Emerald Cruises names first ocean luxury yacht in Venice

In attendance were Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group, Emerald's parent company, and his wife Karen Moroney, director of project design, along with embarking guests, Emerald Cruises staff who were part of the team responsible for delivering the yacht and local dignitaries.

Speaking during the ceremony Moroney said: 'Scenic Group holds a unique position of owning the complete end to end process where we design, build and operate our vessels.'

He gave special thanks to the project team, headed by Ivo Skelin. The yacht was handed over to Emerald Cruises by builder Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam in February.

ROL's role

Godmother Sarah Wikevand, joint managing director at Reader Offers Ltd (ROL), was unable to attend the ceremony. However, Rosie Cairns, ROL joint managing director, stepped in.

David Winterton, global director of brand and marketing at Emerald Cruises, said: 'The ROL team are true advocates for the cruising market and their dedication reflects our own commitment to growing the popularity of luxury yacht cruising. As one of Emerald Cruises’ top performing agents for both river and yacht cruising, ROL has been instrumental in the success of launching of Emerald Azzurra.'

The 100-passenger vessel will sail on a series of eight- to 25-night itineraries around the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas.  

Second yacht in 2023

Emerald Azzurra will be joined by sister yacht Emerald Sakara in 2023, with itineraries to the Seychelles along with the Mediterranean and Adriatic.