“Where others add on, we include”: That’s the philosophy that is a big differentiator for Emerald Yacht Cruises, says Juna Ueda, General Manager, Scenic Group Canada. In this edition of Take 5, Ueda talks milestone moments for Scenic Group, new ships Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara, selling tips for luxury yacht cruising and more.

1. What would you say are the differentiating factors that make the Emerald Yacht Cruises experience stand out, and how should advisors position that differentiator when speaking with clients who are exploring their luxury travel options?

“The Emerald Yacht Cruises difference comes down to one simple philosophy: where others add on, we include. 

“This inclusive value proposition is one of the strongest selling points Canadian advisors can lean into when clients are comparing luxury options, because it removes the guesswork and hidden costs that so often frustrate travellers. Every itinerary comes with exceptional inclusions such as regionally inspired meals, curated guided excursions, complimentary wine, beer, and cocktails throughout the day, along with excursions and the marina platform toys, plus gratuities and airport transfers, making the entire journey seamless from start to finish. From elegant alfresco dining areas to spacious suites crafted for ultimate comfort, every detail is thoughtfully curated to elevate the guest experience. Onboard, guests can further unwind and relax at the Aqua Pool and Vitality Pool on the Sky Deck, or take advantage of marina platform toys including kayaks, paddleboards, seabobs, and snorkel gear.

“Advisors can highlight the added reassurance of all-Canadian pricing and support and when positioning this to clients, the key message is that Emerald Yacht Cruises delivers true value luxury: an elevated, worry-free experience where the price they see is genuinely the price they pay, with generous inclusions built into every voyage from beginning to end.”

2. As Scenic Group celebrates its 40th anniversary this October, what new innovations and fleet expansions can we expect specifically from Emerald Yacht Cruises?

“As Scenic Group marks 40 years of setting the benchmark for innovation in ultra-luxury and luxury travel this October, Emerald Yacht Cruises is entering an exciting new chapter of fleet growth, remaining the only cruise company to design, build, crew and operate its own ships through its in-house shipbuilding division. 

“This fully integrated model is what allows Emerald Yacht Cruises to introduce new yachts with such consistency and quality. The newest addition, Emerald Kaia, launched in April of this year, welcoming guests with an expanded Sky Deck, enhanced Observation Sun Deck, private cabanas, and elevated dining options including the new Night Market Grill. After a summer of Mediterranean and Adriatic sailings, the yacht will reposition to the Seychelles for the 2026 to 2027 winter season.

“Looking ahead, Emerald Raiya will also debut in June 2027 with an 8-day Greek Islands and Turkish Coastlines voyage, accommodating up to 128 guests and reflecting the same sleek design and elevated guest experience as Emerald Kaia, offering seamless open-air living, wellness-focused amenities, and immersive coastal exploration before following a similar seasonal rhythm between the Mediterranean and the Seychelles.

“And in 2028, Emerald Xara will mark an exciting milestone as the first Emerald Cruises yacht to sail Asia and Australia, offering 14 new itineraries across destinations like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands, giving advisors an entirely new region to offer clients under the Emerald Cruises & Tours brand.”

Emerald Kaia’s Sky Bar & Lounge

3. What are some of the standout features and inclusions within the Emerald Yacht Cruises experience that advisors can use as hidden gems to enrich their client conversations?

“Beyond the well-known inclusions, Emerald Yacht Cruises offers several standout details that advisors can use to deepen client conversations and highlight the true value of the experience, such as coral reef snorkelling in Anguilla or kayaking around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands. For clients who want to stay active, Emerald offers complimentary e-bikes and mountain bikes for guided and independent exploring ashore (dependant on location), along with EmeraldActive excursions like hiking and biking tours, giving guests genuine freedom to explore at their own pace. With measured guest numbers on board, clients also benefit from an exceptional staff-to-guest ratio and truly personalized service, with each yacht thoughtfully designed around comfort and luxury.

“One of the most compelling hidden gems is the fleet’s custom design, which allows yachts to sail into smaller ports, such as Bonifacio, France or Korcula, Croatia and harbours that larger ships simply cannot access. This means guests dock in the heart of fascinating port towns, enjoying a more immersive, in-depth cruise experience closer to the action, all supported by a first-class English-speaking crew and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides. Together, these details give advisors compelling talking points to show clients just how much thoughtful care is woven into every Emerald Yacht Cruises voyage.”

4. What advice would you give travel advisors who want to start selling luxury yacht cruising to clients who have never considered it before? What resources, training or opportunities does Emerald Yacht Cruises provide to help advisors feel confident recommending this product category?

“For advisors who have never sold luxury yacht cruising before, now is an ideal time to start exploring this category, as more Canadians are actively seeking out smaller, more immersive luxury experiences, making yacht cruising one of the fastest-growing segments in travel today.

“The good news is that Emerald Yacht Cruises BDMs are here to assist. You can book an initial consultation meeting to help you achieve your business goals. In addition, we have built out an entire ecosystem of tools and support to help them feel confident recommending this product category from day one. The Emerald Cruises & Tours agent portal is designed to make selling as easy as possible, giving advisors everything they need in one place, including the online booking tool ExpressBook, current offer details, Agent Academy Training, brochures, sales team contacts, and more, so advisors always have the tools and support to book with confidence.

“Beyond the digital resources, Emerald Yacht Cruises also hosts complimentary Yacht Travel Lounges, intimate in-person events limited to just 24 guests, where advisors can experience the world of Emerald yacht cruising firsthand with their clients. These relaxed sessions offer a low-pressure setting to learn about coastal itineraries, onboard life, and everything that makes the Emerald Yacht Cruises experience unique, giving advisors a genuine feel for the product before recommending it and a great way to introduce curious clients to luxury yacht cruising for the first time.”

5. With venues like La Cucina Dining & Terrace, the Night Market Grill, and the Aqua Pool & Cafe, how does Emerald Yacht Cruises differentiate the dining experience across each space onboard, and how should advisors describe this variety to clients who may associate yacht cruising with a single, formal dining room?

“Advisors can reassure clients that Emerald Yacht Cruises moves far beyond the single, formal dining room they may associate with traditional cruising, offering instead a variety of venues designed to suit every mood and moment of the day, while still feeling genuinely exclusive throughout. At the heart of the experience is La Cucina Dining & Terrace, a spacious and stylish restaurant serving fine à la carte dinners alongside sumptuous breakfasts and lunches, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients thoughtfully crafted by expert chefs to reflect the regional flavours of the destinations being sailed. Guests who prefer to dine alfresco can head to the adjoining Terrace to enjoy meals under the sun.

“For something more casual, the Aqua Pool Café offers flatbreads, revitalizing gelato, and coffee to go, perfect for a relaxed poolside bite. In the evenings, the Amici Bar & Lounge serves as the main social hub, where expert mixologists craft everything from spirits and wine to cocktails, mocktails, and soft drinks for every preference. And adding an exciting new layer to the dining program, Emerald Kaia introduced the Night Market Grill, a brand-new Asian-style dining experience available exclusively for eight guests, bringing an intimate, elevated culinary moment to the voyage.

“Advisors can position this variety as a key differentiator, explaining that clients get true freedom of choice, formal or casual, indoors or alfresco, without ever compromising on the quality, freshness or authenticity that defines fine dining at sea.”

Travel advisors can reach out to Emerald Cruises & Tours at 1-844-788-7987 or email groups@emeraldcruises.ca, or check out emerald.cruises.

Lead image caption: Juna Ueda, General Manager, Scenic Group Canada