Esmeralda of the Seas

A DAY ON THE YACHT

When planning a yachting holiday in Croatia, most travellers tend to enjoy this country during the summer, but only if there is a way of escaping the unbearable heat and noise of the tourist crowds that tend to stick to the mainland; if there is car access, be sure that there will be a lot of people, fighting for every free inch of towel space on the beach.

You can avoid these kinds of situations altogether by coming to Croatia during the shoulder season, either in May or late September. But there is another way of avoiding crowds and the mainland altogether, and that is to charter a yacht with SuperYachts Croatia and escape to a remote Adriatic island, where nothing and no one will be able to disturb your peace and privacy.

To accomplish this, first determine the airport of your arrival. Split offers a modern airport with connecting and international flights all year round, as well as an excellent yacht marina and a great maritime position.

Located in central Dalmatia, Split is famous for its Royal Palace, built by the Roman emperor Diocletian, as his summer home and a retreat from Rome. If it was good enough for the Roman emperor, it is also good enough for thousands of charter guests who flock to Split every year. No wonder, since Split is also an important naval transit hub, transporting cargo and people all across the Croatian Adriatic sea.

This city has a lot to offer to travellers who are in transit, so you too could set aside an hour or two to explore Split, before boarding ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter.
But first, arrive at the nearby Split airport and decide if you want a VIP shuttle transport – everything is possible if you inform your local SuperYachts Croatia broker beforehand.

Traffic in Split is awful during the summer, that is why the chauffeur will leave you near the Old Town core, while transporting your luggage to the yacht, enabling you to move freely and without worry.

Walk through the stone-layed streets of Diocletian`s Palace and marvel at the ancient architecture, now inhabited by quaint cafes, artisan shops, galleries and museums. Soak in the atmosphere of antiquity, mixed with fresh sea air and diverse travellers from all around the world.

Order bespoke ice cream or a refreshing cocktail if it is a particularly hot summer day and continue your stroll towards Split`s main seaside promenade, the Riva. Once you see the sea, boarding ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter will immediately become a priority, because the beckoning call of the blue Adriatic will be too strong to resist.

SuperYachts Croatia can arrange a pickup by tender directly on the Riva or you can board your superyacht in the nearby marina. Once you start walking on the docks, recognize your yacht by the sight of your dedicated crew waiting for you on the stern, with welcome champagne and tasty canapes, prepared in advance by your expert yacht chef.

Your luggage will already be on board, so you do not have to strain yourself; while on a yacht holiday in Croatia, the main prerogative is relaxation and comfort. Let your local crew do everything for you, from serving the drinks and cleaning your cabin, to always being on hand and ready to offer assistance when needed.

Follow your stewardess as she takes you on an extensive tour of ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter, so you could get familiar with all the awesome gadgets and amenities of your superyacht.

Once you have covered the awesome flybridge, the contemporary main deck and the lower deck accommodations, choose your cabin and follow your charter party outside, to the main deck aft alfresco dining area.

During the tour, ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS already started cruising towards the island of Vis, which is some 30 nautical miles southwest of Split. This means that the cruise will take some time, during which you are left with many options of how to spend time in a leisurely manner.

First, talk about upcoming plans for Vis island with your charter party on the main deck aft, all the while being served by your hard-working crew. If you are hungry, the chef could whip up something fast for you to nibble on, so as not to spoil lunch, which is planned on arrival to Vis. Alternatively, you could inform your chef beforehand and he will have your lunch ready as soon as you board ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter.

You could also enjoy a sunbathing session on comfortable sun loungers on the bow sundeck; while you sunbathe, there will always be a refreshing cocktail at arm`s length, due to the diligence of your charter crew.

Finally, the air-conditioned salon offers respite from the summer heat, if it becomes too hot outside; once you arrive to Vis, the problems with the heat will instantly dissipate, once you jump into the refreshing Adriatic sea.

Nearing the coastline of Vis island, you will notice that the approach to the island feels like an arrival to a movie set – not surprising, considering that Vis was the main location for filming Mamma Mia 2.

Upon arrival, observe the many quiet and private patches on the coast, where the water is clear and there is no one in sight. This low-key attribute of Vis island is the main reason yacht enthusiasts come to this place – for an effective escape from the mainstream tourist hordes on the mainland.

