Emerald Waterways is entering the yacht cruising market with the launch of its first ocean super-yacht, Emerald Azzurra.

To be launched under the new Emerald Yacht Cruises brand, the 100-passenger ship will set sail in July 2021.

Emerald Cruises director of marketing & global brand curator David Winterton said: “We are thrilled to be introducing a new sister brand to Emerald Waterways. We have ambitious growth plans for the UK and can’t wait for past river cruise guests and new customers alike to join us on board our new ocean-going yacht.

“At just 110 metres in length, we are excited to be offering an intimate experience on board, with just 50 cabins, and on shore due to the fact we will have access to small ports and harbours that large ships can’t access.

“As a brand, we always act swiftly in response to our guest’s demands to ensure we are continually evolving our offer. We chartered a river ship on the Mekong river, before building Emerald Harmony and we have done the same by chartering small ships in Croatia last year before committing to building Emerald Azzurra.”

With 47 itineraries, on sale from 1 February, the 100-passenger capacity yacht will explore destinations including the Red Sea – Israel, Jordan and Egypt, and the Mediterranean – Greece, Montenegro, Italy, France, Cyprus, Turkey, Malta and Spain.

Guests will also have access to the smaller ports and harbours which can only be accessed by small yachts, including Kotor, Santorini, and Amalfi.

On board

On the ship, guests can enjoy local flavours and cocktails while taking in the views from one of the three different bars and restaurants.

A total of 88 per cent of cabins will include a balcony, as well as an an on-board wellness centre including a spa, gym and sauna, three tenders and a Zodiac for shore landings.

A marine platform will also be installed to allow easy access to snorkelling, paddleboarding or swimming at one of the swim stops.

Emerald Yacht Cruises will include return flights, transfers, all tipping and gratuities, meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, plus excursions and experiences.

Scenic Group owner and chairman Glen Moroney added: “Emerald Waterways has been operating award-wining river cruises in Europe since 2014.

“The launch of Emerald Yacht Cruises and the stunning new Emerald Azzurra are a logical extension of the Emerald Cruises portfolio, adding intimate yacht cruising of the Mediterranean to its Emerald Waterways Europe river cruise offering.”

Itinerary highlights

Emerald Azzurra will sail an eight-day Cyprus, Turkey and Greece sailing, departing from Limassol. Prices start from £3,285pp based on a 31 July 2021 departure.

In addition, there is an eight-day French & Italian Rivieras with Corsica itinerary, with prices starting from £2,965pp, based on 14 August 2021 departure, or the 12-day Ancient World Wonders itinerary, with prices starting from £5,245pp, based on 28 December 2021 departure.