Emerald Cruises- The Yacht Experience Without the High Price
- Jackie
- Jan 16
- 16 min read
After cruising the world for over 50 years, I thought I had seen it all. But when we arrived in the port of Old San Juan to board Emerald Yachts’ the Azzurra, I realized I was definitely mistaken!
When we first laid eyes on her, we were absolutely blown away. The Azzurra has the styling and sleek lines of the super yachts we’ve seen anchored off the coast of St Barts- the playground of the world’s rich and famous.
As we stepped aboard the Azzurra for our 7-night Caribbean cruise, I immediately knew this week was going to be like no other cruise we have ever taken. For reference- we have sailed on all the premium and luxury brands and most of the ultra-luxury brands, dozens of cruises, over 300+ days at sea. Cruise travel is our business; we provide our clients with first hand, up to the minute knowledge on the strengths and differenced of the various cruise lines and ships so they can make the best choice in how to invest their travel dollars and time.
After our 7-night Caribbean cruise, here is our observation: life aboard an Emerald yacht, like the Azzurra, is a completely different cruising experience. Check out our recent YouTube video about our time on Emerald’s Azzurra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7fkhnq4U8A
A little Background on Emerald Yachts
The Emerald Azzurra and her twin sister Emerald Sakara are luxury yachts by Emerald Cruises, offering intimate, small-ship cruising for a maximum of 100 guests, 50 staterooms. The yachts were custom built to be able to sail into smaller ports and harbors and to dock in the heart of towns. The yacht’s vibe is casual- think European boutique luxury hotel meets super yacht. The overall design is modern and chic with soft, neutral colors; each suite equipped with a private terrace.
Azzurra and her sister ship Sakura have all the upscale amenities our guests have come to expect- elegant lounges and public spaces, complimentary beverages and wifi, wellness centers, gyms, complimentary fitness classes, complimentary e-bikes to enjoy in town, destination immersion experiences and, of course, a high staff-to-guest ratio. We found the crew friendly and attentive, well trained in the art of service and very proud to serve on an Emerald yacht.
7 Things we fell in love with about Emerald’s Azzurra:
The yacht itself- It is exquisite. Period. Every time we arrived in port- it was fun to watch people’s reaction to seeing our yacht. I really felt like we were on an episode of, “Lifestyles of the rich and famous” – remember that show back in the 80’s? No crowds, no lines, no hassles. It was quiet, peaceful and elegant. Even though I am an extrovert, I thrive on alone time and I could easily find a place alone on the yacht to read a book or a secluded spot to enjoy a romantic moment with John watching the sunset. But if you are looking for some group fun in the evenings, the crew hosted fun trivia games and parties on the Sky Deck where you could dance under the stars to your favorite tunes. Fun.
The crew- We loved the crew! They are a tight knit group that work extremely well together and gave us friendly and attentive service. They quickly learned our names; our favorite drinks and our food preferences, dedicated to meeting the needs of every passenger. They were also just fun to hang out with. One night, some of our group visited Foxy’s – a famous dive bar on the tiny island of Jost Van Dyke in the Caribbean – and members of the crew showed up at the bar to relax and have some fun together– lots of dancing and laugher.
We were blown away at how often we saw our captain, Captain Marco. He met us on embarkation day. He came out to enjoy Marina Day with us. We chatted with him on the bridge.
Emerald has an “open bridge” policy- meaning you can visit the bridge whenever you want. John, being a former Naval officer- enjoyed chatting with Captain Marco and his officers as they showed off the yacht’s high tech navigation system.
When we left the yacht on disembarkation day, Captain Marco was on the dock, big smile on his face and inviting us to come back soon. Yes sir, Captain Marco, we will be back soon!
Marina Day- If you have ever been on a large cruise ship, and thought “I wound really love to just jump in the ocean” then you would love Marina Day! The crew opens the back end of the yacht- creating a large swim platform. Then they bring out a wide selection of water toys- slides, kayaks,
stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, aquatic trampoline, SEABOBS (a small, motorized device that you hold and it can go fast!).
We loved sliding down into the warm, sapphire blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. We used the paddle boards and kayaks and the SEABOBS.