One of the classic hallmarks of Vis island is the army bases and submarine hangars, left by the Yugoslavian army after the collapse of the failed state in the 80s and 90s. You can tour these locations by using your yacht as a forward base, while the local know-how of your charter crew acts as the best tour guide you could find on the island.

Also, the neighbouring small islet of BIševo offers several cave systems, that are not to be missed when visiting Vis. Use the water toys on your yacht, like the tender or the kayak, to enter the caves and marvel at the blue glow of the water, create by daylight reflecting against the sandy bottom of the cave.

When it comes to diving and snorkelling, besides a lively seabed and crystal-clear water, Vis also hides a prize in form of a B-17 bomber wreck, shot down in the Second World War.
But first, a quaint lunch in a private bay will provide enough energy to experience the totality of Vis island.

Start with a classic lentil soup with lemon juice, parsley and freshly-baked bread and follow up with grilled honey mustard chicken with roasted potatoes with samphire, black olives and salted lime sauce. For dessert, enjoy mini triple chocolate cheesecakes.

As you finish the last bites of your fantastic light lunch, go change into your swimwear and get ready to experience the enchanting Vis island in its full glory. Use all the water toys at your disposal and snorkel with fish schools and sea urchins, before using the kayak to enter the sea caves of Biševo. Be amazed at their beauty; you can even ask for an underwater camera from your charter crew, to immortalize the beauty of these caves.

Afterwards, drive around on Sea bobs or enjoy being towed on donuts – the sky is the limit when you utilize the Croatian Adriatic sea to its full extent. As the sun begins to set over the horizon, return to ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter so you could fully enjoy the magical vibe of an Adriatic sunset.

The flybridge will provide the perfect vantage point, from where you can follow the sun, as it gives way to the moon and Vis is transformed into an enchanting rock of solitude, surrounded by the shadowy-silver sea.

Spending a night at anchor in a secluded bay around Vis island is really a special experience and a perfect way to tie off your first vacation day in Croatia. Alternatively, you could tour the island and familiarize yourself with the rich gastronomic traditions of Vis, by exploring local restaurants, such as Jastožera or Konoba Bako.

Ask your local yacht crew for recommendations for the best restaurants on Vis island or dine on your yacht in a surrounding of your choice. It might be a dinner under the stars on the flybridge, in open water, or a quaint dining experience while ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter is berthed in the Vis marina.

Either way, prepare to enjoy dishes like freshly-prepared fish soup, made by following a traditional Croatian recipe. Continue with garlic-baked seabass with celeriac puree and truffle sauce, drizzled with native olive oil and enjoy a strawberry panna cotta for dessert.

When your entire charter party is finished with dining, you might want to spend the rest of the evening relaxing in an alfresco atmosphere, sipping champagne, reminiscing about the good times and planning even better times for the rest of your yacht holiday in Croatia.

YACHT CHARTER DINING

When you are cruising in the Croatian Adriatic sea, you would naturally assume that the mainstay of your diet aboard ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter will consist mainly of fresh seafood. And you would not be wrong. Indeed, you will definitely enjoy the selection and freshness of Adriatic tuna, seabass, cod, octopus, squid and many others, seasoned and prepared by following traditional Croatian recipes and using wild herbs and native spices.

On the other hand, this does not have to be the case, seeing that filling out your preference sheet means that the chef and the crew will only prepare and serve the food you highlighted as your preference.

This means dishes like flank steak with capers, gherkins and cauliflower puree, highland pheasant with baby leeks and chive butter sauce and apples or honey, almond and earl grey spiced mini bundt cakes with cream cheese glaze.

Combine this with the awesome background of the Croatian Adriatic sea, present in your every dining experience, and you will not look at luxury yacht dining the same again.
If you are into formal dining, request a white glove service on your preference sheet; alternatively, you can decide on a more informal dining experience and a relaxed atmosphere.
The staff and the service will adhere to your every wish and your overall vision of your holiday – whatever you choose, will be done.

YACHT MAIN DECK

Due to her young age, ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS tackles many ongoing yacht design problems in a surprisingly effective way, the main one being: how to make a yacht of 29 meters offer the same level of luxury and amenities as her much lengthier counterparts? The answer is hidden within ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter.

