Beyond the Horizon

Emerald Cruises Unveils a New Era of Mediterranean Yachting for 2027 - 2028

With the launch of innovative itineraries, the debut of a stunning new luxury yacht, and an expanded collection of voyages designed to maximize time ashore, Emerald Cruises & Tours is inviting guests to experience the Mediterranean in a way few travellers ever do.

Step aboard and enjoy the ultimate in luxury cruising, where every detail has been thoughtfully included. Delight in all-day gourmet dining and premium beverages, immersive EmeraldDISCOVERY excursions, and access to the yacht's marina platform, complete with kayaks, paddleboards, and SEABOBs for unforgettable adventures on the water. Throughout your journey, stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi, take advantage of onboard laundry services, and relax knowing that all gratuities are included. With so much covered, you can simply settle in and enjoy the exceptional service, comfort, and discovery that await.
 

Designed around a growing desire for authentic regional discovery, the 2027-2028 season introduces 25 new voyages and 19 new ports of call throughout Greece, Italy, Turkey, France, and beyond, expanding access to destinations inaccessible by larger cruise ships. Guests can look forward to overnight stays, late-night departures, and carefully curated itineraries that allow more time to connect with each destination at a relaxed pace. With a diverse mix of shorter sailings and extended journeys—many of which can be combined for a more comprehensive Mediterranean adventure - Emerald Cruises continues to distinguish itself through boutique yacht experiences, exclusive access to smaller ports, and a style of travel that prioritizes meaningful connections with the places visited. At the heart of the season is the highly anticipated arrival of the 128-guest Emerald Raiya, the newest addition to the Emerald Cruises luxury yacht fleet. Launching on June 16th, 2027, her inaugural 8-day voyage from Piraeus (Athens) roundtrip marks the beginning of an exciting new era of exploration across the Eastern Mediterranean. 

Explore the sacred island of Delos, drenched in Greek mythology and home to one of the nation’s most important archaeological sites. Spend time on the lively island of Mykonos, admiring its white-sand beaches, iconic windmills and narrow stone-paved streets, then visit the serene island of Patmos, known for its wild landscapes and religious significance. In Turkey, Kusadasi is the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, a World Heritage Site which has revealed some of the world’s most important archaeological finds. Sail through azure waters dotted with more idyllic islands, from the pristine beaches of Kos to Santorini’s famed cliffside towns of white buildings and blue-domed churches, and the relaxed charms of picturesque Paros, where you can swim in the Aegean’s crystal-clear waters.

From the Greek islands and Turkish coastline to the Italian Riviera and Adriatic Sea, Emerald Yacht Cruises 2027-2028 collection celebrates the Mediterranean's diversity while revealing its best-kept secrets.

Mediterranean Enchantment: Discovering Hidden Treasures
Among the standout new itineraries is Mediterranean Enchantment, an 8-day journey from Athens to Dubrovnik that showcases the region's quieter, lesser-known treasures. Rather than focusing solely on iconic ports, this itinerary ventures into places where local traditions remain deeply rooted and authentic encounters await around every corner. Cruise through the narrow Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel, before arriving in Itea, where you’ll explore the fascinating and well-preserved archaeological site of Delphi. Be enthralled with tales of an ancient castle in Lefkada, known as the Caribbean of Greece. In the idyllic days ahead, savour sunshine-filled explorations in Parga, a spectacular amphitheatre-style town on mainland Greece, followed by Corfu, a beloved island in the Ionian Sea. You’ll also visit the charming port of Sarandë in Albania and the fortified city of Kotor in Montenegro, where ancient sites combine with rich culture and vibrant modern-day life. Climb the 1,350 steps up to St John’s Fortress, where you’ll have spectacular views over the Bay of Kotor. This unforgettable yacht cruise concludes in the walled city of Dubrovnik, where terracotta rooftops and grand city walls overlook the sparkling Adriatic.

