Emerald Azzurra emerged from Vietnam’s Halong Shipbuilding Company yard ahead of its fitting-out. Azzurra is due to enter service on 28 January 2022.

Azzurra is the first custom-built ocean superyacht launched by Emerald Cruises. The line said it would offer a luxury small-ship experience, with 100 guests in 50 deluxe suites and staterooms. In total, 88% of cabins include a balcony and the yacht features an onboard wellness centre including spa, gym & sauna.

Emerald Azzurra also features a marina platform to allow easy access to snorkelling, paddle-boarding or swimming.

The vessel’s maiden voyage will be an eight-day Best of the Red Sea itinerary. The cruise starts from £3,625pp for an Oceanview Stateroom, or guests can take advantage of the Super Earlybird savings on a Balcony Stateroom from £3,837pp.

Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Emerald parent company The Scenic Group, said: “We are incredibly excited to see Emerald Azzurra successfully enter the water as the next stage of her build, the completion of the interior, commences. 

“Once again Emerald Cruises is looking to the future and building a game-changing vessel at a time when small-ship experiences are gaining in popularity. We can’t wait for past river cruise guests and new customers alike to join us onboard our very own ocean-going yacht in 2022.”