River cruise line Emerald Waterways has announced plans for its first ocean cruise with a newly commissioned yacht the MV Adriatic Princess II set to launch in 2019 and designed to navigate the Dalmatian coast and it’s many small ports. With only 18 cabins holding 36 guests, this intimate ship aims to provide a quintessential yachting experience. Emerald Waterways will be offering 22 departures from April through October 2019 and the line is currently accepting pre-bookings with a deposit of $500 per person via South African General Sales Agents, Cruise Vacations.
“We are absolutely thrilled at the news of the launch MC Adriatic Princess II” said Gaynor Galbraith Neill, GM for local Emerald Sales Agents, Cruise Vacations. “There is a huge demand at the moment for voyages that include Croatia, and these itineraries are designed to offer guests the opportunity to truly explore this amazing coastline in a very exclusive and experiential way. With a capacity for only 36 guests in 18 cabins, we expect availability to be tight and therefore encourage interested passengers to book as early as possible.”
The sun deck, outfitted with comfortable sun beds and deck chairs, offers a spot for relaxing and soaking up the Mediterranean sun while taking in Croatia’s breath-taking coastline. Specially outfitted pool ladders located at the rear offer guests easy access to the sea for a swim or snorkel while the yacht is stationary. The open-plan restaurant allows guests flexibility with their dining choices, while the bar and lounge terrace provide an area to get to know fellow guests. This, complemented by a crew of knowledgeable, English-speaking crew available to help guests navigate each port.
The eight-day Islands of Dalmatia cruise navigates the waters between Trogir and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Guests on these sailings will take in destinations along the Adriatic Coast and learn about the unique topography of this region, comprised of thousands of off-shore islands and coastlines dotted with limestone mountains and ancient cities and towns. The sailing begins or ends in Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a historic town centre and medieval streets lined with classic examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. From there, guests sail to towards Šibenik, one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic Coast, before heading to the small town of Skradin. Here, guests explore Krka National Park, known for its waterfalls, including the Skradinski Buk falls, one of Croatia’s most famous sights. A day spent on Hvar offers a chance to see the island’s rolling lavender fields and cultivated vineyards as well as hillsides dotted with terracotta-roofed villas, Gothic palaces and 13th-century ramparts rising towards an impressive citadel. Guests will visit the bell towers of the Franciscan Monastery, St Mark’s Church and Cathedral of St Stephen before returning to the ship for an afternoon of sailing towards Split, the largest city on the Adriatic coast, with an impressive mix of Roman and modern architecture.
Pučišća, a coastal town and a municipality on the island of Brač, is often cited as being one of the prettiest villages in Europe. It’s also known for its white limestone—used in the building of the White House. An included EmeraldPLUS excursion takes guests to visit a stonemason school founded in 1909. Later that day, a DiscoverMORE excursion includes a guided tour of Cetina with a boat ride and local culinary tasting. On the island of Korčula, one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic Sea, a guided tour of the town reveals the typical medieval architecture, including ancient towers and red-roofed houses. Marco Polo, the famous world traveler and writer, is reputed to have been here. A guided tour of the village of Ston includes a wine-tasting session. The sailing ends in Dubrovnik with its picturesque Old Town and white limestone streets.
These yacht sailings are scheduled in such a way to be able to accommodate guests looking to combine an ocean cruise with a river cruise—for example, on select sailings guests can combine a Dalmatian Coast yacht cruise with an Enchantment of Eastern European or Danube Delights river cruise. For those that want more time to explore Croatia, a three-night extension in Zagreb is also available.
Cruise Vacations are now able to accept pre-bookings for MV Adriatic Princess II for SA Passengers. Fares start at just $2995 per person sharing and guests booking before 30th June 2018 can benefit from a special launch offer of $500 pp saving.
