Emerald Cruises' yacht cruises for the 2027-2028 season are now on sale, giving travelers unprecedented choice across four super-yachts and 170 departures. The program spans more than 200 ports in 70 countries, adds 25 all-new itineraries, and ushers in the first Mediterranean voyage for the line's newest vessel, Emerald Raiya, on April 8 2027. It also returns the brand to Central America and introduces fresh warm-water routes in the Seychelles and East Africa-proof that boutique yachting continues to evolve.
Key Points
- Why it matters: boutique yachts reach smaller, crowd-free ports.
- 170 departures; voyages run 7-25 nights.
- Four-ship fleet: Azzurra, Sakara, Kaia, and debuting Raiya.
- 25 new itineraries; 19 brand-new ports.
- Expanded winter cruising in Seychelles, East Africa, and Central America.
- Early-booking savings up to 10 percent through August 31 2025.
Emerald Cruises Yacht Cruises Snapshot - How It Works
Emerald Cruises positions its ocean yachts as floating boutique resorts. Each ship carries just 100-128 guests in all-suite accommodations, features a marina platform with complimentary water toys, and offers regionally inspired dining backed by sommelier-selected wines. Fares cover tips, Wi-Fi, most excursions, and onboard gratuities, simplifying budgeting. Voyages in 2027-2028 can be combined for extended journeys thanks to synchronized embarkation dates, letting guests string together the Adriatic, Greek Isles, Red Sea, and Caribbean without repeat ports. Emerald's shore teams cap group sizes at 24, so excursions remain personal even in marquee destinations.
Emerald Cruises Yacht Cruises Background - Why It Matters
Since 2022 the line has grown from one to four ocean yachts, betting that travelers crave smaller ships with resort-level comforts. The strategy paid off: sailings have held load factors above 90 percent and drew high Net Promoter Scores, prompting Emerald's owner, Scenic Group, to green-light two more super-yachts (Raiya and Xara) plus a Seine River ship. By shifting existing tonnage among the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Caribbean, Emerald balances seasonality, keeps crews employed year-round, and avoids deep-draft ports dominated by megaships. The new 2027-2028 roster extends that model by doubling call frequency in emerging Cruise nations such as Croatia, Panama, and Tanzania.
Emerald Cruises Yacht Cruises Latest Developments
The 2027-2028 reveal broadens both geography and ship choice while sprinkling in exclusives unavailable to larger vessels.
Emerald Raiya's Mediterranean Debut
Launching in the Seychelles in late 2026, Raiya pivots to Europe on April 8 2027 for a 10-night Valletta-to-Athens itinerary that overnights in Syracuse and docks at Skiathos and Lesbos-ports too small for conventional Cruise ships. Summer deployments keep Raiya in the Eastern Mediterranean before she winters on the Red Sea and East African coast, pairing warm-water beaches with Safari extensions.
Nineteen New Ports, Twenty-Five Fresh Itineraries
Highlights include Italy's Ischia and Trapani, France's Saint-Florent, Turkey's Kepez, Costa Rica's Bocas del Toro, and Panama's historic Portobelo. Many sailings schedule late departures or overnights so guests can dine ashore. Durations range from seven-night samplers to 25-night "Grand Mediterranean" combinations, all designed for back-to-back flexibility.
Return to Central America and Expansion into the Seychelles
Following a sold-out 2024 run, Emerald revives week-long San José-Panama City cruises with Canal transits and calls in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica. Meanwhile, Azzurra and Sakara will share winter duties in the Seychelles, layering beach days with reef snorkeling and visits to UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai. These routes answer guest surveys that ranked "exotic, warm-water islands" as the top wish-list item for 2027.
Analysis
For U.S. travelers the new collection means more shoulder-season choices at prices roughly 15-20 percent below peak summer Mediterranean rates. Expect entry-level Oceanview Suites to start around $5,500 per person for seven nights, but value rises sharply in longer sailings where per-diem rates drop. Air gateways remain convenient-most voyages begin in Valletta, Athens, Dubrovnik, or Barbados-and itineraries are trimmed to under 400 nautical miles, reducing sea days. Wellness amenities, such as complimentary morning yoga and a TechnoGym-equipped fitness center, cater to younger demographics. Emerald also touts its role-based pricing for private charters, opening doors for multi-generation reunions or incentive groups. For more on what to expect onboard, see our in-depth guide to the Emerald Cruises yacht experience.
Final Thoughts
With its 2027-2028 program, Emerald Cruises doubles down on the boutique-yacht niche by marrying small-ship intimacy with an itinerary map that spans five continents. Early planners snag launch-year perks and wider suite selection, while late bookers benefit from shoulder-season value in April and October. Act fast if you want maiden-season bragging rights on Raiya or a rare Seychelles round-trip-those departures historically sell out first. Whether you crave Mediterranean culture, canal crossings, or reef-ringed isles, Emerald Cruises' yacht cruises roster offers an elevated, effort-free way to reach ports big ships simply can't.