A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.
Late spring of 2025 brought an invitation we hadn’t planned for but couldn’t refuse. My brother and sister-in-law asked whether my husband and I would like to join them on a journey from Greece to Croatia aboard Emerald Cruises‘ yacht, Azzurra. It would be our first time on a yacht cruise, something we had never seriously considered before.
We’re not cruise people by nature.
We gravitate toward slow mornings, unstructured days, and travel that feels connected to place. Large cruise ships had never appealed to us. Too many people. Much too party-oriented. Lacks authenticity at destinations. Constant pressure to spend money. Impersonal.
But this felt different.
What began as a family invitation turned into one of the most unexpectedly rewarding travel experiences we’ve had, one that gently shifted how we think about traveling by sea.
Not a Press Trip, Just an Open Mind
This was not a hosted experience.
It was not sponsored.
We paid for the entire journey ourselves.
That distinction matters to us.
The route alone was compelling: Greece to Croatia, with stops in Albania and Montenegro. Ancient sites, coastal towns, and smaller ports that rarely appear on mainstream cruise itineraries. After a few days exploring Athens, my husband and I boarded the Emerald Azzurra with curiosity and very few expectations.
By the end of the week, those expectations had been thoroughly recalibrated.
Our First Impressions of the Emerald Azzurra Yacht
The Emerald Azzurra is not a cruise ship in the traditional sense. It is a sleek, modern yacht designed for intimacy rather than spectacle. With a maximum capacity of 100 guests, 97 on our sailing, the experience feels immediately different.
There were no crowds, no lines, and no sense of being rushed. From the moment we stepped aboard, everything felt calm and intentional. We were greeted by name, guided to our suite, and left to settle in without fanfare.
Most suites feature private balconies, which quickly became one of our favorite aspects of life onboard—waking up to sea air and watching coastlines pass quietly by, setting the tone for each day.
Public spaces are spread throughout the yacht, encouraging guests to disperse naturally. Quiet lounges, open decks, and intimate dining areas make the ship feel spacious without excess.
One standout feature is the open-bridge policy, which allows guests to visit the bridge anytime. Watching the crew navigate narrow waterways and busy harbors deepened my appreciation for the skill involved.
At the stern, the yacht opens into its own marina platform. When conditions allow, guests can kayak, paddleboard, lounge on floating mats, or step directly into the sea. It feels far more like a private vessel than a traditional cruise ship.
Emerald Cruises: Built on Experience, Not Experimentation
Before boarding, we assumed Emerald Cruises was a boutique, yacht-only operation. Once onboard, it became clear that the experience was backed by something more valuable.
Emerald Cruises is part of the Scenic Group, a global travel company with extensive experience in premium cruising. The brand initially launched as Emerald Waterways, focused on river cruising, before expanding into yacht cruising and rebranding as Emerald Cruises.
From River Cruises to Luxury Yachts
That river-cruise foundation shows.
River cruising requires precise navigation of narrow waterways, docking in small towns, and delivering a high-touch experience with minimal infrastructure. Those disciplines translate beautifully to yacht cruising, and you feel that confidence onboard the Emerald Azzurra.
Today, Emerald Cruises operates a carefully scaled fleet. Their river division includes multiple Starships sailing Europe’s major rivers and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. On the ocean side, the Emerald Azzurra and her sister ship, Emerald Sakara, lead the yacht fleet, with additional vessels planned.
Rather than rapid expansion, Emerald has focused on intentional growth. Small guest counts, strong crew-to-guest ratios, modern design, and access to places larger ships cannot reach define the brand.
Understanding that context made our experience make sense. The Emerald Azzurra doesn’t feel experimental. It feels assured.
Why We Chose a Small Ship Yacht Cruise
The true advantage of the Emerald Azzurra is access.
Smaller ships can enter ports and waterways that are simply inaccessible to larger vessels. That access changes the rhythm of travel and the quality of each stop.
The most unforgettable example came early on the journey: the Corinth Canal.
