Emerald Cruises has announced the launch of Emerald Kaia after a successful transit through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
The next generation superyacht has cruised
from Limassol, Cyprus on its inaugural voyage.
The maiden sailing also follows the recent
successful river trials of Emerald Astra, the new Emerald Star-Ship which is
set to join the fleet on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers in May 2026.
Glen Moroney, Chairman & Founder of
Scenic Group, said: “The launch of Emerald Kaia and the upcoming inaugural
sailing of Emerald Astra in May mark important milestones for Scenic Group as
we celebrate 40 years of innovation in travel. As the only cruise company that
designs, builds, and operates our own ships, we continue to set new benchmarks
in luxury yacht and river cruising. Driven by technical excellence and a
commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience.”
Emerald Kaia blends Emerald Cruises’
signature relaxed luxury with new levels of design sophistication. A curated
collection of contemporary art and bespoke interior finishes, featuring Tom
Dixon, Missoni, Freifrau, Paola Lenti and Kettal, elevates the aesthetics of
the onboard spaces.
While expansive outdoor areas invite guests
to rejuvenate and feel more connected to the coastline during days at sea.
James Griffiths, General Manager of Oceans
Operations at Scenic Group said: “Emerald Kaia represents the next evolution of
Emerald Yacht Cruises with more space, enhanced wellness, innovative dining
concepts, and a considered yacht experience. All designed to deliver the
intimate, relaxed atmosphere our guests love. Seeing her in operation and
welcoming our first guests is the most rewarding proof that this evolution in
our fleet is the right one.”
Unique Culinary Experiences
The Emerald Kaia dining venues include a
thoughtfully curated selection of experiences.
The signature restaurant, La Cucina,
features an open-plan kitchen, for guests to connect more closely with the
chefs while enjoying additional indoor and alfresco seating.
The new Soléa Bar & Bistro, located
beside the Vitality Pool, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an elegant
yet relaxed setting, open for à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner with
panoramic sea views.
While the intimate Night Market Grill is an
immersive private dining experience for up to eight guests, celebrating
flavours inspired by local markets of Asia.
Wellness at Sea
The
reimagined Wellness Deck provides a holistic approach to relaxation, featuring
KLAFS salt therapy lounges, a cold plunge pool, and a spacious spa offering an
array of luxurious treatments and therapies.
Guests can move seamlessly between fitness
spaces, the Marina Platform, and a self -serve refreshments area designed for
calm and connection.
Contemporary Comfort & Design Emerald
Kaia embodies the brand’s commitment to delivering authentic, luxurious
journeys at sea, combining the sophistication of yacht cruising with the warmth
and ease that guests have come to love.
Spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling
windows create a light-filled, personal haven.
New interconnecting suites have been
introduced to enhance flexibility for families and groups, balancing privacy
with shared space - a thoughtful reflection of Emerald Cruises’ guest-centric
design philosophy.
Itineraries
For the Mediterranean summer in 2026 and
2027, Emerald Kaia will be cruising the ever-popular Adriatic Sea, offering an
exciting range of eight and 15 day itineraries, island- hopping between Venice
and Dubrovnik.
Emerald Kaia is one of the few cruise ships
to dock in the heart of Venice.
The 128‑guest luxury yacht then repositions
to the Indian Ocean, sailing in the Seychelles archipelago from December 2026
to March 2027.
Emerald Kaia offers cruise itineraries from
eight to 20 days, including the best‑selling 16‑day Safari & Seychelles
journey, which combines Seychelles cruising with safaris in Kenya’s Masai Mara,
Samburu Game Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park.
Extra departure dates have recently been
added for this itinerary due to strong demand. She will be joined by sister
yachts Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, expanding the fleet to
five, alongside Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, with sailings across the
Mediterranean, Seychelles, and Caribbean.
Emerald Astra River Trials
The debut of Emerald Kaia coincides with
the recent successful river trials of the newest Emerald StarShip, Emerald
Astra, which will join the fleet in May 2026, bringing the fresh design
philosophy of the new Emerald Cruises look to Europe’s iconic rivers. An
additional river ship with Emerald Lumi on France’s Seine River will mark the
next phase of the brand’s continued river expansion in 2027. -TradeArabia News Service