Itineraries: Due to their small size, Emerald’s yachts can go into small, unique and exotic ports of call that the large ships can’t do. For example, one of our favorite itineraries Emerald offers is their Venice to Dubrovnik voyage - the yacht is small enough to sail right into the heart of Venice. You would visit gorgeous islands along the Adriatic Sea on your way to Croatia. https://www.emeraldcruises.com/tours/e02d-ecusa/e02d-ecusa-2026-vce-dbv
Is a safari on your bucket list? Check out this highly creative itinerary: This 16-night
itinerary combines the excitement of seeing the Big 5 on a 6-night Africa Safari, a 3-night stay in the Masai Mara and then get on the yacht for a 7-night cruise through the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. https://www.emeraldcruises.com/tours/yx01-ecusa/yx01-ecusa-2026-nbo-sez
Private Beach parties- When in the Caribbean, the crew of Azzurra host a fun, private island beach party. Ours was on Norman Island. The crew arrive early in the morning to set up the party, bringing out all the water toys (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, floaties, etc.), set up the very comfy lounge chairs and beach umbrellas, prepared the picnic lunch that they served us under the covered, outdoor dining area while we listened to a local artist play steel drum music. We kayaked and snorkeled- seeing sea turtles and tons of brightly colored fish. About 2 in the afternoon, the ship’s zodiac came whizzing by to deliver Captain Marco for a fun “surprise and delight” event. Captain Marco jumped off the zodiac into the water- in uniform- and began serving glasses of champagne to everyone! He was obviously having a great time, too. Everyone had a great time- taking pictures with the captain in the water and drinking champagne. 😊 Watch our video from our private beach party on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0uSNbQV7VPg
Our fellow passengers: Overall, our 98 fellow passengers were friendly, kind, low key, experienced and interesting world travelers. Everyone was there to have a great time and we quickly formed a sense of community and made some new friends from the US, Cananda, the UK and Australia. The casual dress code onboard helps people just relax, enjoy a good conversation with new friends, and share fun travel stories.
The Value: So many things that you would normally have to pay extra for on a cruise ship are included in your price on Emerald yachts:
· Our private island beach party- everything was included. On other ships, we have had to pay for a shore excursion to take us to a resort where we hoped we would find open lounge chairs and umbrellas and then pay for our food and drinks. Even for those cruise lines that have their own private island, you usually have to pay for your drinks and, again, hope you can secure a lounger and umbrella.
· Marina Day- getting to jump right off the end of the yacht into the Caribbean Sea and play with all the water toys was a highlight to us- and no charge. Some of our shore excursions were included- others required a fee. All of the beverages (except very high end- there was a fee for high end wines and spirits) were free all of the time.
· All dining is included.
· All tips and gratuities included.
· Wifi is included.
· Use of the E-bikes for free (they can be expensive if you rent them on land),
· Use of the spa facilities (additional fee for services)
· Use of the gym
· Exercise classes
· Transfers (airport to ship on embarkation day, ship to airport on disembarkation day)
· Some shore excursions- EmeraldPLUS programs are complimentary. They also offer more extensive experiences under their DiscoverMORE programs – those are for a fee.
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Here is a side by side price of Emerald Yacht for a 7- night cruise Venice to Dubrovnik vs. other yacht brands (Note: prices change often. This snapshot of pricing- for a 7night cruise in Oct 2027 is for educational purposes. These other yacht brands are decidedly more upscale than Emerald, but this side-by-side comparison gives you an idea of the value of the Emerald Yacht experience.)
o Emerald Azzurra: starting at $6,615 pp double occupancy.
o Four Seasons Yachts- starting at $29,000 pp double occupancy.
o Ritz Carleton Yachts- starting at $10,600 pp double occupancy.
o Scenic Yachts- starting at $14,040 pp double occupancy.
Looking at this price comparison, you can see why John and I call the Emerald Yacht experience, “Explore the world by yacht, without the yacht price tag.”
Thinking about booking an Emerald yacht cruise? Here are the answers to the most popular questions we get:
What are the names of all the current Emerald yachts?
Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara
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How many yachts are in the Emerald fleet as of Jan 2026?
2: the existing Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara
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How old is Azzurra?
The Emerald Azzurra started service in March 2022 as the first yacht in the fleet
How old is Sakura?
The Emerald Sakura started service in fall of 2023
What new yachts is Emerald building now?
Emerald Kaia launching in April 2026, followed by Emerald Raiya (late 2026/2027) and Emerald Xara (2027/2028)
How many passengers are on the Emerald Azzurra and Sakura?
Each yacht holds a maximum of 100 passengers with 50 staterooms
How many crew members are on the Emerald Azzurra and Sakura?
Around 76 crew members
Are the crew members friendly and do they offer good service?
Yes. They are amazingly friendly and provide excellent service
Is there a casino on Emerald Azzurra or Sakura?
No
Do Emerald yachts have production shows in the evening?
