SAN JUAN — Emerald Cruises’ newest luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, was christened in San Juan, Puerto Rico this past weekend.

The gala event at the Pier 4 East terminal, complete with music from a local band, included Scenic Group Founder and Chairman, Glen Moroney and Scenic Group Managing Director for the U.S., Ken Muskat, and CLIA President and CEO Kelly Craighead, who was named godmother of the new vessel.

(From left) Scenic Group Founder and Chairman, Glen Moroney, and Managing Director for the U.S., Ken Muskat and CLIA President and CEO Kelly Craighead with (at right) Captain Rob O’Leary, captain of Emerald Sakara

Also in attendance were Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico; Crystal J. Bell, Air & Cruise Director of Puerto Rico Tourism Company; Christian Trinidad De Jesus, Deputy Executive Director of Puerto Rico Ports Authority; Captain Rob O’Leary, captain of Emerald Sakara; local travel advisors and U.S. trade partners; embarking guests; and media from around the world.

Craighead christened Emerald Sakara with a traditional champagne bottle breaking ceremony, followed by a surprise for all in attendance: flyboarders emerged from behind the yacht, providing a celebratory finish to the ceremony.

“We are a pretty unique entity in the cruise industry when it comes to both our river and ocean luxury ships,” said Moroney. “We are intimately involved with every aspect of the build process – coming up with the concept, doing the design, overseeing the engineering, then building the ships including all interior design in house then employing all of the crew members directly. Having Kelly as the godmother of our newest luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, follows that same thought process as she embodies a similar can-do attitude and history, and her leadership and guidance with CLIA over the recent challenging years for the industry is inspirational.”

Craighead joined CLIA in 2019 and under her leadership CLIA has honed its focus on leveraging its diverse community to advocate for a sustainable cruise industry, noted Moroney. In 2023, the cruise industry is projected to carry 31.5 million passengers, surpassing 2019 levels.

Said Craighead: “The dedication of Emerald Sakara was extraordinary, and I am honoured to be an ambassador for the entire CLIA team in the esteemed maritime tradition of godmother. The stunning luxury of Emerald Sakara, complemented by Emerald Cruises’ commitment to environmentally responsible tourism, exemplifies CLIA’s advocacy for sustainable tourism and preservation of cruise destinations around the world for future generations. Thank you to Emerald Cruises for this very special recognition.”

CLIA President and CEO Kelly Craighead, godmother of Emerald Sakara

The 100-passenger Emerald Sakara has 50 deluxe staterooms and suites ranging from 185 to 1,185 square feet – with 44 featuring large walk-out balconies. The open-air infinity pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and day beds, steps from the Aqua Café. A wellness deck comes complete with spa, infrared sauna and gym, while the top deck Sky Bar offers views for days. Located off the yacht’s stern, a marina platform boasts water toys galore: kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkel equipment, SEABOBs and a giant trampoline available to guests when the platform is deployed.

Also onboard, La Cucina dining room specializes in fresh, seasonal cuisine with seating indoors as well as on the adjacent terrace, while the warm and welcoming Amici Lounge feaetures live music in the evenings. Emerald Sakara’s 76 crew members ensure attentive, personalized service.

Emerald Sakara also employs some of the industry’s latest technology: engines meet IMO tier III emission regulations, including the removal of NOx and SOx from exhaust gases; recycled energy is used to heat water for the yacht’s needs; and advanced sewage treatment complies with the latest regulations. The company has earned a Green Passport from the EU for its recycling efforts.