Anne Tells Us About 4 Extraordinary New Yacht Cruises In 2023

4 New Yacht Cruises in 2023

by Anne Kalosh

We love yachts at QuirkyCruise.

Here are some standout 2023 itineraries, from the Adriatic’s Dalmatian Coast to the Sea of Cortez, the Caribbean and a special Belize eclipse cruise.

They sail on a variety of different yacht styles, from classic to sleekly modern, and from a catamaran to an expedition vessel with skiffs, paddleboards and kayaks.

Riviera River Cruises Now Yachts along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Branching out into yachting, U.K.-based Riviera River Cruises is offering Adriatic Sea cruises that anchor at picturesque ports along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.

On the “Split, Hvar and the Delights of Dalmatia Yacht Cruise,” travelers aboard the twin-masted Mendula visit the Mediterranean landscape of Brač, lush Hvar, forested Korčula, remote Vis, pretty Solta and medieval Trogir. Along the way, they stop at idyllic locations to swim from the platform at the back of the ship.

The 30-pax Mendula sails off Korcula, a stop on the “Delights of Dalmatia” itinerary. * Photo: Riviera River Cruises

The trip includes seven guided tours, among them Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace in Split and Brač by all-terrain vehicle, with a visit to a masonry school and an olive oil museum. Further guided tours are of picturesque Jelsa, nestled in a pretty bay, and a walking tour of Korčula, a perfectly preserved medieval port.

There’s also a guided tour of Vis, with its gorgeous harbor and spectacular mountain backdrop and a E-bike tour of Hvar and its old town, with the majestic St. Stephen’s Square.

Mendula combines the ambience of a classic sailing ship with the comfort and glamor of a modern private yacht.

Just 15 cabins are available for 30 passengers featuring either a double bed or twin beds, dressing table and chair, wardrobe, bathroom with shower, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Interested in this new yacht cruise?

The seven-night cruise, round-trip from Split, Croatia’s largest city, is available May through October in 2023 and includes daily breakfast, five lunches, two dinners and seven guided tours and visits.

Fares on the 30-pax Mendula start at $2,409 per person, double occupancy.

Medieval Trogir is a stop on Mendula’s Dalmatian Coast cruise. * Photo: Riviera River Cruises

Paradero’s Sea of Cortez Catamaran Adventures

In Mexico’s Baja California, a small, all-suite hotel opened in the surfing hamlet of Todos Santos in early 2021, offering experiences that connect guests with nature, wellness, adventure and local culture.

Paradero Todos Santos is described as “less of a hotel than … a high-design landscaping project with luxurious suites … places to reflect and revitalize, with sanctuary-like interiors that flow into contemplative outdoor seating areas and cactus-studded desert and farmland.”

Now the property is introducing “Paradero Sea of Cortez,” two private catamaran itineraries in the Sea of Cortez, which Jacques Cousteau called the “aquarium of the world” for its rich marine life.

The sailings are currently only available for Paradero Todos Santos guests and not offered as a standalone catamaran reservation.

Travelers sail on a custom-built, 46-foot sail-powered catamaran from a marina that’s an hour’s drive from Paradero Todos Santos. They’ll visit stunning beaches, uninhabited islands, secret snorkeling spots and vibrant coastal locales. Destinations include Isla Partida, Isla Ballena and La Paz.

Paradero's catamaran in the Sea of Cortez

Relaxing on Paradero’s plush catamaran in the Sea of Cortez. * Photo: Paradero Hotels

Of special note is Espiritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site with red volcanic rock formations, vibrant reefs in tranquil waters, sea turtles, stingrays, blue whales, orcas, gray whales and 98 species of birds.

Other highlights include a snorkel through sea caves at Caleta Partida, a beach set-up on the velvety shores of the crescent-shaped Playa Bonanza, and a hike along the scenic Cascada Seca trek at Playa Candelero. Along the way, paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities abound.

When travelers book the catamaran overnight, they’ll experience incredible sunrises and sunsets, and once-in-a-lifetime stargazing with a vivid view of the Milky Way.

Dining features fresh sashimi with right-out-of-the-water chocolata clams, sea urchin and scallops.

The French-built catamaran offers four cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom and separate shower, and nearly 500 square feet of living space, including plush outdoor seating and over-water net beds.

Interested in this quirky yacht cruise?

This full-day private experience, starting at $4,480, has capacity for up to 10 passengers and includes seven to eight hours of sailing, while the “Paradero Baja Getaway,” starting at $8,320, is a two-night, three-day journey with capacity for up to eight.

Both options include full-service dining and an open bar, and round-trip transportation between Paradero Todos Santos and the marina.

