With Aqaba, Jordan as the backdrop, Emerald Cruises’ first oceangoing yacht, Emerald Azzurra, departed on its inaugural sailing recently.

Over two years in the making, Emerald Azzurra marked 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 its eight-day Best of the Red Sea itinerary.

The ship 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.

David Winterton, Global Director of Brand and Marketing at Emerald Cruises, said: “Every once in a while, a new yacht comes along in the industry and changes things. Emerald Azzurra is exactly that yacht. The level of luxury afforded to each guest, coupled with a diverse sailing program featuring sailings through 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 fleet in Venice before the ship repositions to the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Coast for the 2022 summer season.  Emerald Azzurra will be joined by sister yacht Emerald Sakara in February 2023, with itineraries to Seychelles, Black Sea and Middle East, on sale now.

Sail on over to www.emeraldcruises.ca for more.