Emerald Cruises launches Emerald Kaia | News
Emerald Cruises has announced the launch of Emerald Kaia with the departure of its first cruise.
The superyacht carrying 128 guests departed from Limassol, Cyprus, on an eleven-day itinerary, visiting Rhodes, Kos, Spetses and Athens.
Prior to this, a shakedown trip took place, with 11 travel agents traveling from Athens to Spetses. Agents were given a full tour of the ship, including accommodation, spa, gym, marina and observation deck, in addition to a dining experience at the new Night Market Grill. They also traveled to the car-free Greek island of Spetses for a walking tour, via Emerald Kaia’s zodiacs.
For the Mediterranean summer season in 2026 and 2027, Emerald Kaia will sail the Adriatic Sea, with a selection of eight and fifteen day itineraries between Venice and Dubrovnik.
The ship will move to the Indian Ocean and sail in the Seychelles archipelago from December 2026 to March 2027. Itineraries range from eight to 20 days, including the 16-day Safari & Seychelles trip, which combines cruising in the Seychelles with safaris in Kenya’s Masai Mara, Samburu Game Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park. Due to high demand, additional departure dates have recently been added for this itinerary.
Emerald Kaia has a range of dining options, including the signature La Cucina restaurant, which features an open kitchen with indoor and outdoor seating. Soleá Bar & Bistro, located next to the Vitality Pool, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine all day with panoramic sea views. For a more exclusive experience, the Night Market Grill offers an immersive private dining setting for up to eight guests, inspired by the flavors of Asian markets.
The Wellness Deck includes KLAFS salt therapy lounges, a cold plunge pool, a full-service spa and access to fitness rooms, the Marina Platform and refreshment areas. Emerald Kaia combines contemporary design with comfort, offering spacious, bright suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and new connectivity options.
Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder of Scenic Group, said: “The launch of Emerald Kaia and the upcoming inaugural sailing of Emerald Astra in May mark significant milestones for Scenic Group as we celebrate 40 years of innovation in travel. As the only cruise company to design, build and operate our own ships, we continue to set new standards in luxury yacht and river cruising, driven by technical excellence and a commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience.”
James Griffiths, Managing Director of Oceans Operations at Scenic Group said: “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 create the intimate, relaxing 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.”
Emerald Kaia 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 the Caribbean.
For more information, visit emeraldcruises.co.uk or call 0161 516 6895.
