Emerald Cruises Announces CLIA President & CEO Kelly Craighead Godmother of Emerald Sakara
Emerald Cruises’ newest ship, the Emerald Sakara, is getting a notable cruise industry advocate as its godmother, Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) President and CEO, Kelly Craighead.
“Kelly portrays perfectly what we find special about Emerald Sakara, whose translated name means ‘thoughts become things,’ a meaning that represents both how we designed and built Emerald Sakara, and how we view Kelly’s leadership and contributions to the cruise industry as she guided us through some of our most challenging times, only to emerge stronger than ever,” stated Ken Muskat, Managing Director of Scenic Group USA.
“Kelly’s unwavering commitment to our valued travel advisors and to responsible tourism at sea and in destinations around the globe aligns with Emerald Cruises’ passion for growth and success,” Muskat continued. “As our fleet continues to expand with our newest luxury Ocean Yacht designed to respectfully explore the world’s most unique destinations, we find it only befitting that Kelly, and through her, the CLIA team, be recognized and honored by Emerald Cruises as the Godmother of Emerald Sakara.”
About the Emerald Sakara
The luxury yacht is expected to launch in August, with its naming ceremony taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 2, 2023. It is the sister yacht to the award-winning Emerald Azzurra, which launched in 2022 as Emerald Cruises’ first-ever ocean vessel.
The yacht will feature ample sustainability measures that have given it a Green Passport from the European Union; several dining and drinking areas; a large infinity pool; a marina platform and only 50 staterooms.
The ship will offer a focus on active shore excursions and onboard wellings programs through the line’s EmeraldACTIVE program.
About Kelly Craighead, Emerald Sakara’s Godmother
Craighead has over twenty years of experience in key roles across the travel industry, serving as the United States senior representative for travel and tourism, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s first-ever Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism, and more recently as President and CEO of CLIA, a leading association of cruise lines across the globe, which under her leadership are expected to welcome more cruisers this year than in 2019.
Craighead is also Vice Chair and Executive Director of the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation, a non-profit public charity improving the quality of life in communities served by the cruise industry.
“I am honored to have been chosen as godmother to the luxury Ocean Yacht Emerald Sakara and am proud to represent this beautiful and ecologically friendly ship in this esteemed maritime tradition,” said Kelly Craighead, President & CEO, Cruise Lines International Association. “The name Sakara reflects my deep personal belief that positive thoughts manifest reality, and the strong rebound of cruise from the past few years – along with our commitment to a future of sustainable cruising – demonstrates the optimism that drives this industry forward every day.”
“Additionally, Emerald Cruises’ Cherish the Planet ethos, built in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, aligns with CLIA’s work around environmentally responsible tourism and protecting the destinations we visit,” Craighead continued.