Emerald Cruises has a lot to offer when the luxury sister yachts, Emerald Azzurra (launched in March 2022 and named Best New Luxury Ship in Cruise Critic’s 2022 Editors’ Picks Awards) and Emerald Sakara (the brand’s second luxury yacht coming this August), homeport in the Caribbean during the 2023 and 2024 winter seasons. Twelve distinct itineraries ranging from eight to 19 days will take guests to picture-perfect islands in the Grenadines, British and US Virgin Islands, Eastern Caribbean and West Indies, as well as ports in Puerto Rico, Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia.

Often compared to private yachts, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara have the amenities to back up this comparison. The open-air infinity pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and day beds ideal for relaxing and enjoying cocktails from the nearby Aqua Pool Café. A wellness deck complete with spa, infrared sauna and gym allow you to keep focus on your health goals. A marina platform, located on the yacht’s stern, boasts water toys galore – kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkel equipment, SEABOBs as well as a giant trampoline are available for guests to enjoy when the platform is deployed.

The extra-spacious La Cucina dining room specializes in fresh, seasonal cuisine with seating indoors as well as on the adjacent terrace, while the warm and welcoming Amici Bar & Lounge is a friendly place to gather and enjoy live music in the evenings. Nothing expands your horizons quite like new culinary delights. Traditional Caribbean food offers an array of surprising flavours that dance on your palette and you will have plenty of opportunities to sample the Caribbean’s culinary treasures while on an Emerald Cruises yacht cruise.

Delight in complimentary, sommelier-paired wines with your meals, from a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to a rich Spanish Rioja, or Tuscan rosé. Your waiter will ensure you’re poured the perfect accompaniment to best complement your dish, with a selection of beers and soft drinks also available with lunch and dinner. Not only that, but Emerald’s flexible drinks packages give you the option to make the most of the yacht’s bar menu whenever you fancy during your cruise.

After a busy day exploring the islands, the top deck Sky Bar offers the ideal spot to watch the sun set over the Caribbean Sea.

With six stateroom and suite categories available, you’re sure to find your perfect home away from home. Ranging from 180 to 1,190 square feet in size, each modern yet comfortable retreat boasts its own set of inclusions and all but six (in the Oceanview Stateroom category on Emerald Deck) of which feature large balconies or terraces. You'll also find complimentary bathrobes and slippers, bottled water restocked daily, Wi-Fi, a personal safe, umbrella and telephone. Take advantage of on-demand entertainment courtesy of your flat screen HDTV and infotainment system, featuring blockbuster films, TV and news channels, and make yourself comfortable with the individual climate control feature within each room.

Finally, with a crew of 76, you can count on receiving attentive, personalized service.

Island Hop Your Way Around the Caribbean

A truly tropical paradise, embarking on a Caribbean cruise is an experience you’ll treasure forever. Some of the most beautiful beaches and coral reefs in the world are yours to explore when you sail this sunny haven, as are the majestic mangroves and hidden caves scattered along the islands.

The eight-day Eastern Caribbean with St. Barts, sailing between Bridgetown, Barbados and Marigot, St. Martin, explores some of the most intimate ports in the Leeward and Windward islands. This part of the Caribbean has a distinctly European air, and the itinerary offers visits to a new port each day. Terre-de-Haut in Îles de Saintes feels like the South of France with the addition of stunning white sand beaches. Here, you can wander the colourful streets sampling the local pastries, get a taste of the island’s history at Fort Napoleon, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. In Gustavia (St. Barts), French “joie de vivre” can be felt in the historic wooden houses that populate the island as well as in the high-end shopping and world class dining found here. Soufrière (St. Lucia) is situated in the crater of a dormant volcano, allowing visitors to experience hot springs, botanical gardens and waterfalls in close proximity.

For those looking to visit some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, the eight-day West Indies Island Hopping itinerary from San Juan, Puerto Rico is a great choice. Culebra, Puerto Rico is well known for its pristine beaches and its active reef is ideal for snorkelling. In Vieques, you can choose between exploring the quaint coastal town of Esperanza with its lovely waterfront or booking a kayaking excursion in the famed Bioluminscent Bay. Known as ‘The Last Virgin Island,’ White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke in the BVI is the perfect setting for a hosted beach BBQ with a live band. This itinerary will offer multiple opportunities to experience the ships’ marina platform and enjoy the gorgeous waters of the West Indies.

Coastal Adventures: Costa Rica & Panama

A wonderful itinerary for naturalists, you’ll trace Costa Rica’s west coast, stopping to witness the rich biodiversity of Curú National Wildlife Refuge, where cattle graze and mangos grow plentifully. Relax on the white sandy beaches of Isla Tortuga, with the opportunity to snorkel amongst the marine life, before reaching Quepos, a thriving harbour town on the Pacific coast, known for its sport fishing and ecotourism. Surf, sail and swim in Golfito Bay, before cruising onwards to Panama to visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darién National Park, one of Central America’s most important heritage sites. Spot the diverse wildlife of Isla San José, from exotic birds to wild pigs, and discover one of its 50 paradise-like beaches.