Emerald Azzurra Review

For its first venture into ocean cruising Emerald Cruises have its very own superyacht, known for its fleet of contemporary and sleek river ships Emerald Cruises has paid close attention to detail when designing the 100-passenger Emerald Azzurra and its identical sister Emerald Sakara, which will be released later this year.

From the outside, this custom-designed superyacht looks like an elegant private yacht with clean lines. This minimalist design continues on the inside with muted shades of charcoal, cream, and white broken up by lush plants making passengers feel relaxed as soon as they step on board. No detail has been missed from the infinity pool, expensive fittings and amenities like Missoni Home towels and robes.

However, with all of these luxurious amenities, you won’t find any personal butlers, multiple places to dine or free-flowing alcohol. While this may take away some of the appeal it does mean that the Emerald Azzurra can be priced a level below other luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Seabourn, but with the look and feel of a superyacht including beautiful accommodation, excellent food, quality water activities, and a great deal of space.

One advantage of the Azzurra is that it can dock along with other superyachts because of its small size rather than a commercial cruise port. You will be able to step straight from the deck to the streets of Dubrovnik as you sail around the Mediterranean.

Emerald Azzurra Deck Plan

Navigating the Azzurra is easy thanks to the compact size of the ship. All of the main public spaces including the lounge, reception and La Cucina restaurant are on Deck 3 with cabins and suites spread over Decks 3, 4, 5 and 6. The infinity pool and Aqua Pool Cafe are on deck 6, all public spaces have spacious decks where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner (get in quick as there are no reservations). Other outdoor spaces include the Observation Lounge on Deck 4 and the best spot for soaking up the European sun can be found on Deck 7 by the jacuzzi and al fresco Sky Bar. Other amenities include a spa and gym both on Deck 2 along with the watersports platform and embarkation area.

Of the 50 rooms on the Emerald Azzurra, eight are suites, and seven categories of cabins all of which include a balcony except the six Oceanview Staterooms on Deck 3.

The ship features two Owner suites, measuring an enormous 1,192 square ft and a huge balcony. Other suites include two Yacht Suites, two Terrace Suites and two Deluxe Balcony Suites. The bedroom size in the Balcony and Terrace suites is the same but the Terrace Suite features a spacious balcony with a day bed, lounger and dining table.

Dining on Emerald Azzurra

The Emerald Azzurra features two places to dine, the Lacucina restaurant with a spacious deck and the smaller Aqua Pool Cafe for breakfast and lunch.

The food onboard is Mediterranean-inspired, healthy, beautifully presented and plenty of choice. Breakfast and lunch are extensive buffets that include a wide range of pastries baked fresh on board, hot food items, fresh fruit, juices and smoothies at breakfast. Lunch features a salad bar, at least 5 hot dishes and a selection of dainty desserts. Dinner is table service, expect made-to-order pasta dishes and your choice of main course finished off of course with decadent desserts. All menu items are clearly marked with dietary requirements making it easy to enjoy your time on the ship. Local red and white wines are served along with your meal, with a premium list of wines if you would prefer.

The best coffee on board can be found at the Aqua Pool Cafe, the La Cimbali machine produces a great espresso to start your day. The dining options here are a lighter version of the buffet at La Cucina for breakfast and a separate lunch menu of salads, sandwiches and desserts.

Entertainment

You won’t find big productions on board the Azzurra but there are several daily activities to keep you entertained from yoga and Pilates on the deck, to cocktail making, cooking demonstrations and talks. Plus books and a quiet place to sit in the Observation Lounge.

Watersports are where the Azzurra comes into its own, a platform extends from Deck 2 and acts as a launch area for kayaks, SUP, snorkelling, and a water trampoline. This is another special touch that really makes you feel as though you are on your own private superyacht.

Spa and Fitness

The Emerald Azzurra features a Spa and Thermal Suite on Deck 2, offering massages and treatments. There is also a sauna and hairdresser for blow-drys and manicures. The gym is also located on Deck 2 and includes treadmills, rowing machines, and weights.

The Emerald Azzurra sails around Europe including Dubrovnik, Piraeus, Piraeus, Laviron, Venice, Rome, Civitavecchia, Istanbul, Lisbon, and Rhodes. To book your cruise on the Emerald Azzurra contact one of our expert travel consultants.