Skip to content

Advertisement

Advertisement

X-twitter Facebook Instagram Linkedin

MENU

  • Home
  • Live News
  • Ocean TV
  • Current issue
  • Subscribe
  • Home
  • Live News
  • Ocean TV
  • Current issue
  • Subscribe

Emerald Cruises has celebrated a landmark moment with the debut of Emerald Kaia and the successful river trials of Emerald Astra, signalling the expansion of its luxury fleet on both sea and river.

  • Back to article page

Emerald expansion

Emerald Cruises has celebrated a landmark moment with the debut of Emerald Kaia and the successful river trials of Emerald Astra, signalling the expansion of its luxury fleet on both sea and river.

10 April 2026

Advertisement

Emerald Cruises welcomed Emerald Kaia to its luxury fleet, after a successful transit through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

The next generation superyacht cruised from Limassol, Cyprus on its inaugural voyage, with the maiden sailing also following the recent successful river trials of Emerald Astra – the new Emerald Star-Ship, which is set to join the fleet on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers in May 2026.

Commenting on the two major moments for Emerald Cruises, Glen Moroney, Chairman & Founder of Scenic Group, said: “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.

“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.”

Advertisement

thumb img
Emerald Cruises has now welcomed Emerald Kaia to its luxury fleet.
thumb img
Emerald Kaia represents the next evolution of Emerald Yacht Cruises with more space, enhanced wellness and more.
thumb img
Emerald Kaia features a curated collection of contemporary art and bespoke interior finishes.
thumb img
The launch of Emerald Kaia also followed the recent successful river trials of Emerald Astra (featured).

Taking centre stage, Emerald Kaia brings together Emerald Cruises’ signature relaxed luxury with new levels of design sophistication. Showcasing a curated collection of contemporary art and bespoke interior finishes – featuring Tom Dixon, Missoni, Freifrau, Paola Lenti and Kettal – also 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.

James Griffiths, General Manager of Oceans Operations at Scenic Group added:

Emerald Kaia represents the next evolution of Emerald Yacht Cruises with more space, enhanced wellness, innovative dining concepts, and a considered yacht experience.

“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 Soleá Bar & Bistro, located beside the Vitality Pool, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed setting, open for à 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.

thumb img
Emerald Kaia – La Cucina Dining.
thumb img
Emerald Kaia offers unique culinary experiences, such as those at Soléa Bar & Bistro.
thumb img
Emerald Kaia – La Cucina Terrace.
thumb img
Emerald Kaia – La Cucina Terrace.
thumb img
Emerald Kaia – Sky Bar.
thumb img
Emerald Kaia – Sky Bar is another elegant option for guests onboard.

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.

Contemporary comfort & 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.

thumb img
Emerald Kaia – Elements Spa.
thumb img
The reimagined Wellness Deck provides a holistic approach to relaxation.
thumb img
Guests have access to an array of luxurious treatments and therapies at the Emerald Kaia Elements Spa.
thumb img
The Emerald Kaia Elements Spa is dedicated to wellness treatments.
thumb img
Artwork decorates all areas of the vessel, including the Emerald Kaia Elements Spa.
thumb img
Relaxation is key in the Emerald Kaia Owner's Suite.
thumb img
Emerald Kaia – Owner's Suite.
thumb img
Emerald Kaia Owner's Suite bathroom.
thumb img
The Emerald Kaia is a luxury yacht accommodating 128 guests overall.

Itineraries

For the Mediterranean summer in 2026 and 2027, Emerald Kaia will be cruising 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 will join 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, will also mark the next phase of the brand’s continued river expansion in 2027.

emerald.cruises

 

 

 

 

Let us know what you think on socials

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Previous Article

Passing the helm

Next Article

Record showing
X-twitter Facebook Instagram Linkedin
  • Live News
  • Ocean TV
  • Current issue
  • Subscription
  • About us
  • Live News
  • Ocean TV
  • Current issue
  • Subscription
  • About us
  • Advertise
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact us
  • Advertise
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact us

Want the latest yachting news?
Sign up to our newsletter today!

© 2026 Ocean Media | Design & Marketing by DRYVE
X-twitter Facebook Instagram Linkedin
  • Live News
  • Ocean TV
  • Current issue
  • Subscription
  • About us
  • Live News
  • Ocean TV
  • Current issue
  • Subscription
  • About us
  • Advertise
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact us
  • Advertise
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact us

Want the latest super yacht news? Sign up to our newsletter today!

© 2026 Ocean Media Design & Marketing by DRYVE
  • Home
  • Live News
    • Boats
      • Brokerage
      • Design
      • New Builds
      • Profiles
      • Reviews
      • Tenders
    • Destinations
      • Charter
      • Cruising
      • Luxury
      • Travel
    • Events
      • America’s Cup
      • Awards
      • Boat shows
      • Regattas
      • Social
    • Indulgence
      • Emporium
      • Momentum
      • Trends
      • Waterfront
    • Industry
      • Company
      • Environmental
      • International
      • Profile
      • Regional
    • Products
      • Hardware
      • Technology
      • Toys
  • Ocean TV
    • Boats
      • Boat Review
    • Destinations
      • Captain’s Log
      • Captain and crew
    • Indulgence
      • Chefs on Board
    • Events
      • America’s Cup
      • Sailing
      • SailGP
    • Industry
      • Environmental
      • Owners
    • Products
      • Ocean Club
  • Current issue
  • Subscribe
  • Ocean Club
  • About us
X-twitter Facebook Instagram Linkedin

Don't miss out!

Subscribe to our newsletter for yachting news, reviews and events.