Life Onboard Emerald Yacht Cruises
Overview
Founded in 2013 as part of the Scenic Group, Emerald Cruises set out to offer a fresh approach to river cruising - one defined by contemporary design, exceptional value and a focus on relaxed, small-ship luxury. Building on its success across Europe and Asia’s waterways, the brand launched Emerald Yacht Cruises in 2022 with the debut of Emerald Azzurra, followed by Emerald Sakara in 2023. These sleek ocean-going yachts marked the company’s expansion into luxury coastal cruising, combining the intimacy of a private yacht with the service and innovation for which Scenic Group is known. Since then, Emerald Yacht Cruises has earned global acclaim.
Accommodations
Elegant, spacious and designed with a contemporary flair, the suites aboard Emerald Yacht Cruises redefine what it means to stay at sea. Each stateroom has been carefully curated to reflect the relaxed luxury of a private yacht, combining modern comfort with a soothing coastal aesthetic.
Across the fleet, guests can choose from a selection of stylish Oceanview Staterooms, Balcony Suites and Deluxe Balcony Suites, each filled with natural light and complete with plush bedding, thoughtful storage and spa-inspired bathrooms. For those seeking a touch more indulgence, Terrace Suites, Yacht Suites, and Owner’s Suites offer extended living areas and private outdoor terraces, perfect for sunbathing, dining alfresco, or simply admiring the horizon in peace.
Every detail has been designed to elevate the experience, from the crisp linens and elegant furnishings to the complimentary minibar, stocked daily with your preferred refreshments.
Activities & Entertainment
Life aboard Emerald Yacht Cruises unfolds at a wonderfully relaxed pace. With a focus on exploration, wellbeing and connection to the sea, each day offers something different, from open-air adventures to quiet moments of reflection surrounded by panoramic ocean views.
At the heart of every yacht is the Marina Platform, a fold-out deck that lowers directly to sea level. When conditions allow, it becomes a private water-sports hub where guests can swim, paddleboard, or kayak straight from the yacht. Floating mats and snorkelling gear are available too, and in select destinations, the crew host a laid-back barbecue right by the water - bringing the atmosphere of a chic beach club to the open sea.
For those who love to explore ashore, the yachts are equipped with a fleet of electric bicycles, available in selected ports. These e-bikes are perfect for discovering local villages, cycling through vineyards or following scenic coastal paths with ease - a quiet, sustainable way to see more of the destination at your own pace.
Back on board, guests can retreat to the Observation Lounge, a peaceful space filled with natural light, comfortable seating and a small library, or enjoy the open-air Observation Terrace, a favourite spot for sunrise yoga or sunset cocktails. Boutique Azzurra, the onboard shop, offers a thoughtfully curated selection of fine jewellery, accessories and gifts. At the same time, the open-bridge policy invites guests to visit the Navigation Bridge and meet the officers at work.
Food & Drink
Dining aboard Emerald Yacht Cruises is inspired by the flavours of the destinations visited. Each yacht features La Cucina Dining, the main restaurant where breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, with fresh pastries, seasonal fruit and made-to-order dishes. In the evening, the venue transforms into a refined à la carte restaurant serving beautifully presented cuisine, paired with a daily ‘local dish’ that reflects regional flavours.
Extending from the main restaurant, the La Cucina Terrace offers alfresco dining, with gentle sea breezes and open-air views. For daytime dining, the Aqua Café, located beside the infinity pool, offers casual options such as stone-baked pizzas, crisp salads, burgers and homemade ice cream. It’s the ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or a relaxed snack between swims.
When it comes to drinks, each Emerald Yacht Cruises ship offers a refined but inviting atmosphere. The Amici Bar & Lounge serves as the social heart of the ship, where guests gather before shore excursions or unwind to the sounds of live music. With plush seating, panoramic windows and a full-service bar, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a morning cappuccino or an evening cocktail.
Up on the top deck, the Sky Bar is all about ambience. Just steps from the spa pool, it offers breathtaking views across the water - the perfect setting for a refreshing spritz at sunset or a glass of champagne beneath the stars.
Relaxation & Fitness
Aboard Emerald Yacht Cruises, wellbeing takes centre stage. Each yacht has been thoughtfully designed to balance exploration with relaxation, offering serene spaces where you can unwind and reconnect with the sea.
On the top decks, the Spa Pool provides a tranquil retreat, framed by glass walls for sweeping ocean views - the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet soak beneath an endless sky. Just below, the Aqua Pool stretches towards the stern in a striking saltwater infinity design, surrounded by plush daybeds that invite guests to bask in the sun or drift between dips.
For those seeking a little indulgence, the Elements Spa offers a soothing sanctuary with treatment rooms, a hair salon and an infrared sauna. Guests can enjoy a selection of rejuvenating therapies, from restorative massages and facials to relaxing hand and foot treatments, all using premium products designed to leave you refreshed and radiant.
The onboard gym features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment for cardio and strength training, while the fitness deck offers open-air space for yoga and stretching. Whether you’re beginning your day with sunrise yoga or ending it with a peaceful soak in the spa pool, wellness aboard Emerald Yacht Cruises feels as natural as the sea breeze.
EmeraldEXPLORER
From your very first cruise with Emerald Yacht Cruises, you’re automatically enrolled in the EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty programme, where the nights you spend aboard turn into points, which unlock a range of exclusive benefits. Points are awarded daily based on your accommodation type, with higher-category suites earning more points per night. As your point total grows, you move through the three tiers of membership: Silver, Gold and Diamond. At Silver, you’ll receive welcome-home vouchers, members-only offers and early access to new itineraries. Gold delivers enhanced value and stay-in-touch perks, while Diamond offers elevated privileges including premium vouchers, even more exclusive offers and VIP-style recognition.
Emerald Yacht Cruises’ Destinations
From the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean to the tranquil islands of the Seychelles, Emerald Yacht Cruises sails to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. With small, elegant yachts designed to reach secluded ports and hidden bays, guests enjoy a more intimate, authentic connection with each region they visit.
In the Mediterranean and Adriatic, itineraries explore a tapestry of cultures, from Italy’s Amalfi Coast and France’s glamorous Riviera to the sun-drenched Greek Islands and the historic towns of Croatia and Montenegro. Guests can wander ancient streets, sample regional cuisine and anchor in picturesque harbours far from the crowds.
The fleet also journeys to the Caribbean, where palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant island life await. Here, days are filled with swimming, snorkelling and laid-back exploration, while evenings bring starlit dining and gentle sea breezes.
Further afield, Emerald Yacht Cruises ventures into the Indian Ocean and Seychelles, where white sands, coral reefs and wildlife encounters create the ultimate escape, as well as the Red Sea and Middle East, where ancient history meets striking desert landscapes.
Types of Cruises
Emerald Yacht Cruises offers a range of voyages to suit every style of traveller. Adventure seekers will love the line’s immersive itineraries, where days can be spent snorkelling in the Seychelles, paddleboarding from the Marina Platform or cycling through charming coastal towns on an e-bike. Guests who prefer a seamless experience can opt for a fly-cruise, with flights, transfers, and luxury yacht accommodation all expertly arranged.
Couples and honeymooners will find romance in every detail, from elegant suites with private terraces to candlelit dinners under the stars. Those who crave the freedom of the open sea can enjoy ocean cruises that blend luxury with exploration. At the same time, fans of boutique travel will appreciate the intimacy of small ship cruising, where just 100 to 128 guests share each voyage.
