Emerald Azzurra delivered ahead of maiden voyage from Middle East

Emerald Azzurra has been delivered to Emerald Cruises in Vietnam, ahead of her maiden cruise from Aqaba in Jordan.

The 100-guest superyacht-cruise-ship has departed Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, bound for the Middle East.

Emerald Azzura’s first cruise will depart Aqaba, Jordan on March 11th, 2022, for a 8-day voyage through the Red Sea.

RELATED: Emerald Yacht Cruises to homeport in Doha for 2023 winter cruise season

RELATED: Emerald Cruises latest line to announce Saudi Arabian itineraries for 2022

The ship will then transit the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean to sail a season of cruises in the Adriatic for the summer, before returning to the Red Sea.

“Today marks a major moment for our team at Emerald Cruises as the first in our fleet of ocean-going superyachts takes a giant step towards completion,” said Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman, Scenic Group (which owns Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours).

“We look forward to welcoming our first guests on board Emerald Azzurra and we are confident she will exceed all expectations. The demand has been unprecedented with her inaugural season almost fully sold,” he added.

Emerald Cruises has a second sister ship, Emerald Sakara, under construction with the same shipyard, with plans for it to be brought into service early in 2023.

“We look forward to smooth sailing ahead for Emerald Azzurra along with a speedy build of Emerald Sakara,” said Moroney.

Emerald Sakara will be delivered in February 2023, with itineraries to the Seychelles, Black Sea and Middle East.

The Middle East will feature prominently in Emerald Azzurra’s early cruise seasons, with the ship scheduled to homeport in Doha, Qatar from January, 2023.

She’ll sail roundtrip from the city on 7-night itineraries visiting Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Khasab, Oman; Fujairah, Zighy Bay, Oman; and Dubai.

Although only 110-metres in length, Emerald Azzurra features two restaurants, the Terrace buffet on the upper decks, and the Reflections main restaurant, as well as plenty of relaxation options.

These include a pool area, a Sky Deck Bar with jacuzzi, yoga classes on the bow, and even a fully-equipped gym.

“Expect fresh, locally sourced dinners, thoughtfully crafted by our expert chefs, with complimentary sommelier-paired wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner,” the cruise line says of the ship’s dining.

“And in the evening, once you’ve enjoyed your meal, you can head to the back of the restaurant to appreciate the ocean breeze from our large al fresco terrace, before a nightcap in the plush, relaxed atmosphere of the Horizon Bar & Lounge.”

There are six staterooms categories to choose from, starting from a standard Ocean View stateroom, right up to the massive Owner’s Suite, which features views over the bow, separate bedroom and lounge areas, a walk-in wardrobe and private terrace.