Emerald Kaia: Sea Trials Completed
Emerald Cruises & Tours marks a major milestone with the completion of sea trials for Emerald Kaia, the next-generation superyacht set to redefine luxury cruising standards.
The trials took place in the stunning Halong Bay, Vietnam, confirming the vessel’s exceptional performance, maneuverability, and safety. This significant step paves the way for its entry into service, scheduled for April 2026, with the inaugural cruise from Limassol, Cyprus, to the Acropolis. The event represents not only a technical achievement but also a testament to the Scenic Group’s commitment to quality, innovation, and delivering unique luxury experiences to its guests.
Emerald Kaia – Sea Trial
Designed to offer a relaxed and personalized luxury experience, Emerald Kaia will accommodate up to 128 passengers, creating an intimate and refined atmosphere that sets the superyacht apart from traditional cruise ships. The interiors feature furnishings and décor by Missoni, blending elegance with contemporary comfort. Many of the suites are interconnected, providing ideal flexibility for families and groups, while the cabins ensure private, welcoming spaces.
One of Emerald Kaia’s standout features is the new Observation Sun Deck, designed for ultimate guest relaxation. This panoramic area includes an additional Spa Pool, sun loungers, and shaded zones, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean or other destinations in total comfort. Adjacent to the marine platform is an innovative fitness center, with both indoor and outdoor areas equipped with state-of-the-art wellness facilities, enabling guests to work out in the fresh sea air and then refresh with a direct plunge into the water—a rare and highly immersive experience for a cruise vessel.
The onboard culinary experience is another highlight: the main restaurant, La Cucina, features an open kitchen, creating direct interaction between chefs and guests, making every meal a unique and engaging experience. Additionally, the new Night Market Grill offers an exclusive, private dining experience for up to eight guests, with dishes prepared à la minute in an intimate setting, perfect for special evenings or private celebrations.
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Emerald Kaia La Cucina Dining & Terrace 002 NOV2025
James Griffiths, General Manager of Ocean Operations at the Scenic Group, emphasized that the sea trials confirmed Emerald Kaia’s technical excellence. He highlighted how this milestone reflects the dedication and professionalism of the entire team involved in the superyacht’s construction and outfitting, adding that the successful trials allow the team to move confidently into the final preparation phase, ensuring guests an unparalleled cruising experience.
Beyond elegance and luxury, Emerald Kaia also exemplifies efficiency and sustainability. The sea trials included assessments of energy consumption, maneuverability, and environmental systems, confirming that the vessel incorporates technological innovations designed to reduce ecological impact without compromising guest comfort. The ship therefore stands out for its contemporary approach to luxury cruising, combining high performance, safety, sustainability, and the sheer enjoyment of the experience.
The Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet, which Emerald Kaia will join in 2026 alongside Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, is now one of the most ambitious boutique cruise projects worldwide. The fleet’s expansion will continue with the future sisters Emerald Raiya (2027) and Emerald Xara (2028), further broadening the offering of exclusive itineraries in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean, Central America, Seychelles, and the Indian Ocean. Each ship in the fleet is designed to ensure intimacy, comfort, and connection with the surrounding environment—core values for the Scenic Group, which has been synonymous with innovative luxury travel for over 40 years.
Emerald Kaia Gym 013A JAN 2026
Emerald Kaia Sky Bar 029 JAN2026
Emerald Kaia’s inaugural itinerary will depart on April 4, 2026, from Limassol, Cyprus, to the Acropolis, on an 11-day journey allowing guests to explore historic sites, breathtaking landscapes, and local cultures in an exclusive setting. This experience reflects the philosophy of Emerald Cruises & Tours, which combines carefully selected itineraries, high-level hospitality, and immersion in local culture and environment, creating unforgettable moments and lasting memories.
With the completion of sea trials, Emerald Kaia is ready to become the new flagship of the Emerald fleet, confirming the Scenic Group’s leadership in the luxury cruise segment. The combination of refined design, personalized experiences, modern infrastructure, and attention to sustainability makes this vessel a benchmark for contemporary maritime tourism. The 2026 inaugural season will mark the beginning of an exclusive journey for guests, offering luxury at sea without compromising environmental respect and authentic discovery of destinations. Emerald Kaia represents not only a technological and comfort advancement but also a model of sustainable and responsible cruising, destined to redefine the concept of luxury travel in the Mediterranean and beyond.
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