Emerald Cruises has revealed the deployment plans for its forthcoming luxury yacht Emerald Rayia, set to commence operations in 2026. The vessel will begin with a 10‑night maiden voyage from Valletta to Athens (Piraeus), calling at off‑the‑beaten‑track ports such as Lesvos, Katakolo, Delos, and Kepez—offering access to ancient Troy and the Gallipoli Peninsula. These sailings mark the start of a summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean, designed for exploration beyond the typical cruise route.
As winter arrives, Emerald Rayia will reposition to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, introducing itineraries that include Jeddah, Yanbu, Al Wajh, and the futuristic NEOM destination. Guests will be offered excursions to inland wonders such as Saudi Arabia’s Al Disah Canyon—often likened to its American counterpart—and visits to the Nabataean tombs of AlUla. Port calls will also include Egypt’s Sharm el Sheikh and Ain Sokhna, along with Jordan’s Aqaba, gateway to Petra. Further extensions into the Indian Ocean will visit Seychelles’ Mahe, Madagascar’s Nosy Be, and Kenya’s Mombasa, with opportunities for spice‐plantation tours and wildlife safaris.
The yacht accommodates approximately 120 guests, offering a blend of intimate exploration and luxury. Built at the Halong Shipyard in Vietnam, Emerald Rayia is slightly larger than sister ships such as Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara and joins a growing fleet that includes the April‑2026 debut of Emerald Kaia and the planned launch of Emerald Xara in 2028. The Group has also previewed a broader 2027-2028 global deployment of 25 new sailings across 170 departures to over 200 ports in 70 countries.
This deployment underscores Emerald Cruises’ continued commitment to boutique yacht cruising—combining open‑air design, wellness amenities, and coastal immersion. With summer voyages in the Mediterranean and winter expeditions across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, Emerald Rayia offers a refined, destination-focused journey for guests seeking unparalleled coastal discovery.