CLIA President Godmother to Emerald Cruises Newest Yacht

Emerald Cruises is delighted to announce Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Global, has been named godmother of Emerald Sakara, the line’s second ocean-going luxury yacht.

As president and CEO of CLIA, Kelly Craighead represents an expansive and growing community consisting of the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines as well as a network of more than 66,000 CLIA-certified travel agents and shareholders across the industry.

In addition to her leadership role at CLIA, Craighead serves as vice chair and executive director of the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation, a non-profit public charity devoted to improving the quality of life in communities served by the cruise industry. Her leadership on sustainable tourism has helped position the cruise industry in a better place than it was three years ago – and well on its way towards achieving carbon reduction goals for 2030 and net carbon-neutral ship operations by 2050.

The luxury yacht will sail her inaugural voyage on the 8-day Ionian Sea Adventure itinerary on 5 August 2023, sailing from Athens (Piraeus) to Rome (Civitavecchia).

The naming ceremony will take place on 2 December 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, after the yacht has repositioned to the Caribbean.

Kelly Craighead said:

“I am honored to have been chosen as godmother to the luxury ocean yacht Emerald Sakara and am proud to represent this beautiful and ecologically friendly ship in this esteemed maritime tradition.

“The name Sakara reflects my deep personal belief that positive thoughts manifest reality, and the strong rebound of cruise from the past few years – along with our commitment to a future of sustainable cruising – demonstrates the optimism that drives this industry forward every day. Additionally, Emerald Cruises’ Cherish the Planet ethos, built in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, aligns with CLIA’s work around environmentally responsible tourism and protecting the destinations we visit.”

Richard Twynam, UK managing director, Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, said:
“Kelly’s unwavering commitment to travel agents, whom Emerald Cruises relies on every day, and her work with the ports and destinations we visit around the globe, drives our passion for growth and success. As Emerald Cruises’ fleet continues to expand with our newest luxury ocean yacht, we find it fitting that Kelly, who carries the same attributes and more, is recognized and honoured by Emerald Cruises as the Godmother of Emerald Sakara.”

Emerald Sakara is the second ocean yacht in Emerald Cruises’ ocean yacht fleet, following Emerald Azzurra’s launch from Aqaba, Jordan in April 2022. 80 per cent of Emerald Sakara’s 50 luxury suites boast balconies, allowing more space per guest than similar vessels of her size. The yacht also features a large infinity-style Aqua Pool, Elements Spa, well-equipped gym and Marina Platform, with an exciting array of marina toys including SEABOBs, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment available for guests to enjoy. A fleet of the latest in electronic bikes from Gocycle are also available on board – perfect for local shoreside trips and active explorations.