Cruise & Cruise Line

Emerald Cruises Celebrates Float-Out of Newest Luxury Yacht Emerald Sakara

Image: The Emerald Sakara floats in water for the first time as the ship nears completion.  (Photo Credit: Emerald Cruises)
Image: The Emerald Sakara floats in water for the first time as the ship nears completion. (Photo Credit: Emerald Cruises)
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:05 AM ET, Thu April 27, 2023

Emerald Cruises’ newest ocean yacht, the Emerald Sakara, celebrated a successful float-out this week as it finishes its interior construction prior to its debut in August of this year. 

The float out is an important construction milestone when building any ship; it’s the first time the ship touches the water and signals the final stages of its construction. 

Emerald Sakara, whose godmother is CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead, is being built in Vietnam by the Halong Shipbuilding Company; it is the identical sister yacht to the Emerald Azzurra, which debuted in March 2022. The ship features 50 suites and rooms, the majority of which offer private balconies or terraces. With room for only 100 guests, the luxury yacht offers a private cruising experience with the ability to visit destinations that larger cruise ships cannot visit.

The ship debuts August 5 on an 8-day voyage from Athens to Rome, then continues sailing along Italy, Greece, Turkey and the Adriatic Sea. During the winter, the yacht will island-hop in the Caribbean and Central America, with the first itinerary there beginning November 17 and visiting the Grenadines. 

“Being able to add to the Emerald Cruises fleet so swiftly is a sign of the reception our new yachts have received from guests and our travel partners,” said Glen Moroney, Chairman and founder of The Scenic Group, Emerald Cruises’ parent company. “Emerald Sakara opens up a whole world of new destinations that are sure to spark greater demand.”


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Senior Editor, News & Features

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Watch Now!
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Watch Now!
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...