Copyright euroweeklynews
A prize jewel of a yacht has anchored in the Pearl of the Mediterranean. The Emerald Sakara, one of the newest vessels in the Emerald Cruises fleet, docked in Palma on Monday 27 October morning, drawing the attention of locals and yacht-watchers along the Paseo Marítimo. The 110-metre luxury superyacht is designed to offer a small-ship experience with big-ship comfort, catering to just 100 guests across 50 spacious suites and staterooms. Operated by Emerald Cruises, part of the Scenic Group, the Sakara is the second vessel in the company’s ocean-going fleet following the Emerald Azzurra. It’s the first time the impressive ship has been spotted in Palma. Boutique cruising designed for elegance Purpose-built to access smaller ports that are off-limits to traditional cruise liners, the Sakara reflects a growing trend for boutique-style cruising across the Mediterranean and Caribbean. The yacht features seven decks, with four dedicated to passenger accommodation, including the Oceanview Stateroom, Terrace Suite, Yacht Suite, and the top-tier Owner’s Suite. Each space offers contemporary design, private balconies or terraces, and panoramic sea views. Onboard facilities include a wellness centre with a gym, sauna and massage rooms, multiple fine-dining venues, an infinity-edge pool, and a marina platform for direct access to watersports such as paddle-boarding and snorkelling. The Sakara’s compact dimensions allow it to dock directly in the heart of destinations such as Palma, Dubrovnik, and Santorini, offering passengers a more intimate connection to local culture and scenery. In warmer waters, including the Caribbean, tenders ferry guests to secluded beaches and coves. This balance between luxury and exploration has become a defining hallmark of Emerald Cruises’ brand identity. Christened by cruise industry leader The Emerald Sakara was officially christened in December 2023 by Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), during a ceremony in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The ship is owned and operated by Emerald Cruises rather than a private individual – meaning it’s not linked to any celebrity owner – but its styling and exclusivity evoke the feel of a private megayacht. The yacht’s arrival reinforces Palma’s status as a leading Mediterranean port for luxury cruising. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”, Mallorca continues to attract the world’s most exclusive vessels, benefiting from improved facilities and a growing demand for high-end, sustainable tourism. With its arrival in Palma, the Emerald Sakara adds another jewel to Mallorca’s glittering maritime crown – an emerald shining bright in the Pearl of the Mediterranean.
