Emerald Cruises to Expand Yacht Fleet with Second Superyacht

Emerald Cruises will double its superyacht fleet with the addition of the 100-passenger Emerald Sakara in 2023. It will be the first vessel in the Emerald fleet to sail in the Seychelles.

Emerald Sakara will be the second superyacht for Emerald Cruises, joining sister ship Emerald Azzurra sailing the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red and Black Seas.

“Yachting is an up-and-coming vacation choice,” said Maggie Carbonell, vice president of marketing for Scenic Group USA.

According to David Winterton, global director of brand & marketing at Emerald Cruises, the line has received enormous interest in its yacht cruising offering, ever since announcing the launch of Emerald Azzurra. The ship’s Black Sea sailings sold out within two weeks of being released.

“Just like we did eight years ago on the rivers, we are bringing our own style of innovative and contemporary cruising to the world’s celebrated oceans, and we cannot wait to welcome guests onboard our two superyachts to explore some of the world’s most incredible regions with them.”

Construction is already underway on the 110-meter-long Emerald Sakara at the cruise company’s Vietnam shipyard. The ship, whose name is a Sanskrit mantra meaning “thoughts become things,” will have 50 balconies, of which 88% will feature balconies. Other highlights will include a large infinity pool, spa and gym, and a marina platform with a number of marina “toys” including paddleboards and snorkeling equipment.

Like all of Emerald’s ships, both ocean-going and river, cruise fares include all onboard meals, complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, as well as a number of excursions and onboard activities.

Emerald Sakara is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2023, with bookings on sale starting today, September 28, 2021. It will be the 11th vessel in the Emerald Cruises fleet, joining nine river cruising Star-Ships and the brand’s first ocean-going superyacht, Emerald Azzurra, which launches on January 28, 2022, with an eight-day Best of the Red Sea itinerary.

Seychelles Inaugural
The maiden voyage of Emerald Sakara will visit the Seychelles, a first for the cruise line. The eight-day Tropical Charms of the Seychelles itinerary will visit Port Victoria (Mahe Island), Sainte-Anne Island, Cousin Island, Praslin Island, Grande-Soeur Island, Curieuse Island, La Digue Island, and Aride Island.