Starting with her exterior profile, wide beam, and smart use of space. Compartmentalisation and versatility are the main factors that enable this yacht to have a flybridge with a bespoke jacuzzi, while also offering plenty of sunbathing, lounging and dining surfaces on the same deck.

The same is true with the interior – every surface indoors has several different purposes, while also being luxuriously fitted and extremely comfortable. Starting from the aft section of the main deck, guests can enjoy the atmosphere of the sea while being seated in comfort at the alfresco dining table. A long stern-placed bench covers the backend of the aft section, with a fixed dining table and several movable chairs surrounding it.

A staircase is placed on the starboard side, allowing access to the flybridge above. Since ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter is very wide for her length, the side decks are very spacious and allow easy access to the front sundeck, located at the bow of the main deck.

This area is perfect for sun lovers, who like to lounge around in the sun with beautiful views, while simultaneously not being seen themselves. Made up of circular benches that follow the shape of the bow, as well as a large sunbed, moulded into the hardtop surface of the main deck ceiling, this area is also ideal if you wish to follow the cruising direction of ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS, without any obstacles or distractions. Circling back to the main deck, guests can enter the interior main deck salon through the glass sliding door.

Yacht charter accommodation: main salon & dining area

Upon entering the salon, guests are welcomed by a large C-shaped sofa on the starboard side of the salon, with a coffee table in the centre of the sofa. This lounge arrangement sits across a long and large drawer, which hides the pop-up TV. This feature turns the entire front salon area into an entertainment center, where movie-watching, game playing and karaoke singing will be prevalent.

The décor of the salon has strong ties with the sea, utilizing many details coloured in turquoise or aquamarine colours. Nature is a big part of the interior design, reflected in the choice of neutral and earthy primary colours, as well as bare wooden dark brown floorboards, and wooden accessories and frames. All of this gives the atmosphere of the salon a distinctively natural feeling.

The wide windows fill the salon with massive amounts of natural light, furthering the tendency of this space to have tangible ties to the nature outside the yacht. Moving forward from the lounge/entertainment area, guests arrive at the dining area, consisting of a large dining table and chairs, able to sit all the guests aboard in total comfort and luxury.

On the starboard side, next to the dining table, is a glass sliding door that leads to the side deck. By definition, this is actually a movable glass wall, that when opened, creates a sense of openness, and airiness and allows the air to flow freely throughout the main deck.

Forward on the portside is a very practical day head, which allows guests to wash their hands before a meal, without going to their cabins on the lower deck. Right across the day head is the staircase leading to the lower deck guest accommodations, with a starboard hallway connecting the main deck master suite with the rest of the yacht.

Yacht charter accommodation: Main deck master suite

The master suite aboard ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter is filled with plenty of features, making sure that the primary charter guests feel like they are in their home away from home. The portside placed sofa is a good position to read your favorite book during the day, since the sofa is ideally positioned under the huge panoramic windows.

The centrally placed king-size berth has one nightstand on each side, as well as a skylight above it, guaranteeing plenty of sunlight during the day, and a view of the starry sky in the evening. A small desk with a chair is located opposite the sofa, on the starboard side of the master suite, allowing guests to enjoy a meal in their cabin, as well as read a book or answer some emails on their laptop.

The colours borrow from the arrangement of the salon i.e. grey and white are subtly complemented by brown matte wood floorboards and details. This creates a very stable and grounded atmosphere that guests will enjoy spending time in. In front of the berth is the ensuite bathroom, stretching from the centerline of the suite to the portside, while the starboard side harbours a walk-in wardrobe.

The ensuite also boasts incredible views, thanks to wide windows, which will complement all hygienic processes with a dash of fresh sea air and natural light, full of vitamin D.

YACHT FLYBRIDGE

The flybridge is accessed via the starboard staircase on the main deck; once guests reach this fantastic area, several different options will be available, starting with a second alfresco dining option. The flybridge`s stern is thus occupied by a wide table and foldable chairs, which provide an alternative to dining on the main deck. This is ideal if you wish to be in an elevated position for observing a particularly beautiful natural element, like a lagoon or a sunset.

Moving forward, the futuristic design and modern materials used in the flybridge`s hardtop create a progressive and technological atmosphere, particularly when the guest chooses to lounge on long sofas that are placed on each side of the amidship side deck.

