Sailing in splendour
Ever dreamt of touring spectacular locations aboard a superyacht? You don’t need to be a millionaire to make that dream a reality.
Picture yourself drifting among Caribbean islands or viewing Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast from the pool deck, with a glass of your favourite drop in hand.
Emerald Cruise’s luxuriously appointed yachts carry about 100 passengers, providing an intimate cruising experience.
With top-notch meals and on-board beverages included in your fare, plus free Wi-Fi and a range of other extras, this is a lifestyle that’s easy to get used to.
Here are five incredible cruising experiences that’ll immerse you in a world of luxury, fine dining and iconic destinations.
Eight-day Greek Islands and Turkish coastlines
Setting sail from Athens, this cruise takes in several Greek Islands, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Delos. Famed as the legendary birthplace of Apollo, this is one of Greece’s most sacred cultural sites.
Picture-perfect Mykonos and Santorini’s whitewashed buildings and blue church domes are also on the itinerary, but it might be the laidback vibes of charming Kos that steals your heart.
On the tiny island of Patmos, the hilltop Monastery of St John the Theologian dominates the landscape. It’s said that the Apostle John wrote the biblical text Revelations here.
On the Turkish coast you’ll visit Kusadasi, a mix of resort-town energy and timeless history. Nearby, the ancient city of Ephesus has some of Europe’s best-preserved ruins, dating back to 10BC.
Eight-day Eastern Caribbean, with St Barths
If ever a region was suited to superyacht cruising it has to be the Caribbean. Island-hopping in the balmy weather and crystal-clear tropical seas is what dream holidays are all about.
In the glassy waters off Anguilla, snorkel among a kaleidoscope of fish and other marine life, or view this magical underwater world from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat.
When you visualise a luxury island, it probably looks like Saint Barthelemy, aka St Barths. White sandy beaches fringe turquoise coves, famous fashion brands and boutique labels share shopping streets, and sailing boats sway in the harbour.
For a change of pace, enjoy a healing dip in the mud baths and mineral waters of St Lucia, or take an energetic hike among the Pitons – towering volcanic spires near the colourful town of Soufriere.
12-day Adriatic, Corinth Canal and the Greek islands
Beach life meets medieval times in Dubrovnik – the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ – where a wander through the narrow streets of the walled old town reveals a history dating back to the seventh century.
Squeezed into the end of a slender bay and surrounded by towering bluffs, there a few Adriatic coastal towns as spectacularly located as Montenegro’s Kotor.
Your cruise includes a guided walk of the ancient city walls, where the views only get better.
In a region rich with UNESCO sites, Butrint in Albania is a unique treasure. Set in a preserved natural environment, the ruins and artefacts of Butrint tell an epic story of civilisation dating as far back as the iron age.
Experience the thrill of passing through the Corinth Canal, a narrow, man-made waterway connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas. Then it’s time to enjoy island life in culturally rich Delos and vibrant Mykonos before disembarking in Athens.
Eight-day French and Italian Rivieras, with Corsica
If mooring a superyacht off the French and Italian Rivieras is good enough for movie stars and billionaires, then it’s good enough for the rest of us.
Departing from Rome, this cruise-of-a-lifetime first drops into bustling Calvi on the island of Corsica, before heading to the Tuscan and Ligurian coasts. Sample the freshest seafood at a Livorno café and discover why Portovenere is often referred to as the sixth Cinque Terre village.
Your cruise to the gorgeous Italian Riviera includes stops at Santa Margherita Ligure and colourful Portofino, with its pastel-splashed houses, rich history and waterside al-fresco dining.
Of course, no cruise in this region is complete without visiting glamour-drenched Monte Carlo, before reaching the final port at Cannes – look, there’s Brad!
15-day best of the Croatian coast
Starting and ending in magical Venice, this cruise explores the stunning Croatian coastline.
Considered one of the region’s prettiest towns, Rovinj is best explored on foot. Your cruise package includes a guided walking tour through Rovinj’s medieval streets, plus a visit to the Baroque stylings of St. Euphemia’s Church. It’s hilltop aspect provides sensational views over town.
Get delightfully lost among the impossibly narrow laneways in Hvar Old Town, on the island of Hvar, and discover cafes, bars and boutiques deep in this cobblestoned labyrinth.
Croatia’s Dubrovnik is the turnaround point before returning to Venice via the charming city of Split – a blend of waterside promenades, diverse eateries and ancient architecture. The centuries-old Diocletian’s Palace is one of the most impressive examples of Roman design in Europe.
Emerald Cruises’ sleek superyachts can glide into spectacular locations and ports that larger ships can’t reach. Each vessel has a selection of suites and staterooms, a range of intimate bar and dining venues, and plenty of deck space to soak up the sun.
What better way to visit some of the world’s most fascinating destinations.