Yachting the Less-Travelled Greek Isles, Mykonos and Turkey
For travellers drawn to the mystique of the Aegean, Emerald Cruises' new 11-day Athens roundtrip itinerary through the less-travelled Greek Isles and Turkey offers an exceptional blend of iconic destinations and hidden gems. Beyond the cosmopolitan energy of Mykonos, guests will encounter sacred Delos, the birthplace of Apollo in Greek mythology, and lesser-visited islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and the volcanic island of Chios where traditional island life unfolds at an unhurried pace. You’ll explore ancient treasures in the Turkish resort town of Kusadasi, cruise the stunning Mycale Strait and see ancient history rub shoulders with modern life on the island of Samos. Relish the sacred legends of Patmos, the golden beaches of Paros, and the traffic-free serenity of Hydra. Late-night departures allow guests to savour golden sunsets, waterfront dining, and lively evening atmospheres long after day visitors have departed - creating a more intimate connection with each destination.

Riviera Charm & Monaco Grand Prix
For those seeking glamour along the Mediterranean's most celebrated coastline, the 9-day Riviera Charm & Monaco Grand Prix sailing from Nice to Rome delivers an unforgettable combination of luxury, excitement, and elegance. Sailing aboard Emerald Sakara, guests can experience the sophisticated allure of Saint-Tropez, Portofino, Porto Venere and Livorno while enjoying front-row access to one of the world's most prestigious sporting spectacles - the Monaco Grand Prix (Grand Prix tickets at additional cost). Beyond the race itself, the itinerary reveals a more intimate side of the Riviera through boutique ports and picturesque coastal communities that remain inaccessible to many larger vessels. The result is a journey that balances world-famous glamour with authentic local discovery.

From Croatia to the Amalfi Coast via Sicily
History, culture, and spectacular scenery converge on the new 10-day itinerary from Croatia to the Amalfi Coast via Sicily. Beginning among the medieval cities and island-dotted coastlines of the Adriatic, guests journey from Dubrovnik westward through some of the Mediterranean's most captivating landscapes. Enjoy the vibrant island of Hvar, a destination known for its lavender fields, charming old town, and lively nightlife. The quaint coastal town of Monopoli in Italy’s Puglia region is next, where you can spend time exploring its historic sites or on its striking pebbly beaches. Cruising among the stunning Greek isles, you will stop in the picturesque port of Corfu in the Ionian Sea, where lush greenery and rich history await. Then it’s onto the enigmatic Italian island of Sicily, where the resort town of Taormina is set to the backdrop of Mt Etna, before looping around to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, where dramatic cliffs meet azure seas, and colourful villages cling to the hillsides. Your memorable journey concludes in Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome, where history and modernity collide.

Signature Experiences Across the Fleet
Throughout 2027, guests sailing aboard Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Sakara, Emerald Kaia, and the new Emerald Raiya will enjoy experiences that few cruise operators can offer. In Venice, Emerald Cruises remains among the select cruise lines permitted to navigate the traditional route past St. Mark's Square. Guests aboard Emerald Azzurra will also experience a daylight transit through the dramatic Corinth Canal, one of the narrowest navigable waterways in the world, where towering cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the yacht. Meanwhile, Emerald Kaia will introduce a collection of Adriatic and Mediterranean sailings connecting Venice, Dubrovnik, and Rome, blending historic cities, elegant coastal destinations, and off-the-radar discoveries into one seamless luxury journey.

The Future of Mediterranean Exploration
As luxury travellers increasingly seek meaningful experiences and destinations beyond the ordinary, Emerald Cruises continues to redefine what a yacht cruise can be. The 2027 - 2028 Mediterranean collection offers more than beautiful coastlines and iconic landmarks. It provides opportunities to linger longer, venture deeper, and discover the Mediterranean through a more personal lens. From the hidden harbours of Greece and Turkey to the glamorous shores of the Riviera and the timeless beauty of Italy's southern coast, Emerald Cruises & Tours is creating journeys that transform travel into genuine discovery - one extraordinary port at a time.

Contact  your Travel Professional for details or visit here.