No. Their evening entertainment is more focused on local artists such as a local singer or guitar players.
What is the nightlife like on Emerald Azzurra and Sakura?
The nightlife is relaxed, intimate, and yacht-like, focusing on low-key fun in lounges with a resident guitarist, quizzes, karaoke, and sometimes dancing, rather than large productions; evenings often feature sunset cocktails followed by drinks and light entertainment with a friendly, social crowd enjoying the unregimented atmosphere.
How many decks are on the Emerald Azzurra?
6 main decks with passenger amenities and public spaces, plus a dedicated Wellness Deck (Deck 2) and the top Sky Deck (Deck 7) with a jacuzzi, making it effectively 8 levels in total, with cabins primarily on Decks 4, 5, and 6, and public areas spread across decks 3 through 7
How many pools are on the Emerald Azzurra?
The Emerald Azzurra has two main pools: a larger, infinity-style Aqua Pool on the Pool Deck at the aft, and a smaller, bubbling Spa Pool on the Sky Deck
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What are the dining options on Azzurra and Sakura?
La Cucina Dining & Terrace (buffet breakfast/lunch, à la carte dinner), Amici Bar & Lounge, Aqua Pool Café (casual bites/gelato), and the Sky Bar
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Can I have room service in my suite on Azzurra and Sakura?
Yes, room service is available, generally during meal times breakfast, lunch and dinner
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What is Marina Day?
Marina Day is when the ship's aft, Marina Platform, lowers to water level, creating a private aquatic playground with complimentary watersports equipment like paddleboards, kayaks, floating mats, snorkeling gear, and SEABOBs (underwater scooters that act as a personal watercraft) for guests to enjoy when anchored in suitable locations. It's an opportunity for active, sea-connected fun, offering expert-led excursions or free play with the various marine toys available.
Where does Azzurra and Sakura have their private beach days in the Caribbean?
Emerald hosts private beach days at various stunning Caribbean spots, including White Bay on Jost Van Dyke (BVI) with BBQ, steel drums, and loungers; beaches near Culebra & Vieques (Puerto Rico) for snorkeling/swimming; Mayreau Island (Grenadines) with local music; and other islands like Norman Island (BVI). Here are some fun pictures from our own beach day.
How is the food?
The food is good, featuring Mediterranean-inspired menus with fresh, local ingredients, buffet breakfast/lunch, and plated dinners.
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Can Emerald Azzurra accommodate vegetarians?
Yes, they are very accommodating for vegetarians, with vegetarian options clearly marked on menus at every meal. You can work directly with chefs for customized dishes, even offering vegan choices, thanks to its small ship size and focus on personalized service.
Can Emerald Azzurra accommodate a gluten free diet?
Yes, the Emerald Azzurra can fully accommodate a gluten-free diet and is highly praised for its excellent handling of guests with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.
What is included in the price?
Included in the price are airport transfers, all meals, complimentary wine/beer/soft drinks with lunch & dinner, Wi-Fi, gratuities, some shore excursions (EmeraldPLUS/Zodiac), water toys, fitness classes (yoga/Pilates).
What is not included in the price?
Excluded are DiscoverMORE excursions, spa treatments, laundry, premium/specialty drinks (unless a package is bought), and minibar items (in most rooms).
Does Emerald yachts have sales?
Yes, Emerald Cruises frequently runs sales and promotions, often featuring "2 for 1 Fares," and other deals during seasonal events like their "Wave of Savings" or Black Friday sales
When is final payment due for an Emerald Yacht cruise?
For Yacht Cruises: 120 days before departure
Is Emerald Yachts a good honeymoon option?
Yes, Emerald Yachts are an excellent honeymoon option for couples seeking an intimate, boutique-hotel-like experience, offering romantic veranda suites, access to secluded spots, and personalized service.
Is Emerald Yachts good for Gal Pal trips?
Yes, Emerald Yachts can be great for "Gal Pal" trips due to their intimate size, relaxed atmosphere, included excursions, focus on socializing with good food/wine, and chic yachting feel, making it perfect for bonding without overwhelming crowds or formal nights. I also loved the fact this yacht would be a great way to travel safely with my group of girl friends or a mother/daughter trip.
Is Emerald Yachts good for executive retreats?
