---

December 5, 2025

Emerald Cruises & Tours has reached a new and significant milestone in the expansion of its luxury yacht fleet.

Two symbolic moments, the launch of Emerald Kaia and the keel laying of Emerald Raiya, confirm Scenic Group’s ambitious vision and a growth strategy that will see three new super yachts join the fleet by 2028. This project further strengthens the Group’s position among the leaders in the boutique cruise sector.

On November 10, 2025, at the Halong Bay shipyard in Vietnam, Emerald Kaia was officially launched for the first time. The ceremony was attended by institutional representatives and key members of the Scenic Group team, including Ivo Skelin, General Manager of Design & Development Projects, marking a crucial step toward the yacht’s official debut.

Emerald Kaia’s highly anticipated maiden voyage is scheduled for April 2026, sailing through Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. During the summer season, the yacht will cruise across Italy, Montenegro, Albania, and Croatia, explore the Greek Islands, and transit the Corinth Canal, before repositioning to the Seychelles for the winter 2026–2027 season.

On the same day, Emerald Raiya reached another major milestone with the official keel laying ceremony, marking the beginning of her construction. Her debut is planned for June 2027, with itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Seychelles. Completing this new generation of yachts, Emerald Xara is scheduled to join the fleet in April 2028.

For Scenic Group, these developments represent further confirmation of the company’s strength and long-term growth strategy. As highlighted by Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney, the launch of Emerald Kaia and the keel laying of Emerald Raiya mark a pivotal moment for Emerald Cruises and the company’s continued expansion. Each yacht has been designed to deliver a unique luxury experience for up to 128 guests, responding to the growing demand for yacht-style cruising in the Mediterranean, the Seychelles, and the Caribbean.

Alongside these innovations, Scenic Group also announced the arrival of Scenic Ikon, set to join the Discovery Yachts fleet in April 2028, as well as two new river ships: Emerald Astra, debuting on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers in 2026, and Emerald Lumi, launching on the Seine in 2027.

With Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara already in operation, the addition of the new yachts will bring the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet to five vessels by 2028. The new generation, Emerald Kaia, Emerald Raiya, and Emerald Xara, will welcome up to 128 guests and introduce a “relaxed luxury” concept that combines comfort, generous spaces, and immersive itineraries.

Key features include an expanded Sky Deck and an enhanced Observation Sun Deck, both featuring an indoor/outdoor bar and additional Spa Pools; elegant private cabanas designed to provide tranquil moments with panoramic views; exceptionally spacious accommodations, including Owner’s Suites with private terraces and Spa Pools, as well as connecting suite options; and open-air dining venues ranging from the Aqua Pool Café and La Cucina Terrace to the new Night Market Grill, an exclusive culinary experience reserved for just eight guests.

The expansion of the Emerald Yachts fleet therefore represents not only a significant strategic investment but also a decisive step toward a new era of small-scale luxury cruising. With three new super yachts entering service by 2028, Scenic Group reinforces its commitment to delivering exclusive experiences, carefully curated itineraries, and an ever-higher level of service.

Don’t miss the latest news, updates, and reviews of Emerald Cruises on Cruising Journal, featuring photos, videos, and cruise offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

Comments