My advice is to always be friendly, he noted.
I like to support my mom-and-pop [businesses].
If you become familiar with them, theyll say, Hey, I got this in this morning.
Credit:Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure
Emerald Sakara
The intimate-ship vibe was also one reason the chef wanted to hop aboard.
A hundred passengers is not a lot, he said.
I’ve been on boats with 2,500 passengers, and you really do feel like you’re anonymous.
Courtesy of Emerald Cruises
But here, the service is great, and you really are treated as an individual and someone important.
And you kind of lose that on the big boats.
Its been incredible, he said.
Laurent BENOIT/Courtesy of Emerald Cruises
I had to agree.
TheSakaracertainly has much to offer, both in spite of its smaller size and because of it.
There were no crowds to contend with, no paperwork hassles, no touts offering dodgy cab rides.
Laurent BENOIT/Courtesy of Emerald Cruises
A five-minute tender ride to the beach was all it took to meet our local guide.
Time from leaving the breakfast buffet to our first stop?
Other moments aboardSakarafelt like something out ofBelow Deck.
Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure
As I continued my joy ride, I could see another vessel anchored just north of us.
Turns out, it was David Geffens private yacht, Rising Sun.
Of course, we were there first.
Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure
Most of the 50 rooms and suites have verandas; ocean-view staterooms are the exception.
Still, the food on board is solid.
(Many dietary restrictions and preferences can be accommodated.)
Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure
Where Emerald Sakara Sails
Though small, this ship isnt an expedition yacht.
(We did occasionally encounter some swells of up to two meters, or 6.6 feet.
I saw many guests wearing medicated patches to prevent motion sickness throughout the trip.
Passengers raved about a kayak paddle through the bioluminescent bay on Vieques, something I sadly didnt try myself.
Worth a mention, too, were Atencios detailed briefings on what to expect each day.
There are handrails throughout, and bathrooms feature shower grab bars.
AsEmeralds FAQexplains: Guests with limited mobility will require help from a companion, since the crew is limited.
Also of note: many announcements are made only by loudspeaker with no hearing-impaired alternative.
Seven-night sailings onEmerald Sakarastart from $2,775 per person, and you’re free to book atemeraldcruises.com.
