In November, the company held a float out ceremony for Emerald Kaia, as the ship touched water for the first time in Halong Bay, Vietnam, while simultaneously laying the keel for Emerald Raiya, again in Vietnam.
Emerald Kaia will make its debut in April 2026, with an inaugural voyage through Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. The yacht will then spend the summer exploring the coastlines from Italy to Montenegro, Albania and Croatia, the Greek Islands and the Corinth Canal, before cruising through the Red Sea to reposition to the Seychelles from December 2026 to March 2027.
Meanwhile, Emerald Raiya will launch in June 2027, with an inaugural season in the Eastern Mediterranean and Seychelles. This will be followed by the introduction of Emerald Xara in April 2028.
Highlights onboard the three new yachts include:
* An expanded Sky Deck and enhanced Observation Sun Deck with an indoor/outdoor bar and additional spa pool
* Private cabanas for panoramic sea views
* Spacious accommodation, including Owner’s Suites with a private terrace and spa pool, as well as interconnecting suite options
* Al fresco dining experiences, including the Aqua Pool Café and La Cucina Terrace, and the new Night Market Grill* - a private dining venue for eight guests.
Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group, said: “The first launch of Emerald Kaia into the sea and keel laying for Emerald Raiya represents a significant milestone for Emerald Cruises and our continued expansion. Each has been thoughtfully designed by our team at MKM Yachts to deliver a unique luxury experience for up to 128 guests, meeting the growing demand for yacht-style cruising in the Mediterranean, Seychelles and Caribbean.”
The new yachts, all accommodating 128 guests, will join sister ships Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, expanding the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet to five by 2028.