On the portside, a jacuzzi offers an amenity not usually seen on yachts of this length. Nevertheless, it will provide unparalleled comfort and top-tier luxury; while you are relaxing in the warm embrace of the jacuzzi, your charter crew will be on standby to serve drinks or snacks, making your jacuzzi experience even more enjoyable.

Towards the tip of the flybridge, the exterior helm station will be the place where you will plan your itinerary and cruising course with the captain, as well as enjoy moving towards the ever-changing horizon. Next to the port side helm station is the starboard bar, from where your crew will serve drinks to all the guests on the flybridge.

YACHT LOWER DECK

The lower deck on ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter contains 2 twin cabins and 2 double cabins, both identical in their layout, but different in their design.

Yacht charter accommodation: twin cabin

There are two twins aboard this yacht, which are arranged in an identical manner, but with different cosmetic appearances. One of the twins has red details that contrast the light beige, crème and white colours, while the other has black and grey stripes above the berth headspace, with the same light beige and white colors as contrasts.

A single nightstand divides the berths, under which are integrated LED lights, providing a dash of modernity to the twin. The décor could be described as stylish and minimalistic, with plenty of sunlight due to wide portholes that can also open, providing fresh sea air straight into the cabin. Also, there is a flat-screen TV in front of the twin berths, as well as an ensuite bathroom.

Yacht charter accommodation: double cabin

There are also two double cabins on ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter, which are mirror images of one another; the layout is the same, but some details in the décor are different, to offer versatility to guests.

A queen-size berth is located in the central position inside the cabin. In front of the berth is a flat-screen TV, beneath which is a compact table with a chair; next to the TV is a classic wardrobe.

Above the berth, white velvet ceiling panels provide added sound insulation, as well as subtle décor. Stylized circular windows in combination with classic portholes act as natural light sources, while the bare wooden floorboards help keep guests cool during the summer. The double cabins aboard ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter are full of earthen colors which create a stylized and homey environment.

YACHT BEACH CLUB & SWIMMING PLATFORM

ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter has an unusually large swimming platform for a yacht of her size. Her full-beam swimming platform allows for quick and easy sea access, as well as having different water toys at arm’s length, thanks to the practical toy garage.

Alternatively, you can use this space as a balcony that will bring you closer to the beauty of the Croatian Adriatic sea, as well as provide the perfect background for doing yoga at sunset. The swimming platform is also wide enough for your charter crew to set up a couple of chairs and a coffee table, to create a bespoke lounge bar near the water`s edge.

Two flights of stairs on either side of the swimming platform provide an excellent connection with the rest of the yacht, particularly with the aft section of the main deck. Guests can hand each other drinks from the main deck to the swimming platform, thereby merging the experience of being close to the water with that of being surrounded by the luxurious amenities of ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter.

YACHT WATER TOYS & WATER SPORTS

ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS yacht charter is able to field a small army of water toys, with only one task: to provide her guests with a memorable time in the sea, as well as hours of fun and excitement. The fun starts with the standard tender, which will be able to transport you to shore or pull the towable toys, due to its 110 HP motor.

Thanks to the strong tender, you will be able to master riding the wakeboard or the waterskis, also aided by the helpful instructions from your yacht crew. Since they mastered all the water toys aboard ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS, they can act as coaches, teaching you all the little tricks and tips of how to posture and position on the wakeboard or how to curve and jump with the skis.

Since the only risk of trying is getting really wet, there are seemingly no bad sides to trying to learn how to waterski or wakeboard. There is also the water tube; although this toy is more fitting for children, parents can ride them too, with their kids by their side. Enjoy the experience of having your private water park in the middle of the Croatian Adriatic sea and create memories that will last a lifetime.

When it comes to underwater adventures, a pair of Sea bobs will take two lucky guests on an all-inclusive tour of the Adriatic seafloor, absolutely teeming with life. Observe aquatic animals in their natural habitat and take pictures with an underwater camera, provided by your forward-thinking yacht crew. Used with snorkeling gear, the Sea bob becomes the ultimate tool for experiencing the Croatian sea from a perspective of a fish.

Finally, a kayak will provide means of staying active on your yachting holiday, while also allowing guests to get in touch with nature by being close to the water and feeling the movement of the ocean. With every wave you encounter, you can inch closer and closer to a particular part of the nearby coastline, find a perfect beach, disembark and sunbathe in full privacy or go out into open water and try kayak-fishing.