The “Paradero Baja Getaway,” starting at $8,320, is a two-night, three-day journey with capacity for up to eight * Photo: Paradero.

Emerald Cruises to the Caribbean

Emerald Cruises’ 100-passenger Emerald Azzurra and soon-to-launch sister Emerald Sakara will spend the 2023 and 2024 winter seasons in the Caribbean and Central America.

New yacht cruise ships include the 100-passenger Emerald Azzurra

The 100-passenger Emerald Azzurra and sister Emerald Sakara will be sailing in the Caribbean in winter 2023 and 2024. * Photo: Emerald Cruises

Ten itineraries range from seven to 18 nights visiting picture-perfect islands in the Grenadines, Virgin Islands and West Indies, and ports at Puerto Rico, Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia.

The seven-night “British Virgin Islands & French West Indies” sailing round-trip from St. John’s, Antigua, features some of the Caribbean’s best hidden gems. Norman Island, a 600-acre private island located at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands, is a draw for yachters with its excellent snorkeling and intriguing pirate history. (It allegedly served as the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.”)

Other ports include Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke, home to the famous (infamous?) Painkiller cocktail.

Equally compelling is the seven-night “Eastern Caribbean & St. Barts” cruise from Marigot in St. Martin to Bridgetown, Barbados. Charming, French-influenced ports like Sainte-Pierre in Martinique and Terre-de-Haute in Îles de Saintes, Guadeloupe, call to mind the South of France with their European-flavored culture.

Soufriére in St. Lucia is located in the crater of a dormant volcano; visitors can experience hot springs, botanical gardens and waterfalls all in one locale. Gustavia on chic St. Barts is dotted with colorful houses surrounding pristine beaches.

Comfy seating for views from Emerald Azzurra’s Observation Lounge. * Photo: Emerald Cruises

Caribbean fares start at $4,033 per person, double occupancy, based on the Jan 27, 2024 seven-night “Eastern Caribbean & Grenadines” departure. This sails round-trip St. John’s, Antigua, with calls at Martinque, Bequia, St. Vincent, Mayreau Island, St. Lucia and Guadeloupe.

Cruises to Central America are priced from $4,342 per person, based on the Jan. 23, 2024 seven-night “Coastal Adventures: Costa Rica and Panama” voyage between Puntarenas and Panama City. Ports include Isla Tortuga, Quepos, Isla Cebaco, Playa del Muerto and San José Island.

Emerald Azzurra, which debuted in March 2022, has been sailing the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. This sleek yacht, and sister Emerald Sakara, coming in 2023, will be welcome additions to the Caribbean in the winters.

Emerald Azzurra’s Sky Deck is perfect for Caribbean cruising. * Photo: Emerald Cruises

Each has 50 luxuriously appointed suites, more than 88 percent with balconies; an infinity pool, spa with infrared sauna, gym and marina platform complete with SEABOBs, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment.

E-bikes from Gocycle are also available onboard, ideal for local trips and active explorations.

COMING SOON: Jason Frye reviews his cruise aboard the Emerald Azzurra.

UnCruise Adventures’ Belize eclipse adventure

UnCruise Adventures is offering its first season of Belize cruises in October and November this year.

The seven-night “Wonders, Rivers, Reefs and Mayan Culture” itinerary, round-trip Belize City, will operate again in October and November 2023, featuring a special, one-time eight-night voyage to view the annular solar eclipse.

An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun and the sun’s visible outer edges form a ring or annulus around the moon.

Like all UnCruise Belize itineraries, this eclipse journey on Oct. 13, 2023, is aboard the cozy, 66-passenger Safari Voyager.

The 66-passenger Safari Voyager will operate the Belize eclipse cruise. * Photo: UnCruise Adventures

From Belize City, Safari Voyager sails to Ranguana Caye, a private island, for snorkeling, paddleboarding and a private beach party.

Kayaking from Safari Voyager. * Photo: UnCruise Adventures

The next day, in Guatemala, travelers can hike and birdwatch in Las Escobas Rain Forest and experience the local Garifuna culture and history. In the afternoon, they can take out a skiff or hike through Tapon Creek Nature Reserve, home to endangered tapirs, howler monkeys and jaguars.

Safari Voyager continues to Rio Sarstun, Rio Dulce and Livingston, Guatemala, with the chance to visit the Kekchi Mayan community, stroll around Livingston and hike to the Seven Altars waterfalls.

Back in Belize, at Punta Gorda it’s market day. Visitors can join the locals to shop for woven crafts, produce, chilies, mangoes and tamales. Later there’s a chance to visit the Mayan ruins. The next day, at Payne’s Creek National Park, UnCruisers can kayak through the mangroves or take a birdwatching skiff tour.