Emerald Cruises announced today that two long-serving employees will be the godparents of Emerald Kaia, which is currently sailing towards the Mediterranean, where it will begin its inaugural season in April 2026.
The year 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of innovation for Scenic Group, founded in Australia. To commemorate this milestone, Emerald Kaia will be christened by two of the company's most long-serving and dedicated employees: Kim Scoular, Chief Operating Officer, and Ray Gilbert, Senior Software Engineer. This recognition of long-serving employees reflects Scenic Group's four-decade commitment to the guest experience and to the team whose passion, expertise, and dedication make unforgettable memories possible on every journey.
Kim Scoular has nearly three decades of experience with Scenic. She began as a reservations agent before developing an international career as a tour director. She currently leads a dynamic operations team renowned for delivering seamless guest experiences and operational excellence across the brand's river and yacht fleet. “Being named godmother of Emerald Kaia is an incredible honor and a deeply personal milestone in my journey with Scenic Group,” said Kim Scoular. “Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud to represent the many passionate individuals who make these journeys a reality every day.”.
Ray Gilbert, who joined Scenic Group in 1998, has played a key role in developing the company's technological infrastructure and digital platforms. His expertise has been instrumental in supporting guests, business partners, and teams worldwide. “When I started at Scenic Group, I never imagined I would be asked to be the godfather of one of our ships,” said Gilbert. “It’s a privilege to support the people and technology working behind the scenes, and this recognition reflects the dedication of the entire team that keeps our ships and tours running smoothly.”.
Damien Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of Scenic Group, stated: “For nearly 30 years, Kim Scoular and Ray Gilbert have dedicated their passion, expertise, and loyalty to the Scenic Group family, helping to shape who we are today. Their appointment as godparents of Emerald Kaia recognizes not only their individual journeys but also the commitment and teamwork that define our collective success.”.
As we celebrate 40 years of innovation, it is fitting that Emerald Kaia be entrusted to two individuals who have driven our evolution: from our origins in land travel to today's contemporary luxury river and yacht experiences. It is a privilege to bestow this honor upon them.”.
Emerald Kaia will be officially christened in June in Venice, Italy, during a special ceremony that will bring together members of the Scenic Group team and strategic partners
On February 13, 2026, Emerald Kaia officially set sail from Halong Bay, Vietnam, marking her entry into the Emerald Cruises fleet. She will begin her inaugural Mediterranean season with an 11-day maiden voyage from Cyprus to Greece on April 4, 2026.
After the Mediterranean season, the yacht will cross the Red Sea and the Suez Canal in November bound for the Seychelles. Between December 2026 and March 2027, it will sail the waters of the Indian Ocean and East Africa, offering the option to combine a luxury cruise with an immersive land safari.
Emerald Kaia is the first of three next-generation yachts to join the Emerald Cruises fleet. Designed for up to 128 guests, it incorporates new features and luxury experiences, including:
- A new Observation Sun Deck with a spa-like pool.
- A redesigned La Cucina restaurant, with an open kitchen and more indoor and outdoor space.
- A new private dining experience, The Night Market Grill, exclusively for eight guests.
- Spacious suites and cabins designed for contemporary luxury.
- Enhanced wellness facilities, including a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor gym and diving platform.
This expansion underscores Emerald Cruises' ongoing commitment to the luxury yacht segment, supported by modern innovation and guest-centric design. In the coming years, Emerald Kaia will be joined by Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, bringing the total yacht fleet to five vessels.
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