Set against the dramatic backdrop of ancient Athens, Emerald Cruises’ second luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, departed Piraeus August 5 on her sold out, inaugural sailing. The following morning, sister yacht Emerald Azzurra officially welcomed her to the fleet as the twin ships embarked on a picture-perfect sailing through the Corinth Canal.
Under the stewardship of Captain Jonathan Edwards, who served as the captain for Emerald Azzurra when she launched in 2022, Emerald Sakara is now sailing the eight-day Ionian Sea Adventure itinerary from Athens to Rome. Guests had a guided tour of Delphi and visited the stunning island of Cephalonia in Greece before calling on Giardini Naxos in Sicily. From there, the yacht made her way up the western coast of Italy calling on Amalfi, Sorrento and Capri, and will conclude in Rome.
Although nearly identical to her sister yacht, Emerald Sakara’s elegant interiors feature some enhancements from furniture brands like Tribu and Gervasoni, lighting by designer Tom Dixon, as well as a stunning collaboration between Freifrau and Missoni. Technology upgrades include Starlink internet services.
“Launching a new luxury yacht is always exciting as the tremendous work done by our talented team of designers and builders comes to life,” commented Glen Moroney, Scenic Group Chairman and founder on the launch of Emerald Cruises second luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara. “Being able to add Emerald Sakara nearly a year after we launched Emerald Azzurra speaks volumes about how well our yacht cruising program has been received by guests, travel advisors and charter partners. With Emerald Sakara, we are opening up even more exciting new destinations for our guests to explore.”
After Emerald Sakara’s August debut, the yacht will embark on a summer season exploring the coastal waters of Italy, Greece, Türkiye and the Adriatic. From there, it’s off across the Atlantic where both Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra will winter in the warm waters of the Caribbean and Central America. The first Eastern Caribbean and Grenadines sailing is scheduled to depart on November 18, 2023. Emerald Sakara will be christened in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 2, with godmother Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) doing the honors.
Bookings for 2023 and 2024 Caribbean yacht sailings include economy airfare on stateroom and premium economy on suites. Those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ring in New Year’s Eve onboard a luxury yacht can book the eight-day Hidden Charms of the Caribbean onboard Emerald Sakara, departing St. John’s, Antigua, on December 30, 2023.
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 and Adriatic 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, launched in August 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.
