Published on
November 26, 2025
Emerald Cruises is expanding its luxury yacht fleet with the introduction of Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya by 2028, offering an enhanced cruising experience across some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. These new yachts will sail through Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, Seychelles, and more, bringing an elevated sense of luxury to the exploration of these iconic regions. This expansion reflects Emerald Cruises’ ongoing commitment to providing exclusive, high-end voyages, catering to the increasing demand for intimate and luxurious travel experiences across the globe.
Emerald Cruises & Tours has celebrated a key milestone in the expansion of its luxury yacht fleet with two significant events that demonstrate the company’s commitment to growth and innovation. Last week, Emerald Cruises marked the float-out of Emerald Kaia and the keel-laying of Emerald Raiya, as part of Scenic Group’s strategic initiative to add three new super yachts to its fleet by 2028. These milestones not only underscore the brand’s focus on luxury and elegance but also reinforce its ambition to redefine the future of high-end cruising.
Emerald Kaia Sets Sail
On November 10, 2025, the highly anticipated Emerald Kaia was officially floated out at the shipyard in Halong Bay, Vietnam, marking a pivotal step in its journey. The ceremony was attended by key figures from Scenic Group, including Ivo Skelin, General Manager of Design & Development Projects, who played a vital role in bringing the yacht closer to its inaugural voyage.
Slated for its maiden voyage in April 2026, Emerald Kaia will offer a luxurious sailing experience through the Mediterranean. The yacht will begin its journey by exploring the coastal wonders of Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. Afterward, it will continue its summer season along the spectacular coastlines of Italy, Montenegro, Albania, Croatia, and the Greek Islands, even passing through the historic Corinth Canal. Come winter 2026, the super yacht will reposition to the Red Sea, before reaching the Seychelles for the 2026–2027 winter season, offering guests an idyllic escape to one of the world’s most exclusive tropical destinations.
Emerald Raiya Milestone
On the same day as Emerald Kaia’s float-out, Emerald Raiya reached a significant construction milestone with its keel-laying ceremony. This step marks the beginning of its journey toward its launch in June 2027. The new super yacht will embark on its maiden season in the Eastern Mediterranean, followed by its transition to the Seychelles, where it will spend its inaugural year offering luxury cruises in a stunning and exclusive environment.
Beyond Emerald Raiya, the company has also confirmed that Emerald Xara will join the fleet in April 2028, further enhancing its offering to luxury travelers. These additions will reinforce Emerald Cruises’ commitment to providing unparalleled cruising experiences with a focus on both adventure and indulgence.
These milestones reflect Emerald Cruises’ strategic focus on expanding its fleet with innovative, luxurious vessels designed to offer travelers unique and unforgettable experiences. With Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya poised to set new standards in the world of luxury yachting, the future of cruising with Emerald Cruises looks exceptionally promising.
Glen Moroney, Scenic Group Founder & Chairman said “The first launch of Emerald Kaia into the sea and keel laying for Emerald Raiya represents a significant milestone for Emerald Cruises and our continued expansion. Each has been thoughtfully designed by our team at MKM Yachts to deliver a unique luxury experience for up to 128 guests. Meeting the growing demand for yacht-style cruising in the Mediterranean, Seychelles and Caribbean.”
Scenic Group is further solidifying its position in the luxury travel industry with the exciting announcement of Scenic Ikon, which will join the Scenic Discovery Yachts fleet in April 2028. This marks another major step in the company’s expansion, which also includes new additions to its river cruising portfolio. Emerald Astra will make its debut on the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers in May 2026, while Emerald Lumi will begin navigating France’s Seine River in 2027. These upcoming vessels promise to elevate Scenic Group’s offerings across both luxury yacht and river cruising, providing travelers with a broader selection of exclusive journeys.
The Growth of Emerald Yacht Cruises
The addition of Emerald Kaia, Emerald Raiya, and Emerald Xara to the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet will bring the total number of luxury yachts to five by 2028. These new ships are designed to offer an intimate yet lavish cruising experience, accommodating up to 128 guests per yacht. With a focus on luxury and authentic adventure, these vessels will feature expansive interiors, modern amenities, and thoughtfully curated experiences that will captivate travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.
Emerald Cruises continues to elevate the yacht cruising experience by blending elegance with adventure, ensuring that each journey offers more than just a luxurious stay at sea. These yachts are designed for travelers who desire a refined atmosphere while exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, all while being pampered with world-class service.
Features of the New Emerald Yachts
Each of the new super yachts will boast exceptional facilities, enhancing the overall experience for guests. The expanded Sky Deck and upgraded Observation Sun Deck will feature an indoor/outdoor bar and additional Spa Pool, making it the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the stunning vistas. For those seeking a more private retreat, exclusive cabanas will offer quiet spaces to unwind, providing panoramic sea views in a serene setting.
The accommodations aboard these yachts will be equally impressive, with spacious suites designed to maximize comfort and luxury. The Owner’s Suites, for instance, will include private terraces with Spa Pools, while interconnecting suite options will be available for families or groups. Every detail is designed to ensure guests feel like royalty while cruising through some of the most beautiful and remote regions in the world.
In terms of dining, guests will be treated to a range of al fresco options, from casual meals at the Aqua Pool Café to more refined experiences at the La Cucina Terrace. For a truly intimate experience, the Night Market Grill* will offer a private dining venue for just eight guests, where they can enjoy a customized, exclusive culinary experience.
Emerald Cruises is expanding its luxury yacht fleet with Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya by 2028, offering exclusive voyages to stunning destinations like Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Seychelles. This expansion aims to provide travelers with unmatched luxury and adventure on the high seas.
With these new additions to the fleet, Scenic Group is poised to set a new standard in luxury yacht cruising, offering travelers an unmatched blend of adventure, luxury, and personalization. The growing fleet of Emerald yachts promises to deliver unforgettable experiences that combine sophisticated design, cutting-edge amenities, and unparalleled service.
