Choosing a godmother for a new ship is much like choosing one for a baby. It’s a tough decision. You want someone who not only embodies the traits you admire, you want someone who will guide your baby/ship. Naming CLIA’s Kelly Craighead godmother of Emerald’s new baby is clearly a no-brainer.
Emerald Cruises has announced Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), is to be the godmother of Emerald Sakara, the line’s second ocean-going luxury yacht, due to launch in August.
Sakara means ‘thoughts become things’. And Ken Muskat, Managing Director of Scenic Group USA, says this meaning represents how Emerald’s superyacht was designed and built.
It’s also “how we view Kelly’s leadership and contributions to the cruise industry”, he said. Especially “as she guided us through some of our most challenging times, only to emerge stronger than ever”, Muskat said.
Also, Muskat cited Kelly’s “unwavering commitment to our valued travel advisors”. And her passion for responsible tourism at sea and in destinations.
“As our fleet continues to expand with our newest luxury Ocean Yacht designed to respectfully explore the world’s most unique destinations, we find it only befitting that Kelly, and through her, the CLIA team, be recognised and honoured by Emerald Cruises as the Godmother of Emerald Sakara.”
Inside the Emerald Sakara
Set to launch this August, Emerald Sakara will join sister yacht Emerald Azzurra sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas.
And because it carries only 100 guests, offering more space-per-guest than vessels of a similar size. And 88 percent of the ship’s 50 staterooms feature balconies. Guests will enjoy a large infinity pool, spa, gym, and marina platform outfitted with aquatic toys and equipment.
Along with its many amenities, Emerald Sakara boasts some of the industry’s latest technology. This is in line with Scenic Group’s commitment to environmental safeguards:
- its engines meet IMO tier III emission regulations, including the removal of NOx and SOx from exhaust gases;
- the yacht uses recycled energy to heat water for its needs;
- and advanced sewerage treatment complies with the latest regulations.
And the company has even earned a Green Passport from the EU for its recycling efforts!
Like godmother, like yacht-daughter
Craighead has lead CLIA to prioritise utilising its diverse community for advocating a sustainable cruise industry. And she also serves as Vice Chair and Executive Director of the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation, a non-profit public charity devoted to improving the quality of life in communities served by the cruise industry.
Because of her leadership on sustainable tourism, the cruise industry is in a better place than it was three years ago, says Muskat. And she has helped it on its way to achieving carbon reduction goals for 2030 and net carbon-neutral ship operations by 2050.
“I am proud to represent this beautiful and ecologically friendly ship in this esteemed maritime tradition,” Craighead said
“The name Sakara reflects my deep personal belief that positive thoughts manifest reality, and the strong rebound of cruise from the past few years – along with our commitment to a future of sustainable cruising – demonstrates the optimism that drives this industry forward every day.
“Additionally, Emerald Cruises’ Cherish the Planet ethos, built in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, aligns with CLIA’s work around environmentally responsible tourism and protecting the destinations we visit.”
So for further information, or to order the 2023/2024 Luxury Yacht Cruising brochure, visit www.emeraldcruises.com.au or call 1300 286 110.
