Last month, I had the pleasure of sailing aboard the Emerald Sakara, a luxury cruise that carries just 100 passengers. I have been fortunate enough to travel on many cruises and ships over the years, but this was something different, something special. From the moment I stepped on board, I felt like I was joining an extended family. The staff were warm, attentive, and personal, the kind of people who remember your name, your preferences, and even how you take your coffee. On a vessel this intimate, those touches make all the difference.

The Emerald Sakara is not about overwhelming you with sheer size or flashy entertainment. Instead, it delivers luxury on a human scale with thoughtful design, world-class dining, comfortable staterooms, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere that made me feel both pampered and at home.

Let me take you through some of the highlights of this extraordinary experience.

Spacious Staterooms With Smart Details

I will start with my stateroom, because honestly, it deserves its own standing ovation. Cruise cabins are notorious for being tight on space, but not here. My stateroom on the Emerald Sakara was remarkably spacious, with more storage than I have at home (and I am not exaggerating). Every detail was clever and carefully thought out:

  • Pull-out shoe racks that kept things organized and accessible.
  • Double-sided medicine chest mirrors that allow you to see the back of your head while fixing your hair, a small luxury but one I quickly came to appreciate.
  • A large shower that actually let you move around comfortably without bumping elbows.
  • A stocked mini bar, with complimentary beers, sodas, and waters.
  • A coffee maker and electric kettle, so you could make your own coffee or tea at any time of day.
  • A private balcony, with a small table and chairs, perfect for enjoying breakfast, a glass of wine, or simply watching the coastline drift by.

The room was not just practical, it was indulgent. And speaking of indulgence, one of my favorite perks was room service breakfast, available every day. You could choose from anything on the menu, and it was delivered right to your stateroom. More than once, I found myself lingering on the balcony over fresh fruit, pastries, and cappuccino, savoring the morning views.

Dining That Sets a New Standard

One of the true joys of this trip was the culinary experience. On a ship this size, you might expect the food to be simple or repetitive. Instead, it was the opposite. Every meal felt like dining in a fine restaurant, with a balance of choice, quality, and regional flair.

Here is how meals worked:

  • Breakfast and lunch featured buffets with a wide variety of fresh options, plus the opportunity to order off the menu if you wanted something prepared to your taste.
  • Dinner was always a multi-course event. Starters, main courses, pastas recommended for sharing, and a daily specialty of the region kept things exciting. In Italy we enjoyed dishes inspired by local traditions, while in France, there were flavors that reflected Provençal cooking.

And then there were the standards: salmon, chicken, lamb chops, and steak, perfectly prepared every time. I was especially impressed that when I asked for lamb chops cooked rare, they arrived rare. Anyone who loves meat knows how unusual that is at sea, where proteins are often overdone.

Of course, what is a great meal without great wine? The wine list was a highlight of the cruise. A wide selection of excellent wines from different countries was included, and honestly, there was no need to order from the premium list unless you wanted to splurge. The included wines were that good. Whether white, red, rosé, or sparkling, there was always something that paired beautifully with the meal.

Dining could be enjoyed indoors or outdoors, and I loved the flexibility. Sitting on the deck, sipping wine with the sea breeze in my hair, that is what I call the good life.

Bars, Cocktails, and More

In addition to wine, the bar program on the Emerald Sakara was top-notch. The main bar was stylish and inviting, a natural gathering spot before and after dinner. But what really impressed me were the bartenders: cheerful, eager, and creative.

Whether you wanted a perfectly balanced martini, a refreshing mojito, or something completely custom, they were happy to whip it up with a smile. It was not just about pouring drinks, it was about crafting an experience. Combined with the excellent spirits selection, the cocktails felt every bit as luxurious as the meals.

Relaxation and Recreation Onboard

The Emerald Sakara may be small compared to an ocean liner, but it offers plenty of ways to relax and have fun. I especially enjoyed:

  • The heated outdoor pool, perfect for a dip while gazing out at the coastline.
  • The jacuzzi, located conveniently next to the bar, where you could soak and sip at the same time.
  • The marina platform, a brilliant feature. When the yacht was anchored, the crew opened it up so we could swim in the ocean or try out water toys. My favorite was a little motorized bobcat device, sort of like a mini jet ski, except you hold onto it and let it pull you through the water. For the daredevils, there was also a water slide that plunged directly into the ocean. It was exhilarating to watch, and even more exhilarating to try.

It was the perfect balance, enough to keep you entertained, but not so much that you felt overwhelmed or rushed.

Shore Excursions: Exploring the Mediterranean

One of the best parts of any cruise is the itinerary, and the Emerald Sakara delivered a memorable route through the Mediterranean. Each day brought a new port, and with such a small group of passengers, getting on and off the ship was easy and efficient.

Here was our journey:

  • Nice, France – Our starting point, a glamorous city with stunning seaside views.
  • Italy: Genoa – Originally scheduled for Portofino, but due to weather, we rerouted to Genoa. It turned out to be a fascinating substitute, with its rich maritime history, grand piazzas, and a vibrant old town full of winding alleys and authentic trattorias. Genoa is also famous for having some of the best pesto in the world, made with fragrant local basil and traditionally served over trofie pasta. Sampling it in its home city was a culinary highlight of the trip.
  • Porto Venere, Italy – A charming coastal town that felt like a hidden gem, with pastel houses and winding streets.
  • France: Saint-Tropez and Cassis – Each offered its own flavor: Saint-Tropez with its jet-set vibe, Cassis with its cliffs and calanques.
  • Spain: Roses – A delightful port town near Girona, with a more relaxed, authentic feel than the larger Spanish ports.
  • Barcelona, Spain – Our grand finale, a city that never fails to impress with its architecture, culture, and energy.

Shore excursions were available every day. Some were included, most came at an extra cost, but the beauty of this cruise was flexibility. Many passengers, myself included, chose to explore ports independently, enjoying the freedom to wander, taste, and discover at our own pace.

Why This Luxury Cruise Felt Different

There are many luxury cruises out there, so what makes the Emerald Sakara stand out? For me, it was the intimacy and the personal connections. With only 100 passengers, it felt like a floating boutique hotel rather than a cruise ship. By the end of the week, I knew many of my fellow travelers by name, and the crew felt like family.

There were no casinos, no Broadway-style shows, and no overwhelming crowds. Instead, the focus was on quality over quantity: exceptional food and wine, comfortable surroundings, attentive service, and the chance to connect with people in meaningful ways.

It is the kind of cruise that appeals to travelers who value authenticity, relaxation, and excellence. It would also be perfect for wine clubs looking for a unique way to bond with their members over travel, food, and wine. And of course, Wine Lovers Travel would be delighted to help arrange such a group, ensuring a one-of-a-kind journey filled with unforgettable memories.