The debut sailing for Emerald Cruises’ newest ocean-going yacht, Emerald Sakara, is less than three months away.

The second luxury yacht to join the Emerald Cruises fleet, Emerald Sakara is being custom built by The Halong Shipbuilding Company in Vietnam. It is now preparing for sea trials following its float-out.

Emerald Sakara’s first sailing will be an eight-day Ionian Sea Adventure starting in Athens on August 5, 2023, and ending in Rome.

Emerald Sakara’s identical sister-yacht, Emerald Azzurra, launched in March 2022. Both ships feature 50 luxury suites and staterooms, 88% of which have a private balcony or terrace. There’s a maximum of 100 guests on a given journey.

Says Glen Moroney, Chairman and founder of The Scenic Group, Emerald Cruises’ parent company: “Karen and I have overseen the development and construction of Emerald Sakara and having visited the shipyard recently can say it certainly exceeds our expectations.”

Karen Moroney is co-owner and head of product services for Scenic Group.

“Being able to add to the Emerald Cruises fleet so swiftly is a sign of the reception our new yachts have received from guests and our travel partners. Emerald Sakara opens up a whole world of new destinations that are sure to spark greater demand,” he added.

After its August 2023 debut, Emerald Sakara will embark on a summer season exploring the coastal waters of Italy, Greece, Türkiye and the Adriatic. From there, it’s off to cross the Atlantic where the Emerald Sakara will winter in the Caribbean and Central American sun.

The first Eastern Caribbean and Grenadines sailing is scheduled to depart on November 17, 2023. The yacht will be christened on December 2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico by godmother Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA.

Emerald Cruises guests paying in full within 72 hours of booking can choose between free economy or premium airfare, depending on cabin category, and a free Platinum Drink package (inclusive of the entire drink menu), or save up to Cdn$2,400 per couple.

Source: Travelweek