: Emerald Cruises Welcomes First Guests on Board Emerald Azzurra

Emerald Cruises Welcomes First Guests on Board Emerald Azzurra 100-guest yacht sets sail in the Red Sea Hollywood, FL (March 14, 2022) – Set to the backdrop of the Jordanian city of Aqaba, Emerald Cruises' first oceangoing yacht, Emerald Azzurra, departed on its inaugural sailing this past weekend. Over two years in the making, Emerald Azzurra marks a milestone as the small ship cruise line's first ocean-going vessel. Carrying just 100 guests in 50 deluxe staterooms and suites, Emerald Azzurra is now sailing the eight-day Best of the Red Sea itinerary. Guests will call 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. Offering a luxurious small ship cruising experience to ports and harbors only accessible to small ships, Emerald Azzurra features modern suites and staterooms, 88 per cent of which boast balconies. The yacht also features a large infinity pool, spa with infrared sauna, gym, and marina platform, with SEABOBs, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment available for guests to enjoy. A fleet of the very latest in electronic bikes from Gocycle are also available on board, ideal for local village trips and active explorations. "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, Vice President of Marketing for Scenic Group USA. "The level of luxury and service afforded to each guest, coupled with the diverse itineraries offered on 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 with a christening in Venice before the ship repositions to the Mediterranean and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Coast for the 2022 summer season. Emerald Azzurra will be joined by sister yacht Emerald Sakara in February 2023, with new itineraries for the brand that include the Seychelles. Emerald Cruises offers a diverse lineup of river and yacht cruises on three continents. Emerald Azzurra, the line's first ocean-going vessel set to debut in March 2022, is a 100-guest, luxury superyacht that will sail the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black and Red Seas. Emerald Sakara will be the brand's second superyacht and will add the Seychelles to the destination lineup when she launches in 2023. On the rivers, Emerald Cruises sails eight branded Star-Ships in Europe and one on the Mekong. The brand offers contemporary deluxe ships, outstanding service and an incredibly inclusive pricing plan that has won them the honor of being named Best River Cruise Line for Value by the Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards for five years running. Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours in Australia.