WHY IT RATES: The newest Emerald superyacht has officially completed construction, expected to set sail from Aqaba, Jordan this March. - Lacey Pfalz, Associate Writer, TravelPulse
Emerald Cruises has taken delivery of Emerald Azzurra, the first of the brand's two ground-breaking superyachts. After departing Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam last night, the 100-guest yacht is headed to Aqaba, Jordan to welcome guests on board its inaugural sailing on March 11-an eight-day itinerary in the Red Sea.
After its highly anticipated inaugural sailing, Emerald Azzurra will transit the Suez Canal to embark on a series of sailings in warm water of the Mediterranean and along the Adriatic coast over the summer before returning to the Red Sea next winter.
Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman, Scenic Group (which includes Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours) comments:
"Today marks a major moment for our team at Emerald Cruises as the first in our fleet of ocean-going superyachts takes a giant step towards completion. We look forward to welcoming our first guests on board Emerald Azzurra and we are confident she will exceed all expectations. The demand has been unprecedented with her inaugural season almost fully sold.
"This yacht represents the next generation of yacht cruising, taking guests to new destinations with on board luxury amenities that are unlike any other small-ship experience. Her sister yacht - Emerald Sakara - will follow early next year, providing double the opportunities for guests to join us on board our ground-breaking vessels.
"On behalf of everyone in the Scenic Group of companies we'd like to sincerely thank the shipyard, all our subcontractors and our local management team who have worked on this beautiful yacht. We understand the difficulties the pandemic has caused which makes this accomplishment even more remarkable. We look forward to smooth sailing ahead for Emerald Azzurra along with a speedy build of Emerald Sakara."
A first for yacht cruising, Emerald Azzurra features an innovative infrared sauna for longer, relaxing guest experiences. Of the 50 luxuriously appointed suites, more than 88 per cent of them boast balconies, with more space per guest than similar vessels of her size. The yacht also features a large infinity pool, spa, gym and marina platform, with SEABOBs, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment available for guests to enjoy. A fleet of the very latest in electronic bikes from Gocycle are also available on board, ideal for local village trips and active explorations.
Emerald Azzurra will be joined by sister yacht Emerald Sakara in February 2023, with itineraries to the Seychelles, Black Sea and Middle East, on sale now.
Emerald Cruises offers a diverse lineup of river and yacht cruises on three continents. Emerald Azzurra, the line's first ocean-going vessel set to debut in March 2022, is a 100-guest, luxury superyacht that will sail the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black and Red Seas. Emerald Sakara will be the brand's second superyacht and will add the Seychelles to the destination lineup when she launches in 2023. On the rivers, Emerald Cruises sails eight branded Star-Ships in Europe and one on the Mekong, as well as a chartered river ship sailing the Russian waterways. The brand offers contemporary deluxe ships, outstanding service and an incredibly inclusive pricing plan that has won them the honor of being named Best River Cruise Line for Value by the Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards for five years running. Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours in Australia.
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