurra, travellers took notice.

Emerald Azzurra’s inaugural Mediterranean season last year all but sold out, and the 2023 Mediterranean season is on track to do the same, reports Emerald Cruises.

Meanwhile, starting in November 2023, both Emerald Azzurra and its twin, Emerald Sakara (launching this August), will begin their first Caribbean season island hopping in waters much closer to home for North American travellers.

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 Amici Lounge is a friendly place to gather and enjoy live music in the evenings.

When the sister yachts homeport in the Caribbean for the 2023 and 2024 winter seasons, some 12 distinct itineraries will be on offer, ranging from eight to 19 days. These sailings will take guests to 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.

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.

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.

Clients booking 2023 and 2024 Caribbean sailings by March 15, 2023 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 Mediterranean, Adriatic and Red Seas, and new for the 2023/2024 season, the Caribbean and Central America.

For more info see emeraldcruises.ca or call the Canadian consumer/travel agent reservations line at 1-855-444-0161.  Brochures are available for order or download on the website.

Source: Travelweek