Yes, Emerald Cruises' luxury yachts are excellent for executive retreats due to their intimate size, luxurious amenities, bespoke event capabilities, ability to access smaller ports, and blend of relaxation (spa, pool) with productivity (lounges, meeting spaces) for unique team-building and strategic sessions away from the typical boardroom. They offer an elevated, yet accessible, superyacht feel with modern design, personalized service, and versatile spaces for corporate gatherings, making them ideal for leadership retreats or incentive trips. I would recommend the leader book the Owner's Suite (1,162+ square feet with bedroom, lounge, walk in closet and large terrace). The Owner's Suite perfect for hosting small meetings in the lounge and an intimate cocktail party on the private terrace in the bow of the yacht. We work with the crew to schedule your private events- training times, awards dinners, team building events. Contact us soon to discuss hosting your next retreat or offsite on a luxury yacht- we have decades of experience and will make your event amazing,
Is Emerald yachts good for incentive travel?
Yes, Emerald Cruises is very well-suited for incentive travel, offering exclusive full-ship charters or group bookings on their luxury yachts and river cruises, providing customizable, all-inclusive experiences with unique destinations, team-building excursions, and corporate branding opportunities for a memorable reward or corporate event. Contact us soon- we work directly with the crew to curate everything you need for the perfect offsite.
When is the best time to book a cruise on Emerald’s Azzurra?
The best time to book an Emerald Azzurra cruise is during "Wave Season" (January-March) for general deals or 12-18 months ahead (or even 2 years) to secure prime cabins.
What itineraries does Emerald’s Azzurra sail?
Diverse itineraries across the Mediterranean (Greek Isles, Italian/French Riviera), Caribbean (Eastern, Grenadines), Red Sea, Indian Ocean (Seychelles), and also Central America
What kind of passengers are on Emerald’s Azzurra?
Everyone from the honeymoon couple in their late 20’s to couples and friends traveling together in their 70’s, and in between. Overall, everyone is super friendly and down to earth. Most are seasoned world travelers and many have sailed the Caribbean in their own sailboats and small yachts at one point in time. It is a great place to meet people from all over the world who tend to be fellow adventure lovers, and enjoy conversations over cocktails in the evening before dinner or in the hot tub on the Sky Deck.
What is the dress code on Emerald’s Azzurra?
The dress code is relaxed and informal, with no formal nights; daytime is casual (shorts, t-shirts), while evenings suggest smart casual attire like blouses, polo shirts, smart trousers, or dresses, though many guests dress up a bit more for special dinners like the Welcome/Farewell events. Comfortable shoes are essential for shore excursions, and you'll want layers for cool evenings or air conditioning.
Does Emerald Azzurra have a spa?
Yes, the Azzurra features the Elements Spa: a wellness center offering massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and an infrared sauna, plus an adjacent gym with Technogym equipment, with some treatments and salon services at an additional cost.
Is the Azzurra spa worth the money?
The Azzurra spa includes a thermal suite (infrared sauna, spa pool) and includes yoga/Pilates. You are free to use these facilities as much as you want- complimentary. If you want a service- massages, facials, manicures, pedicures- there is an additional fee for services. I had a fantastic 90 minute massage with hot stones, aroma therapy and various ESPA products. And the price was reasonable- I think I paid under $200 for a 90 minute massage... on a luxury yacht.
Do they have a gym?
Yes, Azzurra and Sakura both have gyms that are complimentary to use. The gym lacks windows, which I found a bit blah so I chose not to work out there. But I know others did, and several in our group took complimentary exercise classes. I preferred to walk on the deck or out in port. Azzurra and Sakura also have complimentary e-bikes that you can check out and ride on shore. I wan't brave enough to try that- but I heard others did and had a fun time.
Can I use the facilities in the Azzurra spa without booking a treatment?
Yes, all guests on the Emerald Azzurra can use the infrared sauna facility in the spa without booking a treatment. Access to the general spa area and its amenities is an included perk for all passengers. While some treatments like massages, facials, and salon services are available at an additional cost, the sauna itself is available for general guest use. You can simply visit the spa during its operating hours to use this facility.
What is a good packing list for Emerald Azzurra cruise in the Caribbean?
For an Emerald Azzurra Caribbean cruise, pack light, breathable clothing (shorts, tees, sundresses) for warm days, smart-casual outfits (blouses, nice pants/dresses) for evenings, essential swimwear with cover-ups, and comfortable walking shoes/sandals for excursions, plus sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF) and a light jacket/cardigan for cooler nights, focusing on versatile pieces for days and nights on board and ashore
What is a good packing list for Emerald Azzurra cruise in the Mediterranean?
For an Emerald Azzurra Mediterranean cruise, pack lightweight, layered clothing (shorts, dresses, tees, light sweaters/jackets for evenings), comfortable walking shoes/sneakers, swimwear, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), plus essentials like a daypack, camera, and toiletries, keeping in mind daytime heat versus cooler evenings/air conditioning, focusing on versatile items for port excursions and ship relaxation
What is a good packing list for Emerald Azzurra cruise in Seychelles and East Africa?