Sailing the Corinth Canal on the Emerald Azzurra
Completed in 1893, the Corinth Canal connects the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea, cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth. At its narrowest point, the canal is just 69 feet wide, too narrow for most modern cruise ships, which is why the Corinth Canal is a rare cruise experience and something remarkable.
We woke up early as pilots boarded shortly after 7 a.m. The crew created a quiet sense of occasion as guests gathered on deck with mimosas in hand. As the yacht entered the canal, steep limestone walls rose on either side. At times, it felt as though we were passing through a stone corridor carved by history.
Photographs don’t capture the scale or intimacy of the experience.
It was humbling, immersive, and deeply memorable. Not just a scenic passage, but a reminder that how you move through a place matters.
Dining on the Emerald Azzurra: What’s Included and Why It Stands Out
Dining aboard the Emerald Azzurra consistently exceeded expectations.
Everything is included, including alcohol, and generosity is evident. Meals were thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and reflective of the regions we were visiting. Menus leaned Mediterranean, with fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. The Chef was present and engaging cruise guests at every meal.
Dining never felt rushed or rigid. No fixed seating times were shaping the day. Meals unfolded naturally and often became long, easy conversations.
Wine and cocktails were generous. Service was attentive without being intrusive. It was personal as we got to know the staff well and learn their stories. It felt less like cruise dining and more like being welcomed into an excellent restaurant where you knew all the staff personally, night after night.
Life Onboard the Emerald Azzurra Yacht
Life aboard the Emerald Azzurra is defined by balance. The yacht offers comfort and refinement without excess, creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed, spacious, and quietly polished. With fewer than 100 guests onboard, days unfold without congestion or noise, and the ship never feels busy even at full capacity.
The design encourages guests to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether relaxing on deck, enjoying a meal, or spending quiet time in a lounge, indulging in a spa treatment, soaking in the hot tub, taking a swim in the pool, or working out in the gym, the experience feels unforced. The yacht is elegant yet approachable, with no formality dictating where or how guests should spend their time.
Suites, Balconies, and Shared Spaces
The Emerald Azzurra features spacious suites, most with private balconies. These personal outdoor spaces become natural extensions of the room, offering uninterrupted views of coastlines, harbors, and open sea. Waking up to shifting light on the water or returning to the suite as the ship glides into port adds a sense of continuity between travel and rest.
Inside, suites are thoughtfully designed with clean lines, neutral tones, and practical storage, allowing guests to settle in comfortably without feeling confined. Soundproofing and layout contribute to a quiet onboard experience, even during overnight sailing.
Shared spaces are intentionally spread throughout the yacht rather than concentrated in a single area. Multiple lounges, open decks, and seating areas allow guests to disperse naturally, reducing crowding and creating a sense of privacy even in communal settings. The infinity pool on deck offers a relaxed place to cool off while remaining connected to the surrounding scenery, and indoor lounges provide comfortable options regardless of the weather.
The Marina Platform and Water Sports
One of the most distinctive features of the Emerald Azzurra is the marina platform at the stern of the yacht. When conditions allow, the platform opens directly onto the sea, transforming the ship into its own private waterfront.
From here, guests can kayak, paddleboard, use floating mats, or swim directly from the yacht. This access creates a rare opportunity to engage with the water in a way that feels immediate and unstructured, more akin to a private yacht experience than traditional cruising.
The marina platform also serves as a gathering space on calm afternoons, where guests can relax by the water, watch the sea’s activity, or take in the surrounding landscape at water level. It reinforces Emerald Azzurra’s emphasis on connection to place, allowing guests to experience coastal destinations from the water rather than from shore alone.
Together, these onboard elements shape daily life aboard the Emerald Azzurra. Comfort, access, and thoughtful design work in tandem to create an experience that feels seamless, unrushed, and deeply connected to the journey itself.
Shore Excursions & On-Shore Experiences
Shore excursions aboard the Emerald Azzurra are designed to offer flexibility rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Emerald Cruises includes a selection of guided shore excursions in the cruise fare, typically focused on the cultural, historical, and scenic highlights of each destination. These experiences provide a thoughtful introduction to each port, often led by knowledgeable local guides.
