Emerald Cruises invites travelers to explore further, stay longer, and discover the world’s most captivating coastlines with its 2027–2028 yacht cruise collection, now available. The new season features 25 all-new itineraries, including the Emerald Raiyaand the line’s return to Central America following a successful 2024 season. With 170 sailings, four luxury yachts, and visits to more than 200 ports in 70 countries, this is Emerald Cruises’ most extensive program to date.
The new season expands the Emerald Cruises experience with more nights in port, access to smaller ports, and more time ashore. This focus reflects the brand's ongoing evolution: greater destination depth and hidden gems along the way.
Key updates:
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Inaugural season of the Emerald Raiya, which sets sail on April 8, 2027 on a 10-night cruise from Valletta to Athens.
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25 new itineraries across the entire fleet, with 19 new ports of call including Greece (Lesvos, Skiathos, Samos, Gythio, Katakolo), Italy (Pantelleria, Trapani, Arbatax, Sanremo and Ischia Island), Turkey (Kepez), Corsica, France (Saint Florent), the Caribbean (Charlestown, Ponce), Costa Rica (Puerto Limón), Panama (Bocas del Toro), Portsmouth (Dominica), among others.
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Greater immersion in destinations, with more nights in port, late departures, and a carefully curated combination of short and long itineraries, many of which can be combined for extended trips that maximize time on land.
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Fleet strategically located in four regions: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Central America and the Indian Ocean.
Emerald Azzurra: Icons of the Adriatic and Central American Wonders
During the spring and summer of 2027, the Emerald Azzurra will sail the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean, visiting Dubrovnik, Corfu, and Venice – where Emerald Cruises is one of the few lines that can enter and exit via the traditional passage in front of St. Mark's Square, a route restricted to only a few ships. Also of note is the daytime passage through the Corinth Canal, one of the narrowest in the world.
In winter, the yacht will travel to the Caribbean and Central America, with itineraries between Barbados, Costa Rica and Panama, some with full transit through the Panama Canal and unusual stops such as Bocas del Toro and Quepos, in addition to ecological adventures such as visiting Manuel Antonio National Park or diving in Tobago Cays.
Emerald Sakara: Mediterranean Elegance and Caribbean Charm
The Emerald Sakara will explore the Western Mediterranean in 2027, calling at ports such as Bonifacio, Porto Cervo, and the elegant coasts of Saint-Tropez, the Amalfi Coast, and Nice. A new itinerary through Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily will include lesser-known gems like Arbatax and the island of Pantelleria.
In winter, you'll sail the Caribbean, with yacht-style routes between Sint Maarten, Barbados and the British Virgin Islands, including Gustavia, Charlestown (Nevis) and the colorful French enclave of Iles des Saintes, ideal for relaxed exploration.
Emerald Kaia: Return to the Adriatic and Heart of the Caribbean
From Athens in 2027, the Emerald Kaia will offer 7-night cruises between Venice and Dubrovnik, and some longer 9- to 12-night itineraries to Civitavecchia (Rome).
In winter 2027–2028, it will sail the Caribbean, with one-way itineraries from San Juan and Antigua, and even a stop in Miami. New destinations like Vieques, Montserrat, and Saint John promise authenticity and tranquility, far from the crowds.
Emerald Raiya: Historic Debut in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Seychelles
The launch of the Emerald Raiya will be one of the most anticipated moments. Its maiden 10-night voyage from Valletta to Athens will kick off a season of in-depth exploration of the Eastern Mediterranean, with gems like Lesvos, Katakolo, Delos, and Kepez, gateway to Troy and the Gallipoli peninsula.
In winter, it will sail through the Red Sea and East Africa, with stops at the lagoons of Mahé (Seychelles), Mombasa (Kenya), and the Al Disah Canyon in Saudi Arabia, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Saudi Arabia”.
Upcoming Release: Emerald Xara
The Emerald Xara, the fleet's fifth yacht, will debut in 2028. More details will be revealed soon.
“This season reflects how Emerald Cruises is evolving to meet the desires of today’s traveler, with more immersive and unexpected destinations, and a personalized yacht experience that is increasingly rare in the industry,” said Ken Muskat, president of Scenic Group USA and LATAM.
“With the debut of Emerald Raiya and the expansion of our warm-water cruises to the Seychelles and East Africa, we continue to cross borders and take our guests to new regions of the world in an elegant, seamless and unique way.”
Emerald Cruises' full 2027–2028 yacht cruise collection is now open for bookings. With departures designed to fit weekends, varied durations, and exclusive access to small ports, Emerald Cruises continues to offer a deeply immersive and distinctive boutique yacht cruising experience.
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