Five Reasons I'd Book an Emerald Yacht Cruise Again

I've just returned from an incredible cruise aboard Emerald Azzurra and I'm already itching to book my next voyage. Why is that? I'm glad you asked...

1. The Intimate Atmosphere

Being on board Emerald Azzurra felt like being on a private yacht. Other than the main lounge during port talks and the dining room during meals, it was very rare to see more than 2-3 other people in the same area. On a few nights after dinner, myself and my partner would head up to Deck 7 Sky Deck and sit in the hot tub as we sailed off to the next destination. There is a small bar on this deck and it was often just us and the bartender. You can’t get much more 1:1 service than that! 

2. Incredible Destinations 

One of the reasons I chose this cruise was due to the itinerary. We really wanted to experience more of Italy and we certainly got that. We anchored in one of my favourite spots which is Porto Venere and ate pesto spaghetti in one of the shaded, peaceful streets. It's not somewhere the bigger ships can get near which is one of the huge benefits of travelling on a smaller, boutique ship or yacht. Emerald’s yacht itineraries are packed with little gems like this across Europe, the Caribbean and now the Seychelles. It’s a perfect alternative if you have done all the usual, standard ports but still want to experience something different on your holiday. 

3. Outstanding Crew

The crew couldn’t have done enough for us on this trip! As someone with dietary needs, its always risky travelling and being unsure of what’s available but from start to finish, the crew looked after me and made us feel so welcome. The Captain was engaging and came to speak to everyone in the lounge or during dinner as well as having an open bridge policy so you can visit the Captain and their crew at any time. Because it’s a small yacht, the crew remembered what we drank depending on the time of day and had it ready before we even had time to think. 

4. Amazing Food 

If you are a regular cruiser, you will know that the food is good on majority of ships. If you are new to cruise, you have probably seen “Best food at sea” on every advertisement for every cruise line. In all honesty, it is hard to have a bad meal at sea and Emerald Cruises lived up to that expectation. Every evening the menu was filled with delicious choices and local dishes. My favourite meal was the gala night on our penultimate evening where every crew member got involved including the shore excursions team, the book on board sales rep and anyone and everything in between. There divided the dining room into stations and there was something for everyone with delicious worldwide food but my particular favourite was the sushi station! 

5. Relaxed Luxury

People still have a perception that cruising is stuffy and for old people. Emerald Yacht Cruises are luxurious in every aspect, but relaxed. No shirts and ties at dinner, no formal evenings and no hierarchy of on board benefits. Everyone on board is of similar mindset and just want to have a relaxed, enjoyable holiday without the fuss, without the queuing that comes with big ships and without feeling like everyone moment needs to be planned. The port days are long so there is no rigid schedule and early “all aboard” timings. 

I wouldn't hesitate to book with Emerald Cruises again and would happily recommend it to couples, groups of friends and solo travellers alike. Its unique blend of relaxed luxury creates an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, with the freedom to spend each day exactly as you choose. Whether you want to explore every destination, unwind on board or enjoy a little of both, an Emerald Yacht Cruise gives you the flexibility to make the holiday your own.

You can find out more about Emerald Yacht Cruises here.