Emerald Cruises: Emerald Kaia Christened in Venice
Emerald Kaia has officially been christened in Venice, marking the arrival of the third yacht in Emerald Cruises’ growing fleet of luxury yachts.
The ceremony, held at the San Basilio terminal, offered an exclusive and particularly evocative Venetian experience, as Emerald Cruises is among the few operators able to reach Venice’s historic city centre directly by yacht. Against the incomparable backdrop of Venice, guests sailing on the eight-day “Adriatic Discovery: Venice, Istria & the Croatian Archipelago” itinerary were able to witness the christening from the yacht’s Observation Deck, enjoying a privileged vantage point alongside the pier. The ceremony was also livestreamed on YouTube in collaboration with travel content creator and YouTuber All Aboard Stephan’s Bike, allowing an international audience to virtually take part in this significant occasion.
Emerald Kaia Christening
Emerald Kaia Christening
The event represented a particularly meaningful milestone as Scenic Group celebrates its 40 Years of Innovation. Among those attending the christening were Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder of Scenic Group; James Griffiths, General Manager of Oceans Operations; Matteo Gasparato, President of the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority; and representatives from the Port of Venice. In keeping with maritime tradition, Jason Flesher, Scenic Group’s Director of Discovery Operations, performed the ceremonial bottle break across the bow, officially welcoming Emerald Kaia into the Emerald Cruises fleet.
According to Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder of Scenic Group, Emerald Kaia represents an outstanding addition to the company’s yacht fleet and the ideal way to celebrate the Group’s 40 years of innovation. Designed and built by the expert team at MKM Yachts, the new superyacht delivers an experience that combines relaxed luxury, innovative design and immersive access to some of the world’s most spectacular coastlines. Moroney also highlighted the special significance of entrusting the role of godparents to two of the company’s longest-serving team members.
As previously announced, Emerald Kaia’s godparents are Kim Scoular, Director of Operations, and Ray Gilbert, Senior Software Engineer. Their appointment reflects not only their individual contributions to the business, but also the commitment and passion of the many people who have helped shape Scenic Group’s growth and success over the past four decades.
Emerald Kaia Christening – James Griffiths, Kim Scoular, Ray Gilbert, Glen Moroney
Emerald Kaia Christening – Kim Scoular, Ray Gilbert-2
For Kim Scoular, being named godmother of the ship is a great honour and a recognition dedicated to all those who, through passion, dedication and a constant drive for innovation, have helped build the company. In her view, Emerald Kaia perfectly embodies the intimate, authentic and meaningful travel experience sought by today’s guests.
Ray Gilbert also described serving as godfather to Emerald Kaia as one of the greatest privileges of his career, noting that the new vessel represents not only the vision that has guided Scenic Group over the years, but also the dedication of all those, both ashore and at sea, who have helped turn that vision into reality for guests around the world.
Designed to accommodate no more than 128 guests, Emerald Kaia represents the next evolution of the Emerald Cruises yacht experience, featuring larger suites and public spaces, new wellness and dining experiences, contemporary design and curated art installations created for intimate coastal exploration.
Building on the success of the yachts already in the Emerald Cruises fleet, Emerald Kaia features an expanded Observation Deck, a Sun Deck with private cabanas and an indoor lounge, new spa and wellness facilities, elevated dining concepts, and suites and staterooms with more generous layouts.
Emerald Kaia Christening – Capatin Rob Kuznin, Kim Scoular, Ray Gilbert, Glen Moroney
Operating alongside Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, the new superyacht is the first of a series of three vessels in the same class, with Emerald Raiya set to debut in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028. These new additions will further strengthen Emerald Cruises’ offering of intimate, design-led journeys across the Mediterranean and key long-haul coastal destinations. Following her inaugural Mediterranean season, Emerald Kaia will sail to the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean, expanding the yacht cruise collection to some of the world’s most sought-after tropical destinations.
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