Vibes of the Virgin Islands
Vibes of the Virgin Islands
Cruise overview
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About Saint Thomas
If you fly to the 32-square-mile (83-square-km) island of St. Thomas, you land at its western end; if you arrive by cruise ship, you come into one of the world's most beautiful harbors. Either way, one of your first sights is the town of Charlotte Amalie. From the harbor you see an idyllic-looking village that spreads into the lower hills. If you were expecting a quiet hamlet with its inhabitants hanging out under palm trees, you've missed that era by about 300 years. Although other islands in the USVI developed plantation economies, St. Thomas cultivated its harbor, and it became a thriving seaport soon after it was settled by the Danish in the 1600s. The success of the naturally perfect harbor was enhanced by the fact that the Danes—who ruled St. Thomas with only a couple of short interruptions from 1666 to 1917—avoided involvement in some 100 years' worth of European wars. Denmark was the only European country with colonies in the Caribbean to stay neutral during the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 1700s. Thus, products of the Dutch, English, and French islands—sugar, cotton, and indigo—were traded through Charlotte Amalie, along with the regular shipments of slaves. When the Spanish wars ended, trade fell off, but by the end of the 1700s Europe was at war again, Denmark again remained neutral, and St. Thomas continued to prosper. Even into the 1800s, while the economies of St. Croix and St. John foundered with the market for sugarcane, St. Thomas's economy remained vigorous. This prosperity led to the development of shipyards, a well-organized banking system, and a large merchant class. In 1845 Charlotte Amalie had 101 large importing houses owned by the English, French, Germans, Haitians, Spaniards, Americans, Sephardim, and Danes. Charlotte Amalie is still one of the world's most active cruise-ship ports. On almost any day at least one and sometimes as many as eight cruise ships are tied to the docks or anchored outside the harbor. Gently rocking in the shadows of these giant floating hotels are just about every other kind of vessel imaginable: sleek sailing catamarans that will take you on a sunset cruise complete with rum punch and a Jimmy Buffett soundtrack, private megayachts for billionaires, and barnacle-bottom sloops—with laundry draped over the lifelines—that are home to world-cruising gypsies. Huge container ships pull up in Sub Base, west of the harbor, bringing in everything from breakfast cereals to tires. Anchored right along the waterfront are down-island barges that ply the waters between the Greater Antilles and the Leeward Islands, transporting goods such as refrigerators, VCRs, and disposable diapers. The waterfront road through Charlotte Amalie was once part of the harbor. Before it was filled in to build the highway, the beach came right up to the back door of the warehouses that now line the thoroughfare. Two hundred years ago those warehouses were filled with indigo, tobacco, and cotton. Today the stone buildings house silk, crystal, and diamonds. Exotic fragrances are still traded, but by island beauty queens in air-conditioned perfume palaces instead of through open market stalls. The pirates of old used St. Thomas as a base from which to raid merchant ships of every nation, though they were particularly fond of the gold- and silver-laden treasure ships heading to Spain. Pirates are still around, but today's versions use St. Thomas as a drop-off for their contraband: illegal immigrants and drugs. To explore outside Charlotte Amalie, rent a car or hire a taxi. Your rental car should come with a good map; if not, pick up the pocket-size "St. Thomas–St. John Road Map" at a tourist information center. Roads are marked with route numbers, but they're confusing and seem to switch numbers suddenly. Roads are also identified by signs bearing the St. Thomas–St. John Hotel and Tourism Association's mascot, Tommy the Starfish. More than 100 of these color-coded signs line the island's main routes. Orange signs trace the route from the airport to Red Hook, green signs identify the road from town to Magens Bay, Tommy's face on a yellow background points from Mafolie to Crown Bay through the north side, red signs lead from Smith Bay to Four Corners via Skyline Drive, and blue signs mark the route from the cruise-ship dock at Havensight to Red Hook. These color-coded routes are not marked on most visitor maps, however. Allow yourself a day to explore, especially if you want to stop to take pictures or to enjoy a light bite or refreshing swim. Most gas stations are on the island's more populated eastern end, so fill up before heading to the north side. And remember to drive on the left!
About Saint John Island
St. John, the smallest most idyllic of the three United States Virgin Islands, is best known for its dozens of post card perfect white sand beaches, turquoise bays abounding in colourful corals & rainbows of tropical fish endless vistas of green velvet hills. Only nine miles long (14.5 kilometres) and three miles (4.8 kilometres) wide, two thirds of the island is the Virgin Islands National Park, so its spectacular beaches & untouched forests will remain that way for generations to come and remain accessible to all. There are tours of the National Park by Jeep or safari bus and hikes on spectacular trails led by Park Rangers who enrich the experience with talks on the island's history and geology as well as its flora & fauna. While it is only twenty minutes from St. Thomas by convenient hourly ferry, St. John is the peaceful, uncommercialised paradise of island fantasies. It has no high-rise buildings, cruise ship docks or airport. Visitors can obtain discounted air fares to St. Thomas. Despite its unspoiled atmosphere, it offers every facility and amenity found at major resorts.
