After a six-week pandemic-related delay, Emerald Cruises’ first oceangoing yacht, the Emerald Azzurra, set off on its inaugural sailing from Jordan this past weekend. 

The 100-passenger ship is sailing an eight-day itinerary called “Best of the Red Sea,” calling at the Egyptian resort towns of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. The ship is also calling in Eilat in Israel before returning to Aqaba, Jordan.

The Azzurra diversifies Emerald Cruises’ fleet of river ships that largely sail in Europe. The Azzurra’s sister yacht, Emerald Sakara, is due out in early 2023. 

“It’s thrilling to see Emerald Azzurra depart on her inaugural voyage. This new yacht is a true game-changer in the cruise industry,” said Maggie Carbonell, Scenic Group USA’s vice president of marketing. Scenic Group is Emerald Cruises’ parent company.

The ship will be christened in Venice before beginning its summer season of Mediterranean and Adriatic cruises. Both Azzurra and sister ship Sakara are expected to sail new itineraries that include the Seychelles, beginning in February 2023. 

Of the 50 staterooms and suites, 88% have balconies. The yacht has an infinity pool, a spa with an infrared sauna, a gym and a marina platform, along with electronic bikes for exploring villages.

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