After delaying its first sailing by six weeks due to the pandemic, Emerald Cruises has taken delivery of the Emerald Azzurra, the line’s first ocean ship.  

The oceangoing vessel diversifies Emerald’s established fleet of river ships.  

The 100-guest Emerald Azzurra departed Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam on Tuesday. The luxury superyacht was originally scheduled to embark on its first voyage in late January, but Emerald delayed the sailing to March 11 “due to the continually changing travel landscape and to ensure our guests receive the very best experience when traveling with us,” said David Winterton, Emerald global brand and marketing director, in January. 

Designed to visit ports and harbors only yachts can reach, the ship is headed to Aqaba, Jordan, for its inaugural sailing with an eight-day Red Sea itinerary. Azzurra then shifts to the Mediterranean and Adriatic coast for the summer and returns to the Red Sea next winter.   

Azzurra’s inaugural season is almost fully sold, said Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group, parent of Emerald Cruises.  

“This yacht represents the next generation of yacht cruising, taking guests to new destinations with on board luxury amenities that are unlike any other small-ship experience,” said Moroney. 

The ship will has 50 cabins, 88% with outdoor balconies, Emerald said. The vessel also has an infinity pool, spa, gym and marina platform. Azzurra’s sister yacht, Emerald Sakara, is expected to be completed in February of 2023 and sail the Seychelles, the Black Sea and the Middle East. 

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