Hollywood, FL (July 2023) – Emerald Sakara, the second custom-built, luxury yacht from Emerald Cruises, has successfully completed its sea trials, conducted by Captains John Edwards and James Griffiths. The sea trials took place in Vietnam, departing Halong Shipyard on July 3, where all major systems were tested and the yacht was certified for guest operations. A short video documenting the sea trial can be viewed and downloaded here.
Following the successful sea trials, Emerald Sakara departed Vietnam on July 6 for her relocation to the Mediterranean Sea. The debut sailing – the eight-day Ionian Sea Adventure from Athens to Rome—departs on August 5, 2023 and will call on Itea, Greece, before transiting the Corinth Canal and sailing to Cephalonia, Sicily, Amalfi, Sorrento and Capri and ending in Rome.
Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman, Scenic Group (Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours) commented: “We are extremely pleased with how well our newest 100-guest luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, performed in her sea trials—she exceeded our expectations in every way. We’re thrilled be able to share our newest gem in less than a month’s time and look forward to offering our guests wonderful experiences in the Caribbean and Central America this fall and winter.”
Emerald Sakara, the second luxury yacht to join the Emerald Cruises fleet, was custom built by The Halong Shipbuilding Company in Vietnam. Her identical sister-yacht, Emerald Azzurra, launched in March 2022.
Both Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra feature just 50 luxury suites and staterooms, 88 percent of which have a private balcony or terrace. With a maximum of 100 guests, Emerald Sakara offers a new type of exclusive cruising experience, exploring ports and harbors only accessible to small yachts.
Onboard, the open-air infinity pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and day beds ideal for relaxing and enjoying a cocktail from the nearby Aqua Café. A wellness deck complete with spa, infrared sauna and gym allows guests to keep focused on their health goals, while the top deck Sky Bar offers the ideal spot to watch the sun set. Located at the yacht’s stern, a marina platform boasts water toys galore—kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkel equipment, SEABOBs and a giant trampoline are available to guests when the platform is deployed. The extra-spacious La Cucina dining room specializes in fresh, seasonal cuisine with seating indoors as well as on the adjacent terrace, while the warm and welcoming Amici Lounge is a friendly place to gather and enjoy live music in the evenings. Finally, with 76 crew members onboard, guests can count on receiving attentive, personalized service.
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. The yacht will be christened on December 2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico by her godmother Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
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, launches 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.
Emerald Cruises can be found on Twitter at @emerald_cruises, on Facebook as EmeraldCruisesGlobal and on Instagram as @EmeraldCruises.global.
Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel advisor; on Emerald Cruises’ website, www.emeraldcruises.com; or by calling the consumer/travel agent reservations line at 844-428-8389. Digital brochure downloads are available on the website.