Emerald Cruises proudly announced the christening of their newest luxury boat among the stunning coastal background of San Juan, marking a significant milestone for the renowned cruise line. The elegant ceremony, conducted last week, displayed the Emerald Yacht’s superb artistry and magnificence, ushering in an era of unsurpassed nautical luxury and adventure.

The gala event at the Pier 4 East terminal, complete with music from a local band, included Scenic Group Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney and Scenic Group Managing Director for the U.S., Ken Muskat, and CLIA President and CEO Kelly Craighead, who was named godmother of the new vessel.

Distinguished guests, industry leaders, and maritime enthusiasts converged at San Juan’s harbour to witness the majestic event. Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico; Crystal J. Bell, Air & Cruise Director of Puerto Rico Tourism Company; Christian Trinidad De Jesus, Deputy Executive Director of Puerto Rico Ports Authority; Captain Rob O’Leary, captain of Emerald Sakara; local travel advisors and U.S. trade partners; embarking guests; and media from around the world.

The christening ceremony was a splendid spectacle, filled with anticipation and excitement as the elegant vessel was officially unveiled and named. Craighead christened Emerald Sakara with a traditional champagne bottle-breaking ceremony, followed by a surprise for all in attendance: fly boarders emerged from behind the yacht, providing a celebratory finish.

“We are a pretty unique entity in the cruise industry when it comes to our river and ocean luxury ships,” offered Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of Scenic Group.

“We are intimately involved with every aspect of the build process—coming up with the concept, doing the design, overseeing the engineering, building the ships, including all interior design in-house, then employing all crew members directly. 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.”

Under Craighead’s leadership, CLIA has narrowed its focus on using its diverse community to advocate for a sustainable cruise sector. Throughout the multi-year pandemic, Craighead and the CLIA team worked diligently to secure cruising’s long-term survival and the capacity to resume operations safely in pace with other travel sectors.

“The dedication of Emerald Sakara was extraordinary, and I am honoured to be an ambassador for the entire CLIA team in the esteemed maritime tradition of godmother,” said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association. “The stunning luxury of Emerald Sakara, complemented by Emerald Cruises’ commitment to environmentally responsible tourism, exemplifies CLIA’s advocacy for sustainable tourism and the preservation of cruise destinations worldwide for future generations.” Thank you very much to Emerald Cruises for this very special recognition.”

The Emerald Yacht accommodates 100 guests in 50 deluxe staterooms and suites ranging from 185 to 1,185 square feet, 44 of which have huge walk-out balconies. It boasts an extensive range of elegant amenities, world-class dining experiences, and a plethora of leisure and entertainment options designed to cater to the discerning tastes of luxury travellers.

The open-air infinity pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and day beds, making it ideal for relaxing and enjoying a cocktail from the Aqua Café. The wellness deck, which includes a spa, infrared sauna, and gym, lets guests focus on their health goals, while the top deck, Sky Bar, is a perfect place to view the sunset.

The ship is the definition of elegance, providing a refined and immersive sailing experience adapted to the needs of modern adventurers.

The open-air infinity pool is flanked by lounge chairs and day beds, making it ideal for resting and sipping a beverage from the Aqua Café. A wellness deck featuring a spa, infrared sauna, and gym keeps visitors focused on their health objectives, while the top deck, Sky Bar, is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

A marina platform, located off the yacht’s stern, offers an array of water toys, such as kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkel equipment, SEABOBs, and a giant trampoline, which is accessible to guests when the platform is deployed. The extra-spacious La Cucina dining room specialises in fresh, seasonal cuisine with seating indoors and on the adjacent terrace. At the same time, the warm and welcoming Amici Lounge is an excellent place to gather in the evenings and enjoy live music. Finally, with 76 crew members onboard, guests can expect attentive, personalised service.

With its many amenities, Emerald Sakara includes some of the industry’s most cutting-edge technologies, reflecting Scenic Group’s persistent dedication to environmental stewardship and travel sustainability. Engines fulfil IMO Tier III emission regulations, including removing NOx and SOx from exhaust gases; recycled energy is used to heat water for the yacht’s needs; and sophisticated sewage treatment meets the most recent regulations. The EU awarded the firm a Green Passport for its recycling efforts.

As the newest gem in Emerald Cruises’ collection, the Emerald Yacht is set to embark on a series of captivating voyages, presenting travellers with the opportunity to indulge in unparalleled luxury while exploring some of the world’s most enthralling destinations.