Emerald Waterways is adding yacht cruising to its growing portfolio of river cruises when the 100-guest super yacht, Emerald Azzurra, launches in July 2021, the first vessel launched under the new Emerald Yacht Cruises brand, part of the newly formed Emerald Cruises portfolio. Its 2021-2022 itineraries in the Adriatic, Mediterranean, and Red Seas are available for booking now.
“Emerald Waterways has been operating award-winning river cruises in Europe since 2014,” said Glen Moroney, owner and chairman of the Scenic Group, in a statement. “The launch of Emerald Yacht Cruises and the stunning new Emerald Azzurra are a logical extension of the Emerald Cruises portfolio, adding intimate yacht cruising in the Mediterranean to the existing Emerald Waterways river cruise offerings.”
The 360-foot long Emerald Azzurra has been custom-designed to cruise the waters of the Adriatic Coast, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, offering guests a boutique yachting experience. The yacht will call on multiple ports in Greece, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, France, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta, Spain, Israel, Jordan and Egypt. As well as exploring the major highlights in these regions, guests will also have unique access to the smaller ports and harbors only accessible by small yachts, giving them the freedom to explore the authentic local towns and villages off the beaten tourist track.
As the newest yacht in its class sailing these waters, Emerald Azzurra’s suites, which start at more than 300 sf, have been designed with a modern feel and upscale amenities including a wellness center complete with gym and spa. Unlike other ships in this class, 88 percent of the cabins feature balconies. In the true style of a super yacht, the ship features a marina platform from which guests can take part in a variety of activities including paddle boarding and snorkeling. Emerald Azzurra will also feature three tenders and two zodiacs for shore landings.
A few highlights of the Emerald Azzurra’s offerings include:
The eight-day Cyprus, Turkey and Greece Delights in the Aegean Sea, the ship’s inaugural sailing, that departs from Limassol, Cyprus and calls on Paphos (also in Cyprus) Fethiye, Bodrum, Kusadasi (all Turkey), Mykonos and Santorini, before arriving in Athens (all Greece) for the flight home.
The eight-day French & Italian Rivieras with Corsica itinerary in the Mediterranean departs from Citavecchia (Rome) and visits Porto Ercole (Italy), Bonifacio, Calvi (both Corsica), Portoferraio, Portofino (both Italy), and Menton before disembarking in Nice (both France).
The 12-day Ancient World Wonders itinerary departs from Limassol (Cyprus) and calls at Haifa (Tel Aviv, Israel), Ashdod (Jerusalem, Israel), Alexandria, Port Said and Sharm el-Sheik (all Egypt) before ending in Aqaba (Jordan).
In keeping with the brands’ inclusive pricing structure, sailing on the Emerald Azzurra will include fine á la carte dining at dinner; breakfast and lunch buffets stocked with fresh, locally sourced ingredients; complimentary sommelier-paired wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner; all on-board gratuities; transfers to and from the airport; port charges and all taxes. On shore, guests will enjoy included EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, a range of included EmeraldACTIVE excursions, and can book DiscoverMORE optional excursions to tailor their cruise.
Since 2014, Emerald Waterways has been offering deluxe European river cruising to the North American market. Emerald Azzurra will become the first ocean vessel owned by the new Emerald Yacht Cruises brand and will sit alongside Emerald Waterways comprising the newly formed Emerald Cruises.
Emerald Cruises currently features nine branded Star-Ships offer river sailings in Europe and on the Mekong, as well as the MS Rossia along the Volga River in Russia; the Adriatic Princess and Adriatic Pearl yachts in Croatia; and the MS Hamees on the Nile.
For more information, go to, emeraldcruisesusa.com in the US and emeraldcruises.ca in Canada, or call (844) 428-8389 in the US and (855) 444-0161 in Canada. For more on Emerald Cruises, click here. For more on the cruise industry, click here and here for the latest news in the travel industry.