For travelers who want to go deeper or explore differently, Emerald also offers a range of optional excursions available for purchase. These experiences allow guests to tailor their time ashore to their personal interests, pace, and energy levels. Options vary by destination and may include more in-depth historical tours, specialized tastings, active experiences such as hikes, or smaller, more focused group outings.
On Mediterranean and Adriatic itineraries like this one, excursions often feature visits to significant sites such as Delphi near Itea, guided walks through historic old towns, or explorations of medieval cities and fortifications. Optional experiences expand on this foundation, offering opportunities for deeper cultural immersion or unique local encounters.
The balance between included and optional excursions works well on a small ship. Guests may join a structured tour, book an enhanced experience, or explore independently, knowing the ship’s schedule allows for a relaxed return. This flexibility makes each port day feel intentional rather than rushed and enables travelers to engage with destinations in ways that suit their interests.
The Crew: Attentive Without Pretension
If the ship provides the structure, the crew provides the warmth.
The staff on board is international, professional, and genuinely kind. Names were remembered. Preferences noted. Needs are anticipated quietly.
While the experience is clearly upscale, it never felt stuffy or performative. There was no sense of hierarchy, just calm, capable hospitality. People were dressed most of the time casually, and there was rarely a need to “dress up.”
At one point, the crew learned I am a travel writer, which led to a behind-the-scenes tour of the yacht. We appreciated the opportunity, but our experience was no different from that of any other guest on board.
That transparency matters.
Smooth Sailing, Literally
One unexpected highlight was the yacht’s stability.
I typically struggle with seasickness in moderate conditions. Throughout the week, even on windier nights with noticeable swells, I felt completely fine. No medication needed. Though I was ready, I recommend my article on Seasickness changed my life.
The yacht’s design and stabilization made a real difference, allowing me to relax into the experience fully.
Our Greece to Croatia Yacht Cruise Itinerary
Over eight days, we visited:
- Itea, Greece (gateway to Delphi)
- Lefkada, Greece
- Parga, Greece
- Corfu, Greece
- Sarandë, Albania
- Kotor, Montenegro
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
With only 97 guests on board, arrivals felt manageable and respectful. Time in port felt intentional rather than rushed.
In places like Kotor, where multiple large cruise ships were docked, the contrast was striking. Our experience felt quieter and more human.
A Subtle Shift in Perspective on Yacht Cruising
Some journeys stay with you not because they change you, but because they quietly widen your view of travel.
Sailing aboard the Emerald Azzurra didn’t alter who we are as travelers, but it did challenge an assumption. We had long associated cruising with scale and compromise. What we experienced instead was something measured and intentional.
Days unfolded at a human pace. Mornings began with the coastline drifting past our balcony. Evenings felt relaxed and social, refined without being showy. The ship never competed with the destinations; it supported them.
The small scale made a difference. With fewer guests, interactions felt familiar rather than fleeting. Service felt attentive, never transactional. Comfort enhanced the experience without distancing us from the place.
When we disembarked in Dubrovnik and continued through Croatia by road, we carried a clearer understanding of what small-ship cruising can offer. Not a replacement for our usual travel, but a compelling alternative.
The Emerald Azzurra didn’t redefine travel for us.
It simply broadened our perspective on what sea travel can be.
FAQ’s
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Emerald Azzurra Cruise Photo Gallery
Transparency
As noted above, the trip on the Emerald Azzurra was a family trip, not a hosted trip. All costs were paid by us, and we received no discounts or special services. The crew kindly accommodated a tour of the Azzurra during our sailing. All opinions shared reflect our independent experience.
Planning a Trip or a Cruise?
When planning a trip, it’s always wise to compare accommodation or cruise prices across different platforms. Expedia, based in the U.S., and Booking.com, based in Europe, don’t always feature the same properties, so checking both can give you the best range of options. We prefer Booking.com for its user-friendly interface and wide selection, but we always recommend double-checking the hotel or vacation rental’s official website. Sometimes, you’ll find exclusive deals or perks when booking directly with the hotel or cruise line.
Click the link below to explore hotels and vacation homes in the area you are planning to visit. Who knows? It might be just the spark you need to start planning your next grand adventure.
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