Emerald Cruises invites travelers to explore farther, linger longer, and uncover the world’s most captivating coastlines as its 2027–2028 yacht cruising collection is available now. The new season introduces 25 brand-new voyages, including the inaugural Mediterranean sailing of Emerald Raiya, and the line’s return to Central America after a successful 2024 season. With 170 departures across four luxury yachts and visits to more than 200 ports in 70 countries, this is Emerald Cruises’ most expansive deployment to date.
What’s New for 2027–2028
Designed around a growing desire for deeper exploration and authentic regional discovery, the new season enhances the signature Emerald Cruises experience with more overnight stays, access to smaller ports, and longer time ashore. The lineup reflects the brand’s ongoing evolution: more destination depth and hidden gems revealed along the way.
Notable updates include:
Emerald Azzurra: Adriatic Icons and Central American Wonders
Sailing through the Adriatic and East Mediterranean in spring and summer 2027, Emerald Azzurra will transport guests to postcard-perfect ports such as Dubrovnik, Corfu, and Venice – where Emerald Cruises is one of the few cruise lines able to arrive and depart via the traditional passage past St. Mark’s Square, a route permitted to only a limited number of vessels. The itinerary also features a daylight transit through the Corinth Canal, one of the narrowest navigable waterways in the world, bordered by sheer cliffs and accessible to only a handful of cruise ships. Guests can stroll ancient Venetian alleyways in Chania, discover the sacred island of Delos, or unwind in cosmopolitan Mykonos, with late-night departures offering more time to explore under golden evening skies.
Come winter, Emerald Azzurra transitions to the Caribbean and Central America, with voyages sailing between Barbados, Costa Rica, and Panama. Select itineraries include a full Panama Canal transit, rare calls to Bocas del Toro and Quepos, and immersive eco-adventures such as exploring Manuel Antonio National Park or snorkeling in the Tobago Cays, all while enjoying the intimacy of a yacht limited to just 100 guests.
Emerald Sakara: Western Mediterranean Elegance and Laid-back Caribbean Charm
For those drawn to European glamour, Emerald Sakara will explore the Western Mediterranean in 2027, calling on Bonifacio, Porto Cervo, and the stylish shores of Saint-Tropez, Amalfi Coast, and Nice. A new itinerary through Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily includes lesser-known ports like Arbatax and Pantelleria Island – places rarely visited by larger cruise ships but overflowing with character and natural beauty.
In winter, she sails the Caribbean, offering yacht-style island hopping between Sint Maarten, Barbados, and the British Virgin Islands, with stops in Gustavia, Charlestown (Nevis), and the colorful French-Caribbean enclave of Iles des Saintes. Itineraries are designed for relaxed exploration, with white-sand beaches, hidden snorkeling spots, and charming colonial towns waiting at every turn.
Emerald Kaia: A Return to the Adriatic and the Heart of the Caribbean
Launching her 2027 season in Athens, Emerald Kaia will operate a mix of 7-night sailings between Venice and Dubrovnik, as well as select 9- and 12-night itineraries between Dubrovnik and Civitavecchia (Rome), offering a rich blend of Adriatic history, coastal elegance, and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
For winter 2027–2028, Emerald Kaia heads to the Caribbean, with new one-way itineraries from San Juan and Antigua, and even a call in Miami. Guests can look forward to vibrant new island stops including Vieques, Montserrat, and Saint John, each offering an authentic sense of place and a slower pace – ideal for those seeking a relaxed yachting lifestyle far from the crowds.
Emerald Raiya: A Landmark Launch in the Eastern Mediterranean and Seychelles
The headline debut of Emerald Raiya is one of the most anticipated moments of the season. Her inaugural sailing – a 10-night journey from Valletta to Athens – sets the stage for a summer of deeply immersive exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean. These new itineraries spotlight off-the-radar gems like Lesvos Island, Katakolo, Delos, and Kepez, the latter providing access to ancient Troy and the Gallipoli Peninsula.
In winter, Emerald Raiya turns south for her Red Sea and East Africa deployment. Guests can island-hop through the lagoons of Mahe, trace Swahili history in Mombasa, or explore Al Disah Canyon – a dramatic landscape in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region, often dubbed the "Grand Canyon of Saudi Arabia." These sailings deliver bold exploration with all the comforts of a luxury yacht – showcasing Emerald Cruises' commitment to connecting guests with the soul of a destination.
Emerald Xara, the fifth ship in the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet, will launch in 2028 with further details to be shared in a future product release.
“This season reflects how Emerald Cruises is evolving to meet the desires of today’s traveler – offering more immersive, unexpected destinations and the kind of personalized yacht experience that’s increasingly rare in the industry,” said Ken Muskat, President, Scenic Group USA and LATAM. “With the debut of Emerald Raiya and the expansion of our warm-water sailings into the Seychelles and East Africa, we’re continuing to push boundaries – bringing our guests to new parts of the world in a way that feels effortless, elevated, and uniquely Emerald Cruises.”
Now Open for Booking
The full 2027–2028 yacht cruise collection is now live at www.emeraldcruises.com/yacht/plan-your-journey/cruise-calendar and available through trusted travel advisors. With weekend-friendly departures, diversified sailing lengths, and exclusive access to smaller ports, Emerald Cruises continues to offer a boutique yachting experience that’s distinctly different and refreshingly immersive.
Discover more about Emerald Cruises’ unforgettable journeys, download brochures, and make reservations through travel advisors or directly in the US at www.emeraldcruises.com, (844) 428-8389, hello@emeraldcruises.com.
