Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara will spend the winter season sailing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean
Emerald Cruises, whose twin luxury yachts, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, will spend the winter season sailing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Thanks to departures that incorporate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, families can create new holiday traditions while spending cherished time together onboard a modern vessel that feels like it could be your own personal yacht.
The islands of the Eastern Caribbean, with their pristine beaches and European flair, provide an ideal locale to celebrate Christmas on either yacht. Departing December 23, 2023, Emerald Sakara will sail round trip out of St. John’s, Antigua, on the eight-day Eastern Caribbean & Grenadines itinerary, while Emerald Azzurra will sail from Bridgetown, Barbados, to Marigot, St. Martin, on the Eastern Caribbean with St. Barths itinerary.
Both call on intimate ports like Soufrière, St. Lucia, situated in the crater of a dormant volcano featuring hot springs, botanical gardens and waterfalls in close proximity; and Terre-de-Haut in Îles de Saintes, Guadeloupe with its South-of-France vibe and stunning white sand beaches.
While the backdrop of palm trees and crystal blue water may not evoke traditional Christmas, the yachts will be fully decked out in festive flair—including beautifully trimmed trees to help set the mood. The menus—created especially for the yachts by Emerald Cruises’ Vice President of Hotel Operations and Top Chef World All Stars finalist Tom Goetter—will reflect the joy of the season while utilizing the bounty of the Caribbean region.
A special Christmas Eve dinner in La Cucina dining room will feature fresh seafood, Christmas turkey and glazed ham, followed by holiday themed cocktails in the lounge. Christmas Day begins with an indulgent brunch and ends with a lavish dinner of roasted duck, veal tenderloin, vegetarian selections and more. Guests who want to get into the spirit can also join the crew for carolling on the Sky Deck or sample the Christmas cookie and chocolate selection.
Those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ring in New Year’s Eve onboard a luxury yacht—and what could be better?—can book the eight-day Hidden Charms of the Caribbean onboard Emerald Sakara. Departing St. John’s, Antigua, on December 30, this sailing will call on Gustavia, St. Barths, where French “joie de vivre” can be felt in the historic wooden houses that dot the island as well as in the high-end shopping and world class dining, and Culebra Island, Puerto Rico, known for its white sand beaches and active reef system ideal for snorkeling, before concluding in San Juan. Following a special dinner, a New Year’s Eve party (complete with hats and noisemakers), champagne toast and countdown will be held on the Sky Deck against the backdrop of a fireworks show on nearby Antigua.
For those looking to do something different this Thanksgiving—and leave the cooking to experts—Emerald Sakara will be sailing the eight-day Eastern Caribbean & Grenadines itinerary departing St. John’s, Antigua, on November 18. This voyage combines some of the most charming small villages of the Caribbean—St. Pierre, Port Elizabeth, Soufriere, and Terre-de-Haut—with the magnificent beach of Mayreau and Tobago Cays. On Thanksgiving day the ship will be in St. Lucia, meaning guests can take a swim, visit a bird sanctuary, or climb the stairways to the Pitons to burn off some calories before indulging in a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings in La Cucina dining room that evening.
All these 2023 holiday sailings are eligible for Emerald Cruises’ 2-for-1 fare program, plus an additional $500 Emerald Exclusive savings per suite. Guests who book by September 30 and pay in full within 30 days of booking qualify for free air or up to an additional $4,000 in savings per suite.
(Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara will spend the winter season sailing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean – Emerald Cruises)
