Emerald Kaia: The Names of the Godparents Revealed
Emerald Cruises has announced that Kim Scoular and Ray Gilbert, two long-serving employees, will serve as the godmother and godfather of Emerald Kaia, currently en route to the Mediterranean, where she will begin her inaugural season in April 2026.
In celebration of the 40 Years of Innovation of the Australian-founded Scenic Group, Emerald Kaia will be christened by two of the company’s most long-standing and representative team members: Kim Scoular, Director of Operations, and Ray Gilbert, Senior Software Engineer. Their appointment as godparents celebrates not only this important anniversary, but also Scenic Group’s ongoing commitment to placing the guest experience at the heart of everything it does, while recognizing the team whose passion, expertise, and dedication contribute every day to creating unforgettable memories on every journey.
Emerald Kaia – Godparents presentation Newcastle 18 Feb_12
Kim Scoular brings nearly three decades of experience with Scenic, having begun her professional journey as a reservations agent before embarking on an international career as a Tour Director. Today, she leads a dynamic operations team recognized for delivering seamless guest experiences and operational excellence across both the brand’s river and yacht fleets. Commenting on her appointment as godmother of Emerald Kaia, she described the role as an extraordinary honor and a deeply meaningful milestone in her journey with Scenic Group, emphasizing that guests are always at the center of the company’s activities and expressing pride in representing the many passionate individuals who make these journeys possible every day.
Since joining Scenic Group in 1998, Ray Gilbert has played a fundamental role in developing the company’s IT infrastructure and digital platforms. His expertise has been instrumental in supporting guests, trade partners, and team members worldwide. Reflecting on his appointment, Ray Gilbert noted that when he first joined Scenic Group, he could never have imagined being asked to serve as godfather of one of the company’s ships. He also highlighted that it is a privilege to support the people and technologies working behind the scenes, adding that this recognition reflects the dedication of the entire team that ensures the smooth operation of the group’s ships and tours.
Emerald Kaia – Godparents presentation Newcastle 18 Feb_10
Emerald Kaia – Sea Trial
Damien Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of Scenic Group, emphasized that for nearly thirty years, Kim Scoular and Ray Gilbert have dedicated passion, expertise, and loyalty to the Scenic Group family, playing a decisive role in shaping the company into what it is today. Their appointment as godparents of Emerald Kaia, he noted, recognizes not only their remarkable professional journeys, but also the commitment and team spirit that define the group’s collective success. As part of the celebrations marking 40 Years of Innovation, he further underscored the significance of entrusting Emerald Kaia to two individuals who have supported and driven the company’s evolution—from its origins in touring to today’s contemporary luxury river and yacht experiences—describing the recognition as a true privilege.
Emerald Kaia will be christened in June in Venice, Italy, during an official ceremony that will bring together Scenic Group team members, valued partners, and guests to formally welcome her into the fleet. After departing Halong Bay, Vietnam, on February 13, 2026, the yacht officially joined the Emerald Cruises fleet and is preparing to inaugurate her first Mediterranean season with an 11-day inaugural voyage from Cyprus to Greece, departing on April 4, 2026. Following the Mediterranean season, in November she will transit the Red Sea and the Suez Canal en route to the Seychelles, where from December 2026 to March 2027 she will explore the breathtaking waters of the Indian Ocean and East Africa, offering guests the opportunity to combine their luxury cruise with an immersive land safari experience.
Emerald Kaia_Marina
Emerald-Kaia_La-Cucina-Restaurant
Emerald Kaia is the first of three next-generation yachts set to expand the Emerald Cruises fleet, embodying a contemporary vision of luxury cruising. Designed to accommodate up to 128 guests, she combines elegant lines and innovative design with refined and functional spaces created to deliver an exclusive and relaxed experience. Among her standout features is the new Observation Sun Deck with spa pool, ideal for panoramic relaxation, along with the reimagined La Cucina restaurant, featuring an open kitchen and expanded indoor and outdoor dining areas. Also debuting on board is The Night Market Grill, a private dining experience reserved exclusively for eight guests, designed to ensure intimacy and personalization. The spacious, light-filled suites and staterooms reflect a concept of contemporary luxury, while enhanced wellness facilities—including an indoor/outdoor gym equipped with state-of-the-art fitness technology and a diving platform—complete an offering designed to combine comfort, well-being, and discovery.
This expansion underscores Emerald Cruises’ ongoing commitment to luxury yacht cruising, driven by modern innovation and guest-focused design. In the coming years, Emerald Kaia will be joined by Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, bringing the yacht fleet to five vessels and continuing the brand’s evolution as a leader in luxury yacht cruising.
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