If you think you know what to expect when it comes to ocean travel, think again. Following several recent explorations in the Red Sea, Emerald Azzurra—the groundbreaking superyacht from Emerald Cruises (recognized for its award-winning river cruises)—will deliver guests the balance of total relaxation and authentic onshore adventures that the cruise line is known for while heading to ports of call across the Aegean, Adriatic, and Mediterranean seas.
With routes designed to offer experiences that mix culture, history, and cuisine, each journey is always enriching. Visits to ancient wonders (like the Pyramids of Giza and Ephesus) combined with quaint ports and islands like Rhodes and Patmos make it possible to experience everything the high-style yet laid-back yachting lifestyle offers on this one-of-a-kind vessel without owning a ship yourself.
Emerald Azzurra reimagines the yacht cruising world by pairing personalized service with innovative design and luxury amenities like expansive suites, a spa, and fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dining. The ship delivers all this while also satisfying health and wellness enthusiasts with tours through the EmeraldACTIVE program, a fully-equipped gym, and e-bikes. And with a capacity limited to 100, guests relish the ample space aboard the six-deck yacht. As a result, each traveler can look forward to an intimate experience with carefully curated programming free of crowds and long lines. Here’s a look at more of the yacht’s exclusive offerings.
Enjoy modern luxury at sea
Reminiscent of what you might find at an elegant resort or hotel, this ocean liner boasts clean, contemporary design, unparalleled service from a knowledgeable crew, fine dining and beverage options, and a range of other first-class amenities. The well-appointed ship includes fine bedding and Egyptian cotton linens, complimentary Wi-Fi, a Sky Bar with a spa pool, a heated infinity pool, expansive views of the horizon, and nightly entertainment by an onboard musician and Cruise Director. Complemented by once-in-a-lifetime excursions at each destination, don’t be surprised if you want to move in.
The Sky Deck
Dig into fresh, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Crafted by a master chef, each meal at La Cucina Restaurant features locally sourced dishes and sommelier-paired wine, beer, and soft drinks. With multiple spots for dining, head to the back of the restaurant to soak in the ocean breeze from the large La Cucina Terrace or have a nightcap in the plush Amici Lounge.
Unwind at sea. Equipped with a spa, sauna, hairdresser, and workout facility with TechnoGym equipment (treadmills, rower, elliptical machine, free weights, and a full-body workout station), guests on the yacht won’t have to leave their self-care routines at home. Indulge in a massage or facial, take a dip in the infinity pool, enjoy the infrared sauna, book a one-on-one yoga or Pilates session, or get a few coaching tips during a personal training session. Then cool down with a daily rotating selection of fruit smoothies and energy juice shots available in La Cucina restaurant and at Aqua Café.
Dive into adventure. During each cruise, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the ocean through catered water sports and other activities that bring you closer to the natural world. Board a Zodiac to search for marine life, snorkel above a coral reef, and kayak your way through a sunny cove.
The heated infinity pool
Easy ocean access. Getting in and out of the water couldn’t be simpler thanks to a marina platform, available at select ports, that’s specially built for swim stops and watersports. Think paddle boarding or kayaking around Croatia’s mysterious sea grottos and snorkeling with the assistance of motorized SEABOBs through the vibrant color reefs of Rhodes—there’s even a flotation platform.
Explore coastal gems. The excitement doesn’t end on land. Emerald Azzurra’s touring options are handpicked by expert journey designers to include off-the-beaten-path shore excursions. Guests looking for self-guided exploration can hop on one of the lightweight e-bikes from Gocycle to take a thrilling ride through these fascinating ports of call. From the French Riviera to the Croatian coast to the Greek Islands and Turkey, meet locals from ancient communities, set out on a guided tour of historic landmarks and cultural highlights, and venture into bustling port cities and quaint seaside villages.
The fleet of Gocycle e-bikes on “Emerald Azzurra”
Discover your home away from home
Spacious and accommodating, Emerald Azzurra was created with the utmost comfort in mind. Its sleek and modern aesthetic incorporates designer furnishings throughout and recalls the most lavish superyachts. Throughout your voyage, you’ll find an abundance of thoughtful, innovative details that place this ship in a design category that’s all its own.
Posh accommodations. Forget claustrophobic portholes—this craft’s entry-level cabins feature picture frame windows and 88 percent have a balcony or terrace. Choose from a variety of stylish suites and staterooms with pillow menus and individual climate control. All guest accommodations are outfitted with Smart TVs and serve as a personal retreat from the onboard excitement. Unwind with access to international satellite TV, daily programming, and nautical positioning, all available at the click of the remote. Come bedtime, turn down any bright lights and rely on night-lit bathrooms to guarantee a restful night’s sleep.
The comfort of common spaces: Head to the stylishly appointed Observation Lounge and pour a warm drink at the coffee station, take a seat in one of the Dedon MBrace Wing Chairs, and gather with new friends around sleek L’Object games such as chess and tic tac toe. The yacht also features a guest laundry room equipped with complimentary washers and dryers, steamers, irons, ironing boards, and laundry baskets.
Generously sized dining areas. With more than twice the average dining space per guest than on other yachts of its size, Emerald Azzurra provides ample room to enjoy your meal in privacy or with newfound friends without the feeling of being crowded. Don’t forget to grab a cocktail at the Sky Bar while you watch the stunning Mediterranean sunset.
Sister yachts “Emerald Azzurra” and “Emerald Sakara”
Experience the yacht life
Sometimes the best things come in “small” packages. Stretching an impressive 360 feet in length, Emerald Azzurra is larger than your typical yacht, but it’s also petite enough to offer distinct advantages over big cruises. And Emerald Cruises will soon offer more opportunities and more places to revel in the intimate experience. With sister yacht Emerald Sakara joining the fleet in early 2023, Emerald Cruises will take its signature service to a brand-new destination, the Seychelles, on an eight-day itinerary in the Indian Ocean–before heading to the Red Sea and Mediterranean.
Just like Emerald Azzurra before, the new yacht’s custom size will also allow it to reach quaint ports and harbors that are typically only accessible by chartering a small boat, providing guests the opportunity to explore some of the most jaw-dropping coastal destinations that are unavailable to most travelers. Whether you’re admiring Cycladic architecture on the secret Greek hideaway of Amorgos, sampling the sights and sounds of the Italian Riviera, or—soon—island-hopping along the shimmering turquoise waters of the Seychelles, you’ll be able to get the most out of each location you visit.
