Emerald Sakara, the newest luxury yacht from Emerald Cruises, was christened in Puerto Rico on 2 December by President and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Kelly Craighead.
Craighead officially unveiled the luxury yacht Emerald Sakara with a traditional champagne bottle-breaking ceremony, followed by a surprise performance of flyboarders.
Scenic Group Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney, Scenic Group Managing Director for the US Ken Muskat, local travel advisors, trade partners and international media were among those present for the event, held at the Pier 4 East terminal in San Juan.
The luxury yacht accommodates 100 guests in 50 deluxe staterooms and suites, featuring large walk-out balconies.
Moroney said the newest vessel is a unique entity in the cruise industry when it comes to both the company’s river and ocean luxury ships.
“We are intimately involved with every aspect of the build process – coming up with the concept, doing the design, overseeing the engineering, then building the ships including all interior design in-house then employing all of the crew members directly,” he said.
“Having Kelly as the godmother of our newest luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, follows that same thought process as she embodies a similar can-do attitude and history, and her leadership and guidance with CLIA over the recent challenging years for the industry is inspirational.”
Kelly Craighead represents a community of ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines and a network of over 75,000 CLIA Travel Trade Members and stakeholders.
In a speech at the event, Craighead said she is honoured to be an ambassador for the entire CLIA team in the esteemed maritime tradition of godmother.
“The stunning luxury of Emerald Sakara, complemented by Emerald Cruises’ commitment to environmentally responsible tourism, exemplifies CLIA’s advocacy for sustainable tourism and preservation of cruise destinations around the world for future generations,” she shared.
Lounge chairs and day beds surround the open-air infinity pool, while the wellness deck has a spa, infrared sauna, and gym. The top deck has a Sky Bar for watching the sunset.
Emerald Sakara uses the latest industry technology as the company commits to environmental and travel sustainability.
The company said the yacht’s engines meet IMO tier III emission regulations, using recycled energy and advanced sewage treatment, and also has a Green Passport from the EU for its recycling efforts.
After the Emerald Sakara’s first departure was sold out, the vessel is opening up new destinations for small-ship cruising.
By the end of 2023, the cruise industry is forecast to carry 31.5 million passengers, surpassing levels recorded in 2019.