About Virgin Gorda
About Norman Island
About Norman Island
About Sandy Ground
Sandy Ground is a village beach on the island of Anguilla, located in the British West Indies. It benefits from a tropical climate and the warm Caribbean waters and is popular with tourists looking for a relaxing beach holiday. Sandy Ground is known by its long curved white sandy beach set against the backdrop of high cliff and a disused salt pond. It is the main port for the small island of Anguilla and its beach is popular with boat racing, beach bars, barbecues and dancing. The island of Anguilla is easy to explore with one main road running through the middle and plenty of beaches and bays to be discovered. The romantic Little Bay offers secluded coves, Junk’s Hole is home to the notorious Palm Grove barbeque, Island Harbour boasts bright coloured working fishing boats and the sands of Meads Bay host hotels for the elegant dining experience. At sunset, head to Crocus Bay and the coral cliffs for the best location on the island to watch the day’s end.
About Philipsburg
The capital of Dutch St. Maarten stretches about a mile (1½ km) along an isthmus between Great Bay and the Salt Pond and has five parallel streets. Most of the village's dozens of shops and restaurants are on Front Street, narrow and cobblestone, closest to Great Bay. It's generally congested when cruise ships are in port, because of its many duty-free shops and several casinos. Little lanes called steegjes connect Front Street with Back Street, which has fewer shops and considerably less congestion. Along the beach is a ½-mile-long (1-km-long) boardwalk with restaurants and several Wi-Fi hot spots.Wathey Square (pronounced watty) is in the heart of the village. Directly across from the square are the town hall and the courthouse, in a striking white building with cupola. The structure was built in 1793 and has served as the commander's home, a fire station, a jail, and a post office. The streets surrounding the square are lined with hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Captain Hodge Pier, just off the square, is a good spot to view Great Bay and the beach that stretches alongside.
About Philipsburg
The capital of Dutch St. Maarten stretches about a mile (1½ km) along an isthmus between Great Bay and the Salt Pond and has five parallel streets. Most of the village's dozens of shops and restaurants are on Front Street, narrow and cobblestone, closest to Great Bay. It's generally congested when cruise ships are in port, because of its many duty-free shops and several casinos. Little lanes called steegjes connect Front Street with Back Street, which has fewer shops and considerably less congestion. Along the beach is a ½-mile-long (1-km-long) boardwalk with restaurants and several Wi-Fi hot spots.Wathey Square (pronounced watty) is in the heart of the village. Directly across from the square are the town hall and the courthouse, in a striking white building with cupola. The structure was built in 1793 and has served as the commander's home, a fire station, a jail, and a post office. The streets surrounding the square are lined with hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Captain Hodge Pier, just off the square, is a good spot to view Great Bay and the beach that stretches alongside.
About Gustavia
You can easily explore all of Gustavia during a two-hour stroll. Some shops close from noon to 3 or 4, so plan lunch accordingly, but stores stay open past 7 in the evening. Parking in Gustavia is a challenge, especially during vacation times. A good spot to park is rue de la République, alongside the catamarans, yachts, and sailboats.
About Gustavia
You can easily explore all of Gustavia during a two-hour stroll. Some shops close from noon to 3 or 4, so plan lunch accordingly, but stores stay open past 7 in the evening. Parking in Gustavia is a challenge, especially during vacation times. A good spot to park is rue de la République, alongside the catamarans, yachts, and sailboats.
