Emerald Cruises is setting a new standard in luxury yacht cruising, with the Emerald Kaia's maiden Mediterranean voyage in April 2026. Reflecting Scenic Group's commitment to innovation and continued growth, anticipation is building for the next generation of superyachts, with fleet expansion underway thanks to the recent steel cutting of the Emerald Raiya, which will begin sailing in June 2027.
The Emerald Kaia will set sail on its maiden voyage on April 4, 2026, inviting up to 128 guests on an exceptional journey along the historic coasts of Greece and Turkey. This exclusive itinerary departs from Limassol bound for Athens, crossing the breathtaking Aegean Sea and exploring ancient wonders with authentic local experiences.
A special moment for guests will be a private concert in Ephesus, enjoying a classical evening in a magical and historic setting. Highlights of the itinerary include:
- Exploration of the Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos
- The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- Authentic DiscoverMORE experiences , such as volcanic hikes, Turkish cooking classes, and local wine tastings.
- A guided tour of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A day of sailing to enjoy the luxurious amenities of the new yacht
The voyage coincides with both Roman Catholic Easter and Greek Orthodox Easter, allowing guests to immerse themselves in vibrant local traditions and festivities during this exciting journey.
Onboard the Emerald Kaia, guests will enjoy innovative design features, including the new Observation Sun Deck, complete with a spa pool and a spacious lounge with private cabanas. The innovative Night Market dining experience elevates evenings onboard, while larger, more luxurious suites and staterooms—including connecting suites for groups or families—offer enhanced comfort.
The wellness areas include an indoor/outdoor gym, a salt therapy lounge and a cold plunge pool, all designed to provide a balance of relaxation and sophistication.
Emerald Raiya Steel Cutting Ceremony
The construction of the Emerald Raiya also reached a milestone with the official cutting of the first steel plates for its hull on August 20, 2025, during a ceremony at the shipyard in Vietnam. Special guests attended the event, including Mr. Ivo Skelin, General Manager of Design and Project Development at Scenic Group.
Glen Moroney, president and founder of Scenic Group, stated: “We are delighted to celebrate another milestone in Emerald Cruises’ journey with the commencement of construction of the Emerald Raiya in Vietnam. This is a testament to the innovation at Scenic Group and the dedication of our team at MKM Yachts and our valued shipbuilding partners.”
With the addition of the Emerald Kaia alongside the Emerald Azzurra and the Emerald Sakara in 2026, and the future additions of the Emerald Raiya in 2027 and the Emerald Xara in 2028, Scenic Group reaffirms its commitment to redefining luxury yacht cruising.
Bookings are now open for Emerald Yacht Cruises departures until April 2028.
Emerald Kaia's inaugural voyages:
- 11 days from Cyprus to the Acropolis, departure April 4, 2026
- 12 days around the Greek islands from the Corinth Canal to the Bosphorus, departure April 14, 2026
Emerald Raiya's inaugural voyages:
- 8 days around the Greek islands and Turkish coasts, departure June 19, 2027
- 8 days Classical Greece, departure June 26, 2027
- 8 days Mediterranean Charm, departure July 3, 2027
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