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Savor the Moment

Savor the moment with our exclusive collection of themed cruises, thoughtfully designed to transform your voyage into an unforgettable experience.

Introducing the Sommelier Collection

Part of the Savor the Moment series, the Sommelier Collection invites guests to explore destinations through taste. Hosted by an experienced sommelier, these sailings feature curated tastings, educational moments, and thoughtfully paired dining experiences that reflect the regions traveled.

Programming is designed to be approachable and enriching, whether guests are seasoned enthusiasts or simply curious to learn more.

Alejandro Ferris

Meet Sommelier Alejandro Ferris

Alejandro Ferris Wallis is a visionary leader in the food and beverage industry, driven by a deep passion for innovation and guided by strong core values. As the Director of the Academia de Sommelier de Puerto Rico and a distinguished member of the Asociación de Sommelier Profesionales de Puerto Rico, he has made a lasting impact on the world of wine and gastronomy.

With a career spanning decades, Alejandro has led food manufacturing operations, pioneered industry initiatives in his native Venezuela and serves as the Vice President on the board of the Best USA Sommelier Association, where he is also an active judge and mentor, preparing aspiring sommeliers for regional and world competitions.

Sommelier Collection

Wine

• Welcome cocktail reception hosted by featured sommelier

• Curated tasting sessions and Wine 101 Class

• Dinner and Wine pairings

• Interactive Q&A discussions

• Vineyard Visits accompanied by Sommelier

Rum

• Welcome cocktail reception hosted by featured sommelier

• Curated tasting sessions and Rum 101 Class

• Specially paired dinners in Reflections Dining

• Interactive Q&A discussions

• Select destination-focused excursions where available

Introducing the Photography Collection

Emerald Cruises & Tours introduces the Photography Collection—a curated series of hosted river sailings designed to help you engage clients seeking immersive, interest-based travel experiences.

These specialty departures combine Europe’s most photogenic landscapes with expert-led guidance from professional photographers, creating a compelling niche opportunity for culturally curious and creatively minded travelers. Guests sail onboard Emerald’s contemporary Star-Ships, enjoy included excursions, and experience Emerald’s signature welcoming atmosphere—enhanced by structured photography programming and destination-based shooting opportunities.

The Photography Collection offers advisors a differentiated product that blends relaxed luxury with experiential depth, appealing to clients who value both enrichment and exploration.

Meet Photographer Juano Abreu

Born in the mountains near Caracas, Juano Abreu is a photographer and educator whose perspective is shaped by contrast, culture, and light. With a background in computer engineering, a strong technical foundation meets a deeply creative vision—resulting in imagery that goes beyond aesthetics to evoke genuine emotion.

Working across global destinations, Juano focuses on crafting visual stories through light, color, and composition, while mentoring photographers to refine their eye and editing skills. As the founder of Aprende, an online photography school for the Spanish-speaking community, his work is rooted in elevating photography as a powerful form of expression.

Guests can expect a thoughtful, immersive approach—capturing not just what you see, but what you feel.

Meet Photographer Gary Bogdon

Gary Bogdon is a professional photographer based in Orlando, Florida, with more than 30 years of experience as a photojournalist and over 15 years as a contract photographer for Sports Illustrated. His work covered major news events, presidential visits, celebrity portraits, and top sporting events including the Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series, and The Masters.

In recent years, Gary has focused on travel and tourism photography, capturing destinations such as Iceland, Scotland, Costa Rica, and locations across the United States. His client list includes Marriott, Hilton, Disney, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast, and Garden & Gun. He also leads photography tours, helping travelers improve their skills while exploring the world. Gary is an FAA-licensed drone pilot and a graduate of Indiana University’s School of Journalism.

Photography Collection

• Welcome cocktail reception hosted by the featured photographer

• Onboard discussions covering composition, lighting, and storytelling

• Practical tips to elevate photography skills

• Informal Q&A sessions throughout the sailing

• Curated destination-based photoshoot opportunities during select excursions

Introducing the Culinary Collection

Designed for travelers who connect to destinations through flavor, the Culinary Collection brings chef-hosted experiences on board select Savor the Moment sailings.

Guests enjoy Emerald’s relaxed luxury river and yacht cruising paired with curated culinary moments, regional inspiration, and engaging chef-led programming that enhances the journey without overwhelming it.

Meet Chef Rachel Hargrove

Chef Rachel Hargrove is an internationally recognized culinary artist known for her bold creativity, refined technique, and ability to deliver elevated dining experiences in luxury hospitality. Widely recognized from Bravo’s Below Deck (Seasons 8–10), she brings over 20 years of experience as a private and charter yacht chef, leading galleys aboard prestigious vessels including M/Y Odessa, M/Y Elysian, M/Y Mosaique, M/Y Apogee, and M/Y Noble House.

Her culinary education is global and experiential, shaped by studies in Japan, Thailand, and India, advanced coursework at the Culinary Institute of America, and elite stages at Quattro Passi (2 Michelin stars) and Core by Clare Smyth (3 Michelin stars). Chef Rachel has also trained with the Court of Master Sommeliers and is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, integrating balance, wellness, and seasonality into her cuisine.

Culinary Collection

• Welcome cocktail reception hosted by the featured chef

• Chef-hosted culinary discussions and demonstrations

• Destination-inspired dining experiences

• Included excursions and swim stops

• Relaxed yacht atmosphere with contemporary design

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