About Saint Thomas
If you fly to the 32-square-mile (83-square-km) island of St. Thomas, you land at its western end; if you arrive by cruise ship, you come into one of the world's most beautiful harbors. Either way, one of your first sights is the town of Charlotte Amalie. From the harbor you see an idyllic-looking village that spreads into the lower hills. If you were expecting a quiet hamlet with its inhabitants hanging out under palm trees, you've missed that era by about 300 years. Although other islands in the USVI developed plantation economies, St. Thomas cultivated its harbor, and it became a thriving seaport soon after it was settled by the Danish in the 1600s. The success of the naturally perfect harbor was enhanced by the fact that the Danes—who ruled St. Thomas with only a couple of short interruptions from 1666 to 1917—avoided involvement in some 100 years' worth of European wars. Denmark was the only European country with colonies in the Caribbean to stay neutral during the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 1700s. Thus, products of the Dutch, English, and French islands—sugar, cotton, and indigo—were traded through Charlotte Amalie, along with the regular shipments of slaves. When the Spanish wars ended, trade fell off, but by the end of the 1700s Europe was at war again, Denmark again remained neutral, and St. Thomas continued to prosper. Even into the 1800s, while the economies of St. Croix and St. John foundered with the market for sugarcane, St. Thomas's economy remained vigorous. This prosperity led to the development of shipyards, a well-organized banking system, and a large merchant class. In 1845 Charlotte Amalie had 101 large importing houses owned by the English, French, Germans, Haitians, Spaniards, Americans, Sephardim, and Danes. Charlotte Amalie is still one of the world's most active cruise-ship ports. On almost any day at least one and sometimes as many as eight cruise ships are tied to the docks or anchored outside the harbor. Gently rocking in the shadows of these giant floating hotels are just about every other kind of vessel imaginable: sleek sailing catamarans that will take you on a sunset cruise complete with rum punch and a Jimmy Buffett soundtrack, private megayachts for billionaires, and barnacle-bottom sloops—with laundry draped over the lifelines—that are home to world-cruising gypsies. Huge container ships pull up in Sub Base, west of the harbor, bringing in everything from breakfast cereals to tires. Anchored right along the waterfront are down-island barges that ply the waters between the Greater Antilles and the Leeward Islands, transporting goods such as refrigerators, VCRs, and disposable diapers. The waterfront road through Charlotte Amalie was once part of the harbor. Before it was filled in to build the highway, the beach came right up to the back door of the warehouses that now line the thoroughfare. Two hundred years ago those warehouses were filled with indigo, tobacco, and cotton. Today the stone buildings house silk, crystal, and diamonds. Exotic fragrances are still traded, but by island beauty queens in air-conditioned perfume palaces instead of through open market stalls. The pirates of old used St. Thomas as a base from which to raid merchant ships of every nation, though they were particularly fond of the gold- and silver-laden treasure ships heading to Spain. Pirates are still around, but today's versions use St. Thomas as a drop-off for their contraband: illegal immigrants and drugs. To explore outside Charlotte Amalie, rent a car or hire a taxi. Your rental car should come with a good map; if not, pick up the pocket-size "St. Thomas–St. John Road Map" at a tourist information center. Roads are marked with route numbers, but they're confusing and seem to switch numbers suddenly. Roads are also identified by signs bearing the St. Thomas–St. John Hotel and Tourism Association's mascot, Tommy the Starfish. More than 100 of these color-coded signs line the island's main routes. Orange signs trace the route from the airport to Red Hook, green signs identify the road from town to Magens Bay, Tommy's face on a yellow background points from Mafolie to Crown Bay through the north side, red signs lead from Smith Bay to Four Corners via Skyline Drive, and blue signs mark the route from the cruise-ship dock at Havensight to Red Hook. These color-coded routes are not marked on most visitor maps, however. Allow yourself a day to explore, especially if you want to stop to take pictures or to enjoy a light bite or refreshing swim. Most gas stations are on the island's more populated eastern end, so fill up before heading to the north side. And remember to drive on the left!
You’ll find our largest and most prestigious suites at the front of the Pool Deck, promising truly exceptional views of the unfolding landscapes.
A separate bedroom and lounge area gives you more room to roam, while a walk-in wardrobe and large private terrace encourage you to really settle into your boutique Owner's Suite.
- Your own private terrace
- Separate bedroom and lounge area
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with the finest Egyptian cotton linen
- Pillow menu
- Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer
- Complimentary bathrobes and slippers
- Welcome bottle of champagne
- Fruit platter on arrival
- Pre-dinner canapés
- After-dinner sweets
- Full mini-bar, restocked daily
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Flat screen HDTV and infotainment system
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Individual climate control
- Coffee and tea-making facilities
- Four laundered items daily
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
Wonderfully positioned at the back of the Observation Deck, you’ll be treated to sensational ocean and coastal views from your large private terrace.
Toast to your arrival with a complimentary bottle of champagne and a decadent fruit platter which will be waiting for you.
- Your own private terrace
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with the finest Egyptian cotton linen
- Pillow menu
- Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer
- Complimentary bathrobes and slippers
- Welcome bottle of champagne
- Fruit platter on arrival
- Full mini-bar, restocked daily
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Flat screen HDTV and infotainment system
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Individual climate control
- Coffee and tea-making facilities
- Two laundered items daily
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
- Your own private terrace
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with the finest Egyptian cotton linen
- Pillow menu
- Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer
- Complimentary bathrobes and slippers
- Welcome bottle of champagne
- Fruit platter on arrival
- Full mini-bar, restocked daily
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Flat screen HDTV and infotainment system
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Individual climate control
- Coffee and tea-making facilities
- Two laundered items daily
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
Situated on the Pool Deck, our two Deluxe Balcony Suites boast more space for your comfort.
