Work starts on Scenic Group’s next-generation superyacht, Emerald Kaia, in Vietnam shipyard

Work starts on Scenic Group’s next-generation superyacht, Emerald Kaia, in Vietnam shipyard
Edited by Travel Weekly


Work has officially commenced on Scenic Group’s next-generation superyacht, Emerald Kaia, the latest addition to Emerald Cruises luxury yacht fleet.  

The first sheets of steel for the hull of Emerald Kaia were officially cut on Thursday, 22 August in Vietnam following an intimate ceremony at Halong Shipbuilding Company with key notable figures present including Nguyen Tuan Anh, general director of the shipyard and Ivo Skelin, general manager nautical and technical – Asia Scenic Group.

The milestone marks exciting progress for the construction of Emerald Kaia, a keel-laying ceremony is expected to take place in three months.

“We are thrilled to announce construction has begun on Emerald Kaia, following the cutting of the first steel in Vietnam,” Scenic Group chairman and founder, Glen Moroney, said. “Building on the spectacular success of the first two yachts in Emerald Cruises fleet, this pivotal expansion not only reflects the soaring interest and desire for luxury ocean yachts, however, also reinforces our commitment to setting new standards in maritime excellence.” 

Sailing from April 2026, Emerald Kaia will offer luxury ocean yacht experiences from the Mediterranean and Adriatic to the Aegean Seas and the Seychelles Islands. 

Spanning 120m, Emerald Kaia will feature increased capacity to accommodate 128 guests. and features state-of-the-art new enhancements and larger spacious areas. These include a reimagined Sky Deck offering private cabanas and a new internal Sky Lounge, providing a luxurious open-air experience for guests to take in the expansive scenic views. The popular Marina complemented by a new Marina Lounge now offers a wider range of water sports activities. At the front of the ship, the Observation Sun Deck features a Spa Pool and sun lounges, providing guests more options to relax while on board.

Dining options on board Emerald Kaia include the new Night Market Grill, an Asian-style grill concept that can accommodate up to eight guests (at an additional cost), and a larger terrace for guests to enjoy al fresco dining at La Cucina restaurant.

Meanwhile, the expanded Elements Spa will offer a full menu of treatments dedicated to nurturing the mind, body and spirit. Emerald Kaia will also offer an impressive Gym with an outdoor platform for indoor/outdoor activities, complemented by panoramic ocean views, creating an inspiring workout environment.

Premium inclusions of an Emerald Cruises journey include all onboard meals, complimentary all-day beverages, selected shore excursions, exclusive EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, EmeraldACTIVE activities, WiFi, airport transfers, tipping and gratuities. 

The new 2024-2027 Cruise Planner from Emerald Cruises is now available, offering the full collection of Mediterranean, Caribbean and Seychelles Islands cruises across the fleet. Emerald Kaia bookings are now open for the 8-day Adriatic cruises, from $9,045 per person twin-share.

Latest News

  • Cruise

Silversea sets sail on its 2025 World Cruise

Experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, Silversea, has set sail on its 2025 World Cruise, Controtempo, taking guests to 59 destinations over 136 days. The cruise set sail from Tokyo on 13 January and arrives in New York on 29 May 2025. Guests will experience many of the most iconic cities and off-the-beaten-path gems in […]

  • Hotels

Dusit International announces two new hotels in the Philippines

Thailand hotel and property development company Dusit International has strengthened its presence in the Philippines with two new hotels in Mindanao, set to open in late 2029. The company, represented in the Philippines by Dusit Thani Philippines Inc., has signed hotel management agreements with IDC Prime. IDC Prime is a wholly owned subsidiary of Italpinas […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Elite Havens adds luxury new villa to its portfolio

Elite Havens, a premier luxury villa rental and management provider, has added a new villa to its existing portfolio of over 250 villas now available for rent in Phuket, Thailand. The Surin Seaview Villa is a three-storey hillside retreat nestled on the hills of Phuket’s beautiful west coast and offers breathtaking views of the Andaman […]

  • Destinations
  • Events

Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia

As the Lunar New Year approaches, various destinations around Asia have announced the different celebrations they have lined up. Fire show, live band, instrumentalists, and bartenders flair show The Anam Group’s two beachfront resorts in Cam Ranh and Mui Ne will celebrate the most significant time in the Vietnamese calendar, Tet, with a broad spectrum […]

  • Conferences

The Australian Tourism Exchange heads to Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 April

The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 April to 1 May 2025. Tourism Australia requires all sellers attending the event to submit a front panel graphic with one image representing their business for marketing purposes at ATE25, while Destination NSW requires sellers to submit a […]

  • Appointments
  • News

New acting CEO of Destination NSW appointed

Karen Jones has commenced her role as Acting CEO of Destination NSW, taking the reins for an interim period of approximately six months. During this time, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport will recruit for a permanent CEO. Jones brings over 27 years of leadership experience in state and local government. Most […]

  • Aviation
  • News

Qantas rejects claims about QFF availability

Persistence pays when attempting to claim Frequent Flyer Classic Reward seats on popular routes, Qantas says. Reports claims that there was no availability on popular routes such as Sydney-London and Paris in 2025 following last year’s introduction of Classic Plus. Steve Hui of iflyflat.com.au said in a media report that frequent flyers are unable to […]

  • Attractions
  • News

Inspirational Australians lead events across NSW as Australia Day Ambassadors

Innovators, educators, musicians, healthcare professionals, elite athletes and environmental advocates are among 80 inspirational Australians who will take part in events across NSW as Australia Day Ambassadors on 26 January 2025. These outstanding citizens and local heroes are handpicked each year by the Australia Day Council of NSW for their exceptional contributions to the community […]

  • Cruise

Royal Caribbean’s latest summer getaway deals with up to 60 per cent off

Royal Caribbean has announced its latest itineraries for short summer getaways aboard Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas with various savings. Prices for these cruises start from $659 per person for a balcony stateroom. Travellers can enjoy up to 60 per cent off second guests, with up to $850 in instant savings and kids’ sailings from […]