Luxury Yacht Cruising With Emerald Cruises

Emerald Cruises collection of luxury yacht sailings is unique and unmissable. Offering the freedom to explore several fascinating ports which only small yachts can reach, I was recently on-board enjoying a short sailing to explore the Greek Isles. Having never cruised with Emerald Cruises before, I was excited to see what the differences are between luxury yacht cruising and luxury ship cruising, here’s what I found from the Emerald Cruises experience.

Day 1: Manchester to Athens

A direct flight from Manchester to Athens got me in around 9:10 pm local time, with a fantastic driver waiting for me and a small group of fellow passengers at the other end. A private transfer isn’t a necessity, but it certainly starts the holiday off the right way.

It took about 30 minutes to get to the centre of Athens, where my hotel was, and being a couple of hours ahead of UK time we proceeded to have a few drinks before getting a good night’s sleep. I would always recommend adding a pre-stay before your cruise, it takes all the pressure off and is a great way to ensure you are at the right place, at the right time.

For those who fancy a few nights in Athens before their cruise, make sure you get a hotel in the right area. I’d always suggest a stay in one of the central neighbourhoods that allow visitors easy walking access to key sights and attractions such as the Acropolis.

Day 2: Embarkation of Emerald Azzurra

Today was the day -all aboard Emerald Azzurra! After breakfast and a quick walk-through Athens, we headed to the port of Piraeus, dropped our luggage off and proceeded through security. It was so quick and easy, which is to be expected when there are only 100 guests joining the ship!

My first impressions of the ship were that the decor was certainly contemporary and the atmosphere was welcoming and unlike anything I had ever stepped foot on before. 

Polished stainless steel, luxurious greys and glass welcome you onboard, along with the exceptionally attentive crew that is at your every beck and call. After being shown to the Amici Bar and Lounge, we were served a beautiful Bellini which was accompanied by a live acoustic musician. We waited to be called to Guest Services to be checked in, whilst taking in the surroundings and admiring the stunning pink Orchids that adorn the lounge seating.

Once called for, check-in took less than three minutes, and I met my luggage in my room. A beautiful, spacious Balcony Suite. In there I found two complimentary steel water bottles, “Quiet-Vox” audio devices, a selection of sweet treats and a personal coffee pod machine. I was taken aback by the amount of storage available, and I was also very impressed with the number of power outlets which had universal sockets on them – no adapter needed and one less thing to remember to pack! In the wardrobes, I found a safe, two umbrellas, shoe care amenities, dressing gowns and slippers. The bathroom had a walk-in shower (nice and powerful), as well as sumptuous towels that I would have loved to take home.

I also tried out the leather armchair, before venturing onto the balcony. Although the balcony was relatively small versus other, much larger ocean-faring vessels, the seating was extremely comfortable, and I was looking forward to getting my book out and spending some time out there. 

At 5 pm the Cruise Director, Chloe, gave us a tour of the ship and an overview of what to expect over the next few days. It was all very exciting, and I could not wait to get to know this beautiful yacht. But, first, food!

Getting ready for dinner was easy, and I didn’t need to worry about the annoying creased shirts as deck 4 is the home of the self-service laundry. It boasts four washing machines, 4 dryers, 2 irons (high quality and well maintained), and a clothes steamer too.

Whilst at dinner, I enjoyed a shrimp salad, beef consommé, lamb, and a delightful chocolate cake dessert. The restaurant delivered a different feel, one of a contemporary restaurant that you would find in a modern city centre. The wine was delicious, the service was exemplary, and I was left extremely impressed with the evening. After a few drinks in the Amici Bar and Lounge, it was time for a good night’s rest before tomorrow’s adventure. 

Day 3: Gythio Culinary Demonstration

The morning should have started with a quick trip to La Cucina where a fantastic breakfast buffet was on offer, however, I had booked on to the morning’s excursion that took us to a quaint restaurant for a culinary demonstration. Here, we were shown the traditional preparation of Anchovies, as well as a delicious Greek Salad followed by some Calamari – delicious! A short walk around the harbour left me in awe of my surroundings, with small fishing boats bringing in the morning’s work, framed by snow-capped mountains and crisp blue skies.

