According to recent reports, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s upcoming Evrima has been delayed yet again to Aug. 6. However, fans of yacht cruising need not despair, as there are other options available now, not the least of which are from Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. The corporate cousins already offer the Emerald Azzurra and Scenic Eclipse yachts, respectively, and sister ships Emerald Sakara and Scenic Eclipse II (both set to debut in 2023) are on the way, as well.
The Emerald Azzurra just set sail on its inaugural voyage from Aqaba, Jordan, on March 11, for an eight-day voyage in the Red Sea. From there, the intimate 100-guest yacht will sail to the Mediterranean to traverse the Adriatic coast during the summer before returning to the Red Sea for the winter.
Emerald Azzurra is the line’s new ocean yacht.
Credit: 2022 Emerald Cruises
Following the success of Emerald’s riverboats, Emerald Azzurra represents the line’s first oceangoing contemporary deluxe vessel touting inclusive value. Onboard amenities include an infinity pool; a spa with an infrared sauna; a gym; a marina platform; and 50 suites, 88% of which have balconies. The ship features a range of fun toys, such as Seabobs (a cross between a jet ski and an underwater scooter, and something out of a James Bond film), stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling equipment and electronic bikes from Gocycle.
For even higher-end luxury, Scenic Eclipse heads to some of the world’s most remote places. Illustrative of the premium hardware onboard — which also includes helicopters — the yacht recently made history by deploying the first submarine dive in South Georgia in four decades (since the 1982 Falklands War). The moment took place during the ship’s Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands itinerary.
Described as a “discovery yacht,” Scenic Eclipse is larger (carrying a total of 228 passengers, which is reduced to a maximum of 200 in polar regions), but its staff-to-guest ratio is a remarkable one-to-one. The all-inclusive offerings include complimentary return flights; transfers; up to 10 fine-dining experiences; premium branded drinks; gratuities; Espa Spa use; and shore excursions.
Scenic Eclipse features Kokos Asian Fusion restaurant.
Credit: 2022 Scenic Luxury Cruises & ToursThe line is already seeing a 100% international increase in year-over-year Antarctica bookings, which will only grow with the introduction of Eclipse II for the 2023-2024 South Pole season. (Eclipse I and II will first rendezvous at the icy continent in December 2023.) By then, Scenic will also offer compressed fly-cruise itineraries for those wishing to bypass two sea days on the way. Otherwise, the Polar Class 6-rated, fully stabilized ship is well equipped to manage the Drake Passage.
Besides the poles, Scenic Eclipse navigates the globe in between — visiting South America, the Mediterranean, Norway, Iceland, Japan and North America, including the U.S. West Coast. Of particular interest is this year’s Sept. 19-28 voyage from Vancouver, B.C., to San Diego, with stops at Victoria, B.C.; Seattle; Astoria and Eureka, Ore.; and San Francisco and Santa Barbara, Calif.
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