Along with a private balcony, additional inclusions consist of coffee and tea-making facilities and a pillow menu for the perfect night’s sleep.
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with the finest Egyptian cotton linen
- Pillow menu
- Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer
- Complimentary bathrobes and slippers
- Fruit platter on arrival
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Flat screen HDTV and infotainment system
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Individual climate control
- Coffee and tea-making facilities
- Mini-bar
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
Divided between the Observation and Panorama decks, our Balcony Suites are your stylish home-away-from-home.
Featuring everything you’d expect from a world-class hotel, each one includes your own private balcony, from which to enjoy the stunning panoramas.
- Your own private outdoor balcony
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with the finest Egyptian cotton linen
- Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer
- Complimentary bathrobes and slippers
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Flat screen HDTV and infotainment system
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Individual climate control
- Mini-bar
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
You’ll find six of our superb value Oceanview Staterooms on the Emerald Deck, situated towards the front of the yacht, each with their own ocean-view window.
Instantly settle in with our selection of included modern amenities and make the most of your close proximity to the Horizon Bar & Lounge.
- An ocean-view window
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with the finest Egyptian cotton linen
- Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer
- Complimentary bathrobes and slippers
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Flat screen HDTV and infotainment system
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Individual climate control
- Mini-bar
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
Emerald Sakara
The sister yacht to the award-winning Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Sakara mirrors the luxury surrounds of her sister to perfection. Relax on board as our crew provides an unparalleled service, and explore the wealth of world-class amenities on board.
Ship Facts
| Speed | N/A | ||||||||
| Width | N/A | ||||||||
| Length | 110 | ||||||||
| Capacity | 100 | ||||||||
| Currency | EUR | ||||||||
| Language | en | ||||||||
| Crew Count | 72 | ||||||||
| Deck Count | 6 | ||||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||||
| Cabin Count | 50 | ||||||||
| Launch Year | 2023 | ||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | N/A | ||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | N/A |
Sky Deck
- Spa Pool
- Sky Bar
- Lifts
Pool Deck
- Lifts
- Aqua Café
- Aqua Pool
- Owner's Suite
- Deluxe Balcony Suite
Panorama Deck
- Navigation Bridge
- Life Boats
- Terrace Suite
- Balcony Suite
- Lifts
Observation Deck
- Observation Lounge
- Observation Terrace
- Self-service Laundry
- Yacht Suites
- Balcony Suites
- Lifts
Emerald Deck
- Amici Bar & Lounge
- Reception
- Boutique Azzurra
- La Cucina Terrace
- La Cucina Dining
- Oceanview Staterooms
- Lifts
Wellness Deck
- Medical Centre
- Gym
- Infrared Sauna
- Elements Spa
- Hairdressers
- Tender Boats
- Water Sports Boat
- Garage
- Marina Platform
- Lifts
Experience à la carte and fine dining on board our yachts. No matter which ocean you’re sailing on, you’ll find delectable meals on board, prepared using fresh, local ingredients.
With a selection of wines, beers, and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner, there's always a delightful pairing for your meals. Or, if you’d like to extend your selection of beverages, there’s a range of drinks packages to choose form^.
^Available at an additional cost.
La Cucina
Enjoy the most delectable dishes in the opulent surrounds of the La Cucina Dining. Let the tastes of freshly sourced ingredients on your palate, and enjoy complimentary beverages with each meal.
La Cucina Terrace
If you prefer to dine alfresco, head to the La Cucina Terrace.
Take in stunning vistas from the Observation Deck. Swim under the sun in the infinity-style Aqua Pool or take a leisurely dip in the Spa Pool. Unwind in the innovative infrared sauna and, on selected days, enjoy swim stops off the Marina Platform.
From the chilled and relaxed vibe of the Amici Bar & Lounge to the open-air surrounds of the Pool Deck and the serene Observation Lounge, you’ll find plenty of spaces on board to enjoy the company of new-found friends or to take a moment for yourself.
Sky Deck
Enjoy a drink from the Sky Bar, relax on the plush seating, or take a dip in the bubbling Spa pool.
Observation Lounge
Head to the Observation Deck area for spectacular views or a morning yoga session. In the Observation Lounge, sit back and relax with a good book or play a game of chess.
Amici Bar & Lounge
At the Amici Bar & Lounge, grab your morning coffee or meet friends here in the evenings for your favourite drink and some entertainment.
Aqua Pool & Café
Take in the views as you swim in the infinity-style Aqua Pool. Soak up the sun from the comfortable loungers or find some plush seating in the shade. Enjoy a coffee, scoop of gelato, or a freshly-made flatbread at the Aqua Pool Café.
Reception
The Reception can be found on the Emerald Deck next to the Boutique.