Emerald Cruises Unveils 2027–2028 Yacht Collection


Emerald Cruises once again inspires the most discerning travelers with the launch of its highly anticipated 2027–2028 Yacht Collection. Featuring 25 brand-new itineraries, 170 departures, over 200 ports across 70 countries, and a fleet of luxury yachts strategically positioned around the globe, this marks the most extensive offering in the company’s history.

The new Emerald Cruises collection stands out for its flexibility and variety, perfectly aligned with the desires of today’s travelers, who increasingly seek deeper exploration and more authentic travel experiences. Each itinerary has been carefully crafted to offer access to smaller ports, extended stays, evening departures, and a balanced mix of short and long cruises—many of which can be combined to allow for even more comprehensive journeys.

One of the highlights of the season will be the inaugural voyage of Emerald Raiya, debuting on April 8, 2027, with a 10-night sailing from Valletta to Athens. With this new vessel, Emerald Cruises will introduce a range of brand-new destinations never before visited by the line, such as Kepez in Turkey—gateway to legendary Troy—Lesvos, Katakolo, and the sacred island of Delos. During the winter months, Emerald Raiya will be deployed in the Red Sea and East Africa, featuring exciting ports of call like Mombasa, Mahé, and the breathtaking Al Disah Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Saudi Arabia.”

Framing Raiya’s debut are the much-loved Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Sakara, and Emerald Kaia, each offering a thoughtfully curated program that blends elegance, exclusivity, and a spirit of adventure.

Emerald Azzurra will spend spring and summer in the heart of the Adriatic, visiting iconic ports such as Dubrovnik, Corfu, and Venice—a route that only a few select ships are still allowed to navigate past St. Mark’s Square. In winter, the yacht will reposition to the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Panama, featuring full Panama Canal transits and immersive stops in Bocas del Toro, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Meanwhile, Emerald Sakara will focus on the Western Mediterranean in 2027, calling at glamorous destinations like Saint-Tropez, Nice, Porto Cervo, and hidden gems such as Pantelleria, Arbatax, and Sanremo. During the winter season, the yacht will offer island-hopping adventures in the Caribbean, sailing between Sint Maarten, Nevis, Iles des Saintes, and other enchanting islands with a relaxed and authentic vibe.

Emerald Kaia will return to the Adriatic with itineraries ranging from 7 to 12 nights between Venice, Dubrovnik, and Civitavecchia (Rome). She will then head to the Caribbean for the winter season, sailing from San Juan, Antigua, and even Miami, with stops at off-the-beaten-path islands like Vieques, Montserrat, and Saint John.

To round off this ambitious expansion plan, Emerald Cruises also announced the upcoming addition of a fifth yacht, Emerald Xara, set to launch in 2028, with more details to be revealed in the coming months.

According to Ken Muskat, President of Scenic Group USA and LATAM, Emerald Cruises is evolving in step with the modern traveler’s expectations. As he pointed out, the goal is to meet a growing demand for unexpected destinations, authentic experiences, and the personalized service that only a yacht can deliver. With the launch of Emerald Raiya and new routes to the Seychelles and East Africa, Muskat emphasized how the brand is “truly raising the bar,” delivering an offer that fuses luxury, discovery, and uniqueness.

The 2027–2028 collection thus marks a turning point for Emerald Cruises, solidifying its position as a niche operator in the luxury yacht cruise segment, where quality of experience outweighs quantity.

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Giorgia Lombardo

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