All three ships, superyachts Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara and Seine river ship Emerald Lumi, will enter service in 2027. Further details of the yacht itineraries will follow in June.
"These additions reflect the next phase in Emerald Cruises’ evolution and a forward-thinking deployment strategy designed to fuel continued growth in the luxury travel sector," said Emerald.
Glen Moroney, founder and chair of Emerald parent Scenic Group, hailed the order and the brand’s deployment plans for the new ships "a transformational moment for Emerald Cruises".
Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara will take design cues from Emerald’s third luxury yacht, Emerald Kaia, which will debut in 2026, as well as feedback from guests.
Together, the two 128-guest ships will join Emerald’s yacht fleet sailing alongside Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakura, launched in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Both ships will feature all-suite accommodation, an expansive sky deck with private cabanas offering panoramic views, and a swim-up marina platform offering easy sea access.
Emerald has revealed deployment plans for its upcoming new ships:
- Emerald Raiya will debut in the Seychelles during the 2026/27 winter season before repositioning to the eastern Mediterranean for summer 2027. It will then return to the Seychelles for winter 2027/28.
- As a result, Emerald Kaia will be redeployed to the Caribbean for winter 2026/27, where it will join Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara. Guests booked on Kaia’s winter 2026/27 Seychelles sailings will be contacted about having their sailing transferred to Emerald Raiya.
- Emerald Xara, meanwhile, will launch in the Mediterranean in summer 2027 before going on to sail the Caribbean during winter 2027/28, where it will sail alongside Emerald Kaia, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara.
Jonathan Davies, Scenic Group’s UK head of sales, said the decision to reveal Emerald’s deployment plans through 2027/28, and to open bookings this June, came with a view to converting increased demand from groups and for charters, and to give agents maximum visibility.
"There’s rising demand for private charters, celebrations, and curated group journeys – especially on our yachts," said Davies. "By releasing deployment details early, we’re helping our partners secure the best product for their most discerning clients."
Seine vision
Elsewhere, joining the fleet in 2027, Emerald Lumi will be spearhead Emerald’s launch on the River Seine, which flows from Burgundy through Paris and onwards to Normandy.
The ship will feature a contemporary design with spacious suites, and will be built specifically to navigate the Seine, unlocking ports such as Honfleur and Rouen, with itineraries focusing on the art, history and gastronomy of France’s regions.
Sailing round-trip from Paris, Emerald will also offer overnights and extended stays in marquee ports, locally-curated excursions, and programming highlighting French culture and promoting regional storytelling.
“The Seine is a natural evolution for Emerald Cruises,” added Moroney. “It’s a river rich in romance, history, and culinary heritage – everything our guests love. We’re excited to bring our distinctive Emerald Cruises experience to France with this beautifully designed ship."
