Emerald Cruises Names CLIA President & CEO Kelly Craighead as Godmother of Newest Yacht

Emerald Cruises has chosen Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) president and CEO Kelly Craighead to be godmother of its newest yacht, Emerald Sakara. The yacht, the second for the line, launches this August but will be officially named on December 2, 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Kelly portrays what we find special about Emerald Sakara, whose translated name means ‘thoughts become things,’ a meaning that represents both how we designed and built Emerald Sakara, and how we view Kelly’s leadership and contributions to the cruise industry as she guided us through some of our most challenging times, only to emerge stronger than ever,” said Ken Muskat, managing director of Scenic Groups USA.

Muskat added that Craighead’s commitment to travel advisors played a large part in her selection.

“Kelly’s unwavering commitment to our valued travel advisors and to responsible tourism at sea and in destinations around the globe aligns with Emerald Cruises’ passion for growth and success. As our fleet continues to expand… we find it only befitting that Kelly, and through her, the CLIA team, be recognized and honored by Emerald Cruises as the Godmother of the Emerald Sakara.”

“I am honored to have been chosen as godmother to the luxury ocean yacht Emerald Sakara,” Craighead said. “The name Sakara reflects my deep personal belief that positive thoughts manifest reality, and the strong rebound of cruise from the past few years – along with our commitment to a future of sustainable cruising – demonstrates the optimism that drives this industry forward every day.”

Set to launch this August, the 100-passenger Emerald Sakara will join sister-yacht Emerald Azzurra sailing the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, as well as the Caribbean.