EMERALD SAKARA

In September I escorted one of our charters on the Emerald Sakara, from Rome to Athens.

I was lucky enough to have the same Captain, Executive Chef, Shore Excursion Manager as well as several other wait and cabin staff, that we had on the Azzurra back in April of this year.    Many thanks go out to Captain Robert and his team who were all so accommodating, flexible, creative and happy to implement all our custom requests not to mention a few changes that came on the fly. 

The ship itself is a duplicate of her sister ship the Azzurra, with the exception of a slightly more cheerful color scheme in soft furnishings, and the amazing new StarLink internet service – which worked like a dream. 

Cabins – there are basically 7 different categories with 8 cabins in all being Premium Categories with lovely large balconies.    All  cabins are very spacious – even the lowest category which is on Deck 3, and these have no balcony and are typically used for charter staff,  they have high ceilings – plenty of drawer and closet space and a good working area.  Every cabin comes with complimentary water refilled as needed, reusable water bottles to take on excursions, VoiceBox also to take on excursions, umbrellas, robe and slippers.  Lots of power sockets – both US and European and both 110 and 220.  

On this charter, which was a custom itinerary Worldwide created – we were at anchor at all ports of call, so we were able to use the Marina and all the water toys everywhere except for Capri – there we had to use the local tenders which needed to board alongside the marina.   Everyone really enjoyed the Marina and the extensive toys for a ship/yacht of this size – trampoline, floating mats, kayaks, paddleboards and a Seabob.    Great for a young active crowd which is what I had.

The Sundeck and Jaccuzzi was used by many and a perfect spot for a late afternoon dip and cocktail at sunset.   Very popular.

La Cucina Restaurant is large and holds more than the entire ships compliment.  We were actually only 60 guests, and we all fit out on the aft deck area of the restaurant and so could enjoy “al fresco” dining every night for all.  Perfect when in this part of the world, or the Caribbean.  

The shore excursions, while interesting and gave an overview of the area we were visiting, I felt could have been re-worked to accommodate a younger more active crowd.  In Amalfi, we requested to anchor much earlier than originally scheduled, so that a group of guests could go ashore and do a hike – the Marina Manager put together a fabulous trail for the guests to follow and an App they could put on their phones to make it easier.  Customer service at its best.

The Executive Chef was amazing, and produced all sorts of dishes if asked.  He was truly creative and adaptive.  

We held a meeting in the Amici Lounge – perfect set up.  Large screen TV with projection and seating for 100 that all have line of sight for any presentation.

The highlight of the cruise was going through the Corinth Canal at night.  Wow.  First of all, this ship only JUST fits through on either side.  At night you have all the lights on which makes it more dramatic.  Of course one has to play 1492 Conquest of Paradise,  when navigating through here.  The passage takes one hour and is just an incredible experience.                                          

We did a White Night on the last evening and Chef made us mini desserts, all made out of white food products, which were served on deck as we cruised through the Corinth Canal.  What a way to end the trip.

I cant say enough about what a perfect ship this is for a charter.  Its size – just 100 guests, is ideal.  Everyone fits at the same time in the Amici Lounge and the dining room – something you don’t find on many small ships.   It has a good size gym and spa.   From a corporate viewpoint – the biggest comment made by the partners of my charterer was that the venue provided the highest level of networking and communication between their participants than they have ever experienced at a land resort.   For cruising in the Med or Caribbean, the outdoor areas are perfect and the Marina is a big plus.   Service is very attentive – 76 crew to 100 guests.  The ship itself is really a “yacht” – she looks like one, feels like one and delivers like one.