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51 Reviews
Emerald Azzurra (Image: Emerald Yacht Cruises)

About Emerald Yacht Cruises

When it debuted in 2022, the 100-passenger Emerald Azzurra marked Emerald Cruises entry into the ocean market. Best-known for river cruises aboard its fleet of nine contemporary "Star-Ships", the offshoot of the Scenic Group changed the Emerald Waterways name to Emerald Cruises. This umbrella brand covers the newly-formed Emerald Yacht Cruises arm.

Emerald Azzurra, which will be joined by sister ship Emerald Sakara in 2023, joined the market to offer affordable superyacht-style holidays that will appeal to existing customers and cruisers looking for an exclusive small-ship experience in a laid-back atmosphere.

The latest development marks the ongoing growth of the Scenic Group which was founded by Australian entrepreneur Glen Moroney in 1986. From coach tours it expanded into all-inclusive river cruising, under the Scenic name, in 2008 and in 2019 Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours launched its first ocean vessel, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse.

The Emerald brand was first launched in 2014 as an affordable sister company to Scenic and offer river cruises at a lower price point and with fewer inclusions.

  • More about Emerald Yacht Cruises

  • Who goes on Emerald Yacht Cruises cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a Emerald Yacht Cruises cruise?

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Emerald Azzurra

10 Night
Enchanting Greece & The Amalfi Coast

41 Reviews
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Emerald Azzurra

7 Night
Hidden Gems Of The Croatian Riviera

41 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite
Emerald Azzurra

7 Night
Classical Greece

41 Reviews
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Emerald Azzurra

10 Night
Mediterranean Crossroads

41 Reviews
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Sponsored

Special Savings on Luxury River Cruises

  • Sail the Rivers of Europe and Southeast Asia on our luxury Star-Ship
  • Receive 2 for 1 Fares on select river cruises
  • Free Flexible Booking Plan for select river cruise bookings
  • Luxurious suites and staterooms with gourmet dining options

Emerald Waterways

7 Night
Mediterranean Enchantment

41 Reviews
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7 Night
Mediterranean Enchantment

41 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

12 Night
The Histories Of The Mediterranean

41 Reviews
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11 Night
Enchanting Greece & The Amalfi Coast

41 Reviews
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7 Night
French & Italian Rivieras With Corsica

41 Reviews
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17 Night
Discover The Mediterranean From Cannes To Athens

41 Reviews
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10 Night
Highlights Of Spain, Morocco & Italy

41 Reviews
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7 Night
French & Italian Rivieras With Corsica

41 Reviews
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21 Night
Discover The Wonders Of The Mediterranean

41 Reviews
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17 Night
Discover The Charm Of The Greek Isles & The Amalfi...

41 Reviews
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7 Night
Istanbul To Athens Adventure

41 Reviews
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Emerald Yacht Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Emerald Yacht Cruises cruise ships?

Emerald's river cruisers mainly come from Australia, North America, the U.K. and other English-speaking countries, and you can expect to find the same on its yachts. Many are Scenic and Emerald regulars keen to check out the company's latest venture. Appealing to inquisitive and well-traveled folk, who prefer an intimate small-ship experience, you can expect to find a younger demographic than traditional cruise lines as Emerald offers a selection of more active excursions.

Do I have to dress up on a Emerald Yacht Cruises cruise?

For anyone that has gone on an Emerald river cruise, the ocean yacht ships have a very similar feel. Daytime wear is casual, with weather appropriate clothes for shore excursions depending on the itinerary and weather. For dinner the suggested dress code is smart casual. For women, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a blouse or sweater, and for men collared shirts and trousers. There are no formal nights.

Is everything free on Emerald Yacht Cruises cruises?

No. However, most notably due to its Australian heritage where tipping is not ingrained in the culture, gratuities are included. Also included are all meals, wine with lunch and dinner, a high number of excursions and Wi-Fi. The main extras are drinks from the bar DiscoverMORE excursions.

What are Emerald Yacht Cruises’s most popular activities?

Passengers familiar the extensive shore tour options on Emerald Cruises' river vessels will find the same set up on Emerald Yacht Cruises. Included in the fare are EmeraldPLUS excursions, covering city and town tours and cultural experiences ashore. The EmeraldACTIVE excursions, which are also included, consist of guided bike rides, hikes and other activities to provide an alternative perspective on different destinations. Passengers can also book DiscoverMORE excursions, which are available at extra cost. These tours offer an increased level of immersion into an area's history and culture, such as a guided walking tour of Mykonos town with a wine tasting, Bedouin experience in Hurghada and a snorkel trip to Ras Mohammad National Park near Sharm el-Sheikh.

Best for: Passengers looking for a superyacht experience without the price tag of most upscale lines, plus included gratuities

Not for: Travelers wanting ultra-luxury inclusions such as butlers, all shore excursions and free-flowing drinks or a lively nightlife

Emerald Yacht Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Could be great with some tweaks…

The mixed drinks seemed fine- though while a group of us were enjoying the sunset- the one bartender disappeared for about 20 minutes in the middle of happy hour because there was no bar back to run down and get supplies for him.We did this and enjoyed meeting new folks, and it was the one night we did have a pretty good meal.Read More
KCR

10+ Cruises

Age 60s

Impressive Ship, Amazing Cruise

Great ship, excellent crew, great food equals an amazing experience.and not much to do after dinner, They had trivia a few nights, dance party one night, which were both fun.Read More
JimBWG

2-5 Cruises

Age 68s

Don't Go on an Emerald Yacht Cruise

This was my first cruise and we went as a group to celebrate a major birthday.I was told by another passenger that they showed the Captain the planned itinerary and he said he had never seen it.Read More
Golfercurt

First Time Cruiser

Age 64s

Azzurra cruise

The highlights for us were sightseeing in Dubrovnik, sailing the Dalmation coast, cruising into Kotor bay with dolphins riding the bow wave and a glass of champagne in hand, exploring the fascinating streets of Kotor, lovely Corfu town and the caves in Cefalonia and lovely day in Gythio, ending the holiday visiting the Parthenon in Athens.The most relaxing holiday ever!Read More
UGC

2-5 Cruises

Age 80s

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