Emerald Cruises presents its boutique Mediterranean cruises for the 2026 and 2027 seasons

The Mediterranean continues to solidify its position as one of the most iconic destinations for maritime travel. In this context, Emerald Cruises announced its boutique cruise program for 2026 and 2027, inviting travelers to explore the region aboard its smaller ocean yachts, designed to offer an intimate and personalized experience.

The itineraries range from the European Riviera to historic cities like Venice, Dubrovnik, and Athens, incorporating both iconic ports and less-visited destinations. The concept emphasizes intimate cruising, where limited capacity—between 100 and 128 guests—allows for highly personalized service and a more relaxed pace of travel.

According to Ken Muskat, president of Scenic Group for the United States and Latin America, the interest in this type of travel stems from a growing trend toward more authentic experiences. He noted that travelers are looking for superyacht options that combine comfort, cultural immersion, and access to destinations inaccessible to larger ships, which has generated strong demand for the upcoming seasons.

Onboard and at-destination experience

Emerald Cruises' offering is based on yachts designed to access small ports and coastal coves. This feature allows you to explore less-traveled corners of the Mediterranean while maintaining contemporary comfort standards.

The service is supported by a high crew-to-passenger ratio, spacious common areas, and dedicated spaces for well-being, gastronomy, and relaxation. On land, excursions include specialized programs such as EmeraldPLUS, EmeraldACTIVE, and DiscoverMORE, designed to foster direct contact with local culture, history, and cuisine.

Itineraries through the Mediterranean and the Adriatic

The planned routes cover different durations and regions:

• Tours along the Adriatic and Dalmatian coast between Venice and Dubrovnik
• Sailing through the Greek islands and the Ionian Sea
• Trips along the Western Mediterranean Riviera and Italian coasts
• Extended crossings from Athens to Venice across the Adriatic

These itineraries include stops in Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain and the south of France, with visits to coastal cities, archipelagos and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

High demand for the upcoming seasons

The company reported that departures have seen a significant level of bookings, reducing availability for 2026 and 2027. The limited capacity of yachts, coupled with the market's preference for personalized trips, reinforces the trend towards boutique formats within maritime tourism.

With this program, Emerald Cruises is committed to a cruise model focused on the experience, where the destination and cultural interaction take precedence over the size of the ship, consolidating the growth of the contemporary luxury segment in the Mediterranean.

Source: Emerald Cruises & Tours