Emerald Cruises has launched Emerald Kaia after a successful transit through the Red Sea and Suez Canal following the recent successful river trials of Emerald Astra, set to join the fleet in May 2026.
“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,” Scenic Group chairman and founder Glen Moroney said.
“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.
“Emerald Kaia represents the next evolution of Emerald Yacht Cruises with more space, enhanced wellness, innovative dining concepts, and a considered yacht experience,” Scenic Group general manager of oceans operations James Griffiths said.
“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 Solea Bar & Bistro, located beside the Vitality Pool, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed setting, open for a 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.
Comfort and 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 cruises 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 Star-Ship, Emerald Astra, which joins the fleet in May 2026, bringing the fresh design philosophy of the new Emerald Cruises look to Europe’s iconic rivers. An additional two river ships, Emerald Lumi on France’s Seine River and Emerald Nova in Portugal’s Douro Valley, mark the next phase of the brand’s continued river expansion in 2027.
