Emerald Cruises’ first oceangoing superyacht, Emerald Azzurra, has welcomed its first guests onboard for its inaugural sailing

Scenic Group says it has identified a new niche for its Emerald Cruises brand that has been long overlooked, while launching a new incentive to drive bookings for the brand.

Spicers Retreats’ new sub-brand, Private Collection by Spicers, has added a superyacht to its portfolio of intimate luxury operators.

With Sydney’s interstate and international borders re-opening, the city is preparing to celebrate its magnificent harbour with the first-ever Sydney Superyacht Festival (SSYF), at the start of January.

Emerald Azzurra, the first custom-built superyacht by Emerald Cruises, has successfully completed its first sea trials, conducted by Captain Jonathan Edwards and Marine Operations Manager Robert O’Leary along with more than 98 specialised crew, contractors and shipyard staff on board.

Aqua Expeditions has confirmed an expansion of its fleet with the introduction of a superyacht, Aqua Mare, to launch in the Galapagos from May 2022, as exclusively foreshadowed by LATTE. The seven-suite Aqua Mare will offer a choice of two seven-night itineraries exploring the Archipelagos’ East and West regions, as well as two 14-night voyages.

Emerald Cruises has confirmed it is launching a second luxury superyacht. Work on the new Emerald Sakara, a sister ship to Emerald Azzurra, is already underway and earmarked for debut in early 2023. The 110-metre yacht will begin operation in a new destination for Emerald Cruises – the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.

The superyacht market has now become more easily accessible to travellers following the launch of an Australian business called YOTSPACE superyacht voyages.

Scenic has confirmed plans to deploy its six-star, ultra-luxury yacht to Australian waters for the first time in mid-2021.

A new generation of boutique cruise ships is set to emerge, with the luxury of a superyacht, the construction techniques and passenger experience of a cruise ship, and a close focus on the environment. These cost-optimised vessels will serve the charter and luxury hotel sectors in attracting and meeting the demand from millennials and cruise veterans alike.

The event also saw Addicted to Maldives launch its new agent incentive program, Maldives Elite, which offers its members the opportunity to earn increased commissions, take part in yearly famil trips to the Maldives and participate in regular education sessions offered by the Addicted to Maldives team.