The luxury superyacht Emerald Kaia has departed Halong Bay, Vietnam, and commenced her westward transit toward Europe/Mediterranean ahead of her scheduled debut in April 2026.
The naming ceremony is planned for Venice this June.
The 128-passenger vessel has completed sea trials in Vietnamese waters that confirmed its performance and seaworthiness before delivery to Scenic Group's Emerald fleet.
Along the yacht’s delivery passage, the operator has designated two long-serving company executives to act as her ceremonial godparents, in accordance with longstanding maritime tradition. Both individuals, one holding responsibilities for operations across the company’s river and yacht divisions and the other instrumental in developing critical digital infrastructure, were selected in recognition of their lengthy service as the parent company marks four decades since its establishment. The role of godparent in this context encompasses participation in the christening rites that traditionally include bestowing the vessel’s name and wishing her safe voyages.
Designed with a boutique configuration that emphasises open deck spaces, elevated observation areas, and wellness facilities, Emerald Kaia’s accommodation and public spaces reflect the smaller scale and distinctive amenity profile characteristic of modern yacht cruising. Following her Mediterranean introduction, she is scheduled to operate an inaugural 11-day sailing from Cyprus to Greece in early April, after which seasonal deployment plans indicate transit through the Red Sea and Suez Canal and a subsequent winter season in the Indian Ocean and East African waters, with select voyages linked to land-based safari experiences.
Emerald Kaia joins an expanding fleet of luxury yacht vessels for the company, with further sister ships planned for delivery in subsequent years, reinforcing the operator’s presence in the small-ship, high-end cruising segment.