VANCOUVER — It was a milestone day for Emerald Cruises, which welcomed its first guests onboard the brand new, highly anticipated Emerald Azzurra superyacht.

The company’s first oceangoing yacht departed on its inaugural sailing this past weekend from Aqaba, Jordan with just 100 guests in 50 deluxe staterooms and suites onboard. It is now sailing the eight-day ‘Best of the Red Sea’ itinerary, calling at the Egyptian resort towns of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, as well as Eilat in Israel before returning to Aqaba for an included guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Petra.

Over two years in the making, Emerald Azzurra offers an ultra-luxe cruising experience to ports and harbours only accessible to small ships. It features modern suites and staterooms, 88% of which boast balconies, a large infinity pool, a spa with infrared sauna, a gym, marina platform with SEABOBs, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment, as well as a fleet of electronic bikes from Gocycle for guests to enjoy.

“Every once in a while, a new yacht comes along in the industry and changes things. Emerald Azzurra is exactly that yacht,” said David Winterton, Global Director of Brand and Marketing at Emerald Cruises. “The level of luxury afforded to each guest, coupled with a diverse sailing program featuring sailings through the Adriatic Coast, the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea for its inaugural season, is truly groundbreaking. We can’t wait to welcome more guests and trade partners on board.”

Emerald Azzurra will be officially welcomed to the brand’s award-winning fleet in Venice before the ship repositions to the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Coast for the 2022 summer season. It will be joined by sister yacht Emerald Sakara in February 2023, with itineraries to the Seychelles, Black Sea and Middle East, on sale now.