Overview
Is Emerald Cruises right for you?
Emerald Cruises is the ocean-going sibling of Emerald Waterways’ well-regarded river fleet, applying the same boutique, all-inclusive philosophy to a compact yacht carrying just over 100 suites. Every stateroom has a balcony, a wellness deck with an infinity pool anchors the top deck, and fares bundle excursions, Wi-Fi and most drinks — the kind of straightforward, all-in pricing that made the river brand popular. It’s a newer entrant to ocean cruising, but it draws on more than a decade of Emerald’s hospitality playbook, and it’s become a fast favorite for travelers who want yacht-scale intimacy without the ultra-luxury price tag of Silversea or Seabourn.
Who it’s best for
- Travelers who loved Emerald’s river ships and want the same style at sea
- Couples wanting an intimate, all-suite yacht under 100 cabins
- Guests who value included excursions and a straightforward all-in fare
- First-time small-ship cruisers coming from mainstream ocean lines
Popular ships
Emerald Azzurra
A 100-suite yacht built for the Mediterranean and Adriatic, with a two-tier marina platform for swimming and watersports.
Emerald Sakara
Sister ship expanding the line’s reach into the Middle East, Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
Emerald Kaia
The line’s newest addition, extending itineraries into the Caribbean and Central America.
Cabin recommendations
Best value
Balcony Suites are the entry category fleet-wide and already include a private balcony — there’s no interior-cabin compromise on this line.
Couples
A Horizon Suite adds a larger balcony and forward-facing views for a modest upcharge over the entry category.
Watersports fans
Book an itinerary with marina-platform days built in — swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding straight off the ship are a signature feature.
Dining
Included dining spans an indoor main restaurant and an outdoor poolside grill, with most beverages — including wine, beer and cocktails — bundled into the fare. The smaller guest count keeps menus flexible and service personal, closer to a boutique hotel than a typical cruise dining room.
Entertainment
Low-key by design: a marina platform for swimming and watersports, an infinity pool and wellness deck, destination talks, and an intimate lounge for evening drinks and light live music. There’s no big theater or casino — the itinerary and onboard relaxation are the draw.
What’s included
- Most excursions in every port
- Beer, wine and cocktails included fleet-wide
- Wi-Fi included
- Marina platform with swimming and watersports
- Balcony in every stateroom category
Emerald Cruises FAQs
Yes — Emerald Cruises is the ocean-going sibling brand, built by the same company behind the well-regarded Emerald Waterways river fleet, and it carries over the same all-inclusive, boutique approach to its ocean yachts.
It sits a notch below the ultra-luxury lines on price while still including most excursions and drinks, making it a strong option for travelers who want yacht-scale intimacy without the highest luxury price point.
Very intimate — just over 100 suites per ship, which keeps the atmosphere personal and allows access to smaller ports and marinas that larger ships can’t use.