For a Seychelles/East Africa cruise, pack light, breathable fabrics (linen, cotton) for daytime, layering pieces (cardigan, light jacket) for breezy evenings, smart-casual attire for dinners (dresses, slacks, open-neck shirts), swimwear with a cover-up, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF), water shoes, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and essential toiletries, keeping the overall vibe relaxed but neat for evening dining.
What is a good packing list for Emerald Azzurra cruise in Europe?
For an Emerald Azzurra European cruise, pack versatile, smart-casual clothes (linen/cotton), comfortable walking shoes (essential for excursions), swimwear, a light jacket/cardigan for cool evenings, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and practical accessories like a secure day bag and travel adapter, focusing on layers and comfort for port exploration and relaxing onboard.
Are children allowed on Emerald yachts?
Yes, children are allowed on Emerald Cruises' yachts, but generally the minimum age is 12, as the ships are geared toward adults with no specific kids' programs. Personally, as a mother and grandmother of 5, a former teacher and a Travel Advisor for decades- I would not recommend Emerald Yachts for children.
Are dogs allowed on Emerald yachts?
No, pets and other animals are generally not allowed on Emerald Yacht Cruises
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Does Emerald Yachts offer laundry service?
Yes, Emerald Cruises offers laundry services, with complimentary options for premium suites and paid services for others, plus self-service laundromats on some ships, though dry cleaning isn't available. I did our laundry onboard, the machines were easy to use, the directions were clear, and they had everything I needed- soap, laundry bag, ironing board, steamer (great for linens).
Will my hairdryer work on the Emerald yachts?
Emerald Cruises provides hairdryers in all staterooms and suites, however bringing your own is an option if you have a type C/F plug adaptor. Consider the voltage (220V) when bringing your own hairdryer. My advice- don't pack a hair dryer as it takes up too much room. Just use the one they provide in your suite or stateroom.
Will my curling iron and straightener work on Emerald Azzurra?
Yes, you can generally use your curling iron and straightener on the Emerald Azzurra, but according to their website- you'll likely need a European plug adapter for the 220V outlets and should ensure your device isn't a high-wattage fire hazard. My personal experience? I bought a regular straightener/curling iron combo on Amazon- not a travel one- just a regular one. It worked great in our suite with no converter or adapter. Just sayin'
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Are the suites on Emerald yachts nice?
Yes, Emerald yacht suites are generally considered nice, modern, and well-appointed, especially the higher-end options like Terrace Suites, Yacht Suites, and Owner's Suites, which offer large balconies, separate living areas, and luxury perks. Most accommodations feature balconies (except entry-level Oceanview), modern amenities, and comfortable bedding.
What amenities are in the suites on Emerald yachts?
Emerald Yachts' suites offer luxury amenities like king beds with fine linens, en-suite bathrooms with ESPA toiletries, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and complimentary bottled water, with higher-tier suites adding perks like walk-in closets, welcome champagne, pillow menus, espresso machines, minibars, and sometimes separate living areas, and balconies with lounging furniture.
Will my plugs work on Emerald yachts?
According to their website, Emerald luxury yachts offer universal sockets, but adapters are still needed for non-European plugs, and you'll want multi-USB adapters for charging multiple devices. While some US-style (110V) outlets might exist for shavers, you'll need European-style adapters for most electronics like phones, tablets, and cameras, as they don't provide them onboard. Our personal experience? Our computers, phones and devices worked fine- we do travel with adaptors but did not need to use them in our suite.
What is the difference between Emerald Yachts and Scenic Yachts?
Emerald Yachts and Scenic Yachts are sister brands from the same parent company, but Scenic offers a higher-end, truly all-inclusive luxury experience (with butlers, top-shelf drinks, more included excursions), while Emerald provides a premium, less expensive option with fewer automatic inclusions, allowing guests to choose extras à la carte, like premium excursions or drink packages, making Scenic more comprehensive but pricier. We book many clients on both Scenic and Emerald- ocean and river- and while both will give you an amazing experience, Scenic is decidedly ultra luxury brand- with the price tag that goes along with ultra premium.
We hope our article is helpful to you. This is why we call Emerald yachts-
"Affordable yachting."
Call, text or email us soon to talk about your next yacht adventure. We are official booking agents for Emerald, Scenic, and all the major brands.
Until next time, your next adventure awaits!!!
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