Emerald Cruises has announced that Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), will be the godmother of its second ocean-going luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara. The naming ceremony will take place on December 2, 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Craighead is a highly respected leader in the travel and tourism industry. She has over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors and has served as the United States government’s senior representative for travel and tourism, and the first-ever Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Under Craighead’s leadership, CLIA has honed its focus on leveraging its diverse community to advocate for a sustainable cruise industry. During the multi-year pandemic, Craighead and the CLIA team worked tirelessly to help ensure the long-term viability of cruising and the ability to safely return to operations in line with other travel sectors. In 2023, the cruise industry is projected to carry 31.5 million passengers – surpassing historically strong 2019 levels.

Craighead is also a strong advocate for environmental sustainability. She serves as Vice Chair and Executive Director of the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation, a non-profit public charity devoted to improving the quality of life in communities served by the cruise industry.

Emerald Cruises is a state-of-the-art ocean yacht that is designed to be environmentally friendly. It features a number of sustainable technologies, including engines that meet IMO tier III emission regulations, and a wastewater treatment system that meets the highest international standards.

The naming of Emerald Sakara is a significant milestone for Emerald Cruises. It is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and its dedication to providing guests with an unforgettable travel experience.

• Emerald Cruises can be found on Twitter at @emerald_cruises, on Facebook as EmeraldCruisesGlobal, and on Instagram at @EmeraldCruises.global.
• Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel advisor; on Emerald Cruises’ website, www.emeraldcruises.com; or by calling the consumer/travel agent reservations line at 844-428-8389.