6 4 PL ANNER PERSPECTI VE destinations in the Red Sea. The yacht then embarked on a series of sailings in the same region, before repositioning to the Mediterranean and Adriatic Coast for the summer. In 2023, it will primarily operate itineraries in the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, Adriatic Sea, and the Mediterranean. “Emerald Azzurra’s size means it can offer a unique and luxurious smallship cruising experience, visiting ports and harbours that are only accessible to small yachts, such as the beautiful citadel of Korčula in Croatia,” says Docekal. “There has been strong demand, with almost all the voyages quickly selling out.” In summer 2023, Emerald Azzurra will be joined by sister yacht Emerald Sakara, which will begin service by cruising to Southern Italy, the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, the Greek Islands, and nearby destinations. Both vessels will sail Emerald Cruises’ firstever winter Caribbean itineraries from November 2023. “The luxury ocean yacht cruises will sail to 15 new islands and countries in the Caribbean, including Isla Tortuga, an uninhabited islet where guests can get up close to a wealth of marine life such as angel fish, stingrays and sea turtles,” says Docekal. “Forward bookings for the 2023-2024 sailings in the Caribbean and Adriatic have been particularly strong, and we look forward to seeing this trend continue.” While destinations are the biggest draw for many cruise guests, Docekal notes that sea days are a vital component of every itinerary too. “The most interesting part of itinerary planning is finding a way to provide our guests with a good balance between time and experiences off the ship and time to relax onboard our luxury vessels,” he says. “We’ve learned that the latter is a very important part of our guests’ holidays, so that’s why we elevate our luxury onboard options, including the spa, our bars and multiple unique dining options. “On Scenic Eclipse, for example, adding sea days for personal revitalisation gives guests a far more relaxed and complete six-star, ultraluxury experience, allowing time for them to attend lectures, briefings and explore the onboard amenities. Plus, the stunning Senses Spa and fitness studios enable guests to enjoy a mini spa holiday as part of their cruise.” With both Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Sakara set to join the fleet in 2023, Docekal is optimistic for Scenic Group’s future growth. “These new vessels will allow us to continue offering the destinations that have proven popular in the past in order to attract future guests. Doubling both fleets by 2023 will also allow us to simultaneously satisfy the desires of our loyal customers by giving them new destinations and even more indepth itineraries. There are some really exciting destinations in the works.” CFIP “ Guests want to discover destinations that are more authentic than places receiving a huge daily influx of tourists” Emerald Cruises plans calls in warm destinations to enable guests to enjoy paddleboarding and other water sports off the back of Emerald Azzurra’s marina platform
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