Australian company, the Scenic Group has just launched a new 100-guest super yacht – Emerald Azzurra – the first under the new Emerald Yacht Cruises brand.

Scenic Group owner and chairman Glen Moroney says the launch of Emerald Yacht Cruises and the new Emerald Azzurra are a logical extension of the Emerald Cruises portfolio, which already includes Emerald Waterways European river cruises. While the launch introduces Emerald Cruises to the Australian market, it also pits it against other experienced European small luxury cruise operators.

Emerald Yacht Cruises

Emerald Azzurra has been custom-designed to cruise the waters of the Adriatic Coast, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Because of its size, guests have access to smaller ports and harbours which can only be reached by small yachts. Emerald Azzurra is being built by the Halong Shipbuilding Company (HLS) in Ha Long City, Vietnam, and will be launched in July 2021.

Number of suites: 50

Suites: The 50 rooms on the 110-metre long Emerald Azzurra have been designed with a modern feel, ensuite bathrooms and quality finishes designed by Emerald Yacht Cruises. Room sizes start at 19 square metres for an Ocean Stateview room to the Owners Suite at 110.8 square metres (including balcony). Scenic Group says 44 of the suites, which start at 28sqm, will feature a balcony.

Dining: Á la carte dinners and breakfast and lunch buffets is provided for the 100 guests in Reflections Restaurant. Expect fresh, locally-sourced produce, with complimentary paired wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner.

Facilities: Guests will have access to a special marina platform for activities including paddleboarding and snorkelling. The ship features three tenders and two zodiacs for shore landings. The ship will also feature a pool and lounge area, Sky Deck, and wellness centre including gym and spa.

Class: Premium

Rate per day for a 15-day itinerary from Dubrovnik to Venice is $675pp for a 30 April 2022 departure ($10,126pp total price).

SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream Yacht Club is owned by Atle Brynestad, who is also the founder and owner of Seabourn Cruise Line. He has also served as chairman of Cunard Line and board member of Carnival Cruise Lines. Established in 2001, SeaDream Yacht Club launched with twin mega-yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II. From May to October, SeaDream I and SeaDream II sail the Mediterranean, and from November to April, the yachts visit the Caribbean with many itineraries featuring overnight stays.

SeaDream

With a maximum of 112 guests to 95 crew the SeaDream passenger-to-crew ratio is enviable.

Dining: Options include Top Of the Yacht for breakfast, Topside Restaurant for buffet, a la carte and vegetarian dishes for lunch and dinner. There are also fresh sandwiches by the Pool Bar and Top Of the Yacht Bar. Small Bites is a 24-hour menu that offers healthy selections and lighter fare while the Spa Menu features kilojoule-conscious choices.

Facilities: Entertainment includes a Piano Bar, dancing in the Main Salon or view movies under the stars on the aft pool deck. There is a casino, Fitness Centre and SeaDream Spa. Each yacht features a large retractable water sports marina with water sports including kayaking, a Zodiac for water skiing, banana boat, tubing, boarding, wave running, snorkelling, Hobie cat, Laser sailboat, swimming and floating island.

Number of suites: 56

Suites: SeaDream feature Belgian bed linens, down pillows and your choice of duvets or woollen blankets. All rooms have ocean views. Staterooms measure 18 square metres with 16 converting to eight double Commodore Suites. The Owner’s Suite (41.5 square metres) features a private master bedroom and bathroom suite with tub, living and dining room area and guest bath.

Class: Premium

Rate per day for an 11-day cruise in a Yacht Club Stateroom Deck 2, from Venice to Civitavecchia via Dubrovnik, is $636pp, departing 30 October 2020 ($6,999pp total price).