After getting back onboard I made my way to the observation deck in search of coffee and a quiet corner to do some work. It really is the perfect space for this, offering board games, power points for laptops and a fantastic coffee machine and water outlet. After a few hours, I took myself off to get ready for dinner at 7 pm.

Following a few drinks in the lounge before dinner, I made my way to La Cucina, a modern, inviting space, ready to tackle what the chefs had prepared. To begin, I chose a shrimp salad which delivered the freshest seafood, tomato relish and crisp salad leaves. My main course was a delicious cut of lamb, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and a rich red wine jus. The last course left my sweet tooth fulfilled, offering a sumptuous chocolate mousse cake with cherry reduction – delicious.

Dinner finished a few minutes before a scheduled trivia event took place back in the lounge, so I got myself a pen, and a glass of Australian Shiraz and got my brain in action. A somewhat informal activity that got the conversation flowing and provided a great finish to a wonderful day.

Day 4 – Argostoli Kefalonia, to Catania (overnight)

Blue skies were waiting for us in Argostoli, Kefalonia, as well as an early morning start for the included excursion. A short coach ride took us through stunning scenery before arriving at stop 1, Drogarati Cave in Sami. After just over 170 steps down an impressive cave with astonishing structures of stalactites and stalagmites await. Speleologists say that this cave is about 150 million years old, and it’s a truly remarkable experience to be surrounded by such awe-inspiring natural formations.

A quick coffee at the local café next to the cave and it’s time to make our way to stop 2, Melissani Cave. An abundance of mysticism awaits at the bottom of the cave, home to an awe-inspiring lake that delivers dazzling colours when the sun dances on the surface of the water. Not only did the rowboat take us through this impressive feature, but we saw eels that live in the lake and were given time to soak in the unadulterated beauty that this spot oozes.

A 30-minute coach ride lay ahead, hugging the coastline and revealing picturesque seaside villages as well as some of the most stunning coastline scenery I have ever seen.

Once back on board, the crew had a fantastic lunch waiting for us. I opted to try the barbecue ribs, with a fresh side salad and a small seafood medley. It made such a difference that the food was as fresh as it was, complimented by a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. A few sweet treats followed before we had to decide on the afternoon’s activity.

Setting sail at 1 pm meant we had the ship to explore, before finding ourselves at the side of the Jacuzzi where the pool bar served an array of drinks and snacks to fulfil your cravings under the midday sun. Bliss.

After retiring to the suite to freshen up, menus were quickly in hand and a drink was poured for dinner. We were lucky enough to be able to taste multiple dishes with us seated at a bigger table, including Bruschetta with Tomato and Garlic, Duck Breast & Leg Confit a La Orange, Pan Seared Barramundi and Vegetable Moussaka. Blueberry Pavlova finished me off for the day, before making my way to the lounge where Cruise Director Chloe picked up the microphone and put her vocal cords to the test. A truly mesmerising performance to round the day off.

Day 5: Catania and Disembarkation

An inevitable fact, but the end of the cruise for my fellow travellers and I was upon us. We were still sailing when I woke, due to arrive at Catania just after lunch, and with flights not until later in the evening, I still had time to make sure I’d explored every corner of Emerald Azzurra.

I made my way down to the spa and fitness centre on the Wellness Deck, which for such a small ship provides fantastic facilities to pamper and rejuvenate onboard. I was particularly impressed with the salon and infrared sauna, something to be taken advantage of during my next trip.

I then took myself up to the Aqua café where I benefited from the state-of-the-art coffee machine and a little shade so I could do some work and sit beside the infinity pool.

Later, lunch was served and I enjoyed salt-crusted salmon, accompanied by a fresh salad and pumpkin-baked shrimp – an utterly delicious and fantastic way to end my time onboard.

A short transfer to the airport was followed by a flight back to Manchester.

Reminiscent of a billionaire’s superyacht, this really is the way to get around. Emerald Cruises have managed to translate its river cruise product, which offers a contemporary, sleek design, and place it on the ocean. Emerald Azzurra can get into ports that others simply can’t reach and delivers guests the ability to travel in style whilst fulfilling the needs of the most discerning guest. If you’ve not considered this method of travel before, now is the time!