Emerald Cruises’ new luxury yacht, the first of three next-generation vessels offering new design features and experiences, has begun her Mediterranean season
The debut of the Emerald Kaia took place with her April 4 inaugural sailing from Limassol, Cyprus to Athens. She then did an 11-day itinerary to start her Mediterranean season.
The ship’s christening will be this June in Venice. This special ceremony will bring together Scenic Group team members, plus valued partners and guests, as she is officially welcomed into the fleet.
Scenic Group Team Members Serve as Godparents
Emerald Cruises, which is part of Scenic Group, has selected two long-standing employees to serve as godparents of the Emerald Kaia—Kim Scoular and Ray Gilbert.
Kim Scoular, Director of Operations, has nearly three decades at Scenic and began as a reservations agent before embarking on a global career as a tour director. Today, Kim leads a dynamic operations team, which is well known for delivering seamless guest experiences and operational excellence across the brand’s yacht and river fleet. Ray Glibert, Senior Software Engineer, joined Scenic Group in 1998.
Damien Thomas, Scenic Group Chief Operating Officer, said, “For almost thirty years, Kim Scoular and Ray Gilbert have dedicated their passion, expertise and loyalty to the Scenic Group family, helping shape our business into what it is today. Their naming as godparents of Emerald Kaia recognizes not only their remarkable individual journeys, but also the commitment and teamwork that define our collective success.”
La Cucina restaurant
The Emerald Kaia’s New Features
The Emerald Kaia, which has been purpose-built to accommodate up to 128 guests, is the first of the three next-generation yachts joining the Emerald Cruises fleet. Her new design features and experiences include the following:
- An all-new Observation Sun Deck featuring a spa pool and outdoor lounges
- A new private dining experience, The Night Market Grill, an exclusive dining experience for just eight guests (available at an additional cost)
- The newly reimagined La Cucina restaurant has an open kitchen along with indoor and outdoor dining space
- Expansive suites and staterooms designed for contemporary luxury
- Enhanced wellness facilities, which include an indoor/outdoor gym equipped with state-of–the-art fitness technology and a diving platform
The Emerald Kaia’s Sky Bar
Diverse Onboard Experiences
Guests sailing on the Emerald Kaia will be able to enjoy wonderful experiences.
- The Amici Bar & Lounge provides complimentary beverages in an area for unwinding and socializing. It also offers a selection of light entertainment.
- The Sky Bar & Spa Pool lets guests soak up spectacular views. They can enjoy spacious cabanas with an indoor-outdoor Sky Bar that serves cocktails and appetizers.
- La Cucina Dining is the signature restaurant, offering buffet breakfast and lunch, and gourmet a la carte and al fresco dining with breathtaking views.
- Aqua Pool & Cafe, located at the back of the yacht on the Pool Deck, lets guests take a leisurely dip in the infinity-style Aqua Pool. They can enjoy refreshments al fresco at the Aqua Cafe.
- When anchored on marine days, guests can enjoy the Marine Platform and such complimentary aquatic toys as SEABOBS, inflatable kayaks, water trampolines and stand-up paddleboards. The enclosed Marine Lounge offers relaxation and refreshments.
- The Emerald Kaia has luxurious suites and staterooms, luxury amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.
Where the Emerald Kaia Will Be Sailing
The new Emerald Kaia offers diverse itineraries across the Adriatic, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Central America, plus the Seychelles and Indian Ocean. For her 2026 and 2027 summer sailings in the Mediterranean, the Emerald Kaia will be cruising on the extremely popular Adriatic Sea, where she’ll be offering a range of 8-night and 15-day itineraries. The Emerald Kaia will be able to dock in the heart of Venice, thanks to her size.
Then the Emerald Kaia will reposition to the Indian Ocean, where she’ll be sailing in the Seychelles archipelago from December 2026 to March 2027. The Emerald Kaia will off cruise itineraries ranging from eight to twenty days, and these include the 16-day “Safari and Seychelles Journey,” which combines Seychelles cruising with safaris in Kenya’s Masai Mara, Samburu Game Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park. Due to strong demand, extra departure dates were recently added.
La Cucina Terrace
Emerald Cruises & Tours Continues to Expand
In May 2026, the Emerald Astra is joining the river cruise fleet. In 2027, the next two river ships will debut – the Emerald Lumi will sail on France’s Seine River and the Emerald Nova will begin in Portugal’s Douro Valley. The Emerald Raiya will begin offering ocean sailings in 2027. In 2028, the Emerald Xara will join the fleet. They will be offering sailings across the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Seychelles.
More about Scenic Group
For 40 years, Scenic Group has been redefining luxury travel and has successfully gained global acclaim for their award-winning river cruises providing intimate yacht experiences and meticulously curated land journeys. Its portfolio of brands includes Scenic Luxury Cruise & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours, and Mayflower Cruises & Tours.
A Ship to Consider for Your Next Group Cruise
Enjoying the yacht experience in new ways, along with diverse itineraries, is definitely a reason to consider booking a future group cruise on the new Emerald Kaia.
Reimage your adventure at sea and sail for unrivaled experiences – start charting your new path with our Cruise Guide.
By Cindy Bertram
Photos courtesy of Emerald Cruises, part of Scenic Group
