Emerald Cruises has formally christened Emerald Kaia, the newest addition to its yacht fleet, during a ceremony held at San Basilio in Venice (Italy). The event took place while the 128-guest vessel was operating the 8-day Adriatic Discovery: Venice, Istria & the Croatian Archipelago itinerary.
The vessel is the third yacht to join the company’s expanding ocean fleet and represents a further stage in the development of Emerald Cruises’ small-ship operations. Scenic Group founder and chairman Glen Moroney stated that Emerald Kaia was a significant addition to the fleet and an appropriate milestone during the group’s 40th anniversary year. He noted that the yacht had been designed and delivered by the company’s specialist team at MKM Yachts and was intended to combine contemporary luxury, innovative design and access to coastal destinations. He also observed that it was particularly fitting for the vessel to be entrusted to two long-serving members of the Scenic Group team as godparents.
The yacht’s godparents are Kim Scoular, Director of Operations, and Ray Gilbert, Senior Software Engineer, both recognised for their longstanding service within the organisation. Scoular indicated that the appointment reflected the contributions of employees across Scenic Group whose work had supported the company’s development over four decades. She further noted that Emerald Kaia had been designed to meet growing demand for more intimate and carefully curated travel experiences.
Designed to accommodate 128 guests, Emerald Kaia introduces several enhancements to the fleet, including an enlarged observation deck, a sun deck featuring private cabanas and an indoor lounge, expanded wellness facilities, upgraded dining venues and larger suite and stateroom layouts.
The vessel joins Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara in service and is the first of a new generation of yachts planned by the brand. Sister ships Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara are scheduled to enter service in 2027 and 2028 respectively, further expanding the company’s presence in the luxury yacht sector.
Following her inaugural Mediterranean season, Emerald Kaia is scheduled to reposition to the Seychelles and the wider Indian Ocean region, extending the vessel’s deployment into some of the world’s leading warm-water cruising destinations.