Emerald Azzurra to visit Saudi Arabia during inaugural season on two brand-new voyages

In the lead-up to the launch of Emerald Azzurra, small ship specialist, Emerald Cruises has unveiled two brand-new itineraries in the superyacht’s 2022 schedule. Both itineraries will take guests on a voyage which includes Saudi Arabia, a new and exciting addition to Emerald Cruises’ expansive list of destinations 

The 10-day Mysteries & Treasures of the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia voyage will sail from the Cypriot city of Limassol, with its tavernas and medieval castle, and ends in Saudi Arabia’s second largest city, Jeddah. Located in the Hejaz region, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for being a gateway for pilgrims travelling to Mecca and Medina. En route, guests will visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, when calling at Port Said.

Travel through the world-famous Suez Canal, the 100-mile-long feat of engineering that connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. Snorkel in the Red Sea at Sharm El-Sheikh, visit Petra, the ancient city carved into sandstone and also a World Heritage Site.

Sail on to Duba, Saudi Arabia, known as the Pearl of the Red Sea and dock at Al Wahj, also Saudi Arabia, and visit AlUla – one of the oldest cities on the peninsula and the first World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, home to the tombs of Hegra. Prices for the 10-day voyage start from £4,445 per person, departing on 14 February 2022. 

Alternatively, the longer 12-day Ancient Wonders of the Red Sea and Mythical Greece itinerary sails from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and calls at Al Wahj, Duba, Aqaba and Sharm-el Sheik, as well as Ain Sokhna - the nearest beach resort to Cairo, Crete, Santorini and Athens. Highlights include a glass bottom boat trip at Naama Bay in Sharm El-Sheikh, an optional visit to AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, set sail on a traditional Felucca cruise on the Nile and visit the Great Pyramids of Giza. Soak up Santorini’s world-famous sunsets and white sandy beaches before disembarking in Piraeus, Athens. Prices for this 12-day voyage start from £5,270 per person, departing 18 March 2022. 

Launching in January, Emerald Azzurra is the first custom-built ocean superyacht from Emerald Cruises – offering a luxury cruising experience to small ports and harbours only accessible by small ships. The superyacht will carry a small group of just 100 guests, spread across 50 deluxe suites and staterooms, with the majority of cabins having access to private balconies.

Emerald Azzurra will feature a variety of areas to in which to dine and relax, including the Sky Deck with its Spa Pool, and on the Wellness Deck find a spa, gym, sauna and hairdressers. The superyacht’s marina platform is designed for easy access to enjoy snorkelling, paddle boarding and swimming during swim-stops – just some of the many activities included. 

Emerald Cruises is currently offering limited-time Super Earlybird savings of up to 25 per cent on selected cabins, as well as a complimentary deposit protection plan and a flexible booking policy. The Super Earlybird offer is valid on new bookings that are paid in full 12 months before departure, or bookings made within 12 months that are paid in full on the same day of booking.  

All prices include return UK flights, transfers, the cruises as stated, all tipping and gratuities, all on board meals, as well as included excursions and experiences with knowledgeable local guides.