Emerald Cruises & Tours has celebrated a significant milestone in the expansion of its luxury yacht fleet. The company commemorated two pivotal moments last week: the float-out of the Emerald Kaia and the keel-laying of the Emerald Raiya. Both events underscore the ongoing innovation and strategic growth of the Scenic Group, which plans to add three new superyachts to its fleet by 2028.
Emerald Kaia Launching Ceremony
On November 10, 2025, the Emerald Kaia touched the water for the first time at the Halong Bay Shipyard in Vietnam. Among those in attendance were dignitaries such as Mr. Ivo Skelin, General Manager of Design and Development Projects at Scenic Group.
This significant construction milestone brings Emerald Kaia one step closer to its highly anticipated maiden voyage to Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey in April 2026. The superyacht will then spend the summer exploring the coasts of Italy, Montenegro, Albania, and Croatia; the Greek Islands and the Corinth Canal, before sailing through the Red Sea to reposition in the Seychelles from December 2026 to March 2027.
Emerald Raiya: keel placement
That same day, the Emerald Raiya also reached a key milestone with its official keel-laying ceremony. Its debut is scheduled for June 2027, with an inaugural season in the Eastern Mediterranean and Seychelles. In April 2028, the Emerald Xara will also join the fleet.
Glen Moroney, founder and president of Scenic Group, stated: “The initial launch stages of Emerald Kaia and the keel laying of Emerald Raiya represent a significant milestone for Emerald Cruises and our continued expansion. Each has been meticulously designed by our team at MKM Yachts to offer a unique luxury experience for up to 128 guests, responding to the growing demand for yacht-style cruising in the Mediterranean, Seychelles, and the Caribbean.”
Scenic Group's growth is further bolstered by the recent announcement of the Scenic Ikon, which will join the Scenic Discovery Yachts in April 2028. This is complemented by new additions to the river cruise line: Emerald Astra, which will debut on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers in May 2026, and Emerald Lumi, which will sail the Seine in France in 2027.
The Emerald Yacht Cruising Experience:
The new luxury yachts will complement sister ships Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, expanding the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet to five units by 2028.
Designed to accommodate up to 128 guests, Emerald Kaia, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara will offer relaxed luxury and authentic adventure, with spacious areas combined with unique dining, wellness and maritime activities.
Highlights include:
• An expanded Sky Deck and an enhanced Observation Sun Deck with an indoor/outdoor bar and additional spa pool.
• Private cabanas offering tranquil retreats with panoramic ocean views.
• Spacious accommodations, including Owner's Suites with a private terrace and spa pool, as well as connecting suite options.
• Al fresco dining experiences from the Aqua Pool Café and La Cucina Terrace to the new Night Market Grill, a private restaurant for eight guests.*
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