Emerald Cruises & Tours marks major milestones as its next-generation superyacht fleet expands
24 November 2025: Emerald Cruises & Tours has celebrated two significant construction milestones in the expansion of its next-generation superyacht fleet, with the float out of Emerald Kaia and the keel laying of Emerald Raiya
Together with Emerald Xara, which will launch in 2028, these vessels represent three significant new additions that will expand Emerald’s fleet to five superyachts, alongside Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara.
Emerald Kaia Launch Ceremony
On 10 November 2025, Emerald Kaia was successfully launched into the water for the first time at its Halong Bay shipyard in Vietnam. The float out ceremony was attended by senior representatives from Scenic Group, including Mr. Ivo Skelin, General Manager, Design & Development Projects.
This significant milestone brings Emerald Kaia closer to its much-anticipated inaugural voyage through Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey in April 2026. The superyacht will then spend the summer exploring the coastlines from Italy to Montenegro, Albania and Croatia, the Greek Islands and Corinth Canal, before repositioning through the Red Sea to commence its first Seychelles season from December 2026 to March 2027.
Emerald Raiya, Keel Laying
On the same day, Emerald Raiya reached a major construction milestone with the official keel laying ceremony. Set to debut in June 2027, Emerald Raiya’s launch season will explore the Eastern Mediterranean and Seychelles.
Glen Moroney, Scenic Group Founder & Chairman said “The first launch of Emerald Kaia into the sea and keel laying for Emerald Raiya represents a significant milestone for Emerald Cruises and our continued expansion Each has been thoughtfully designed by our team at MKM Yachts to deliver a unique luxury experience for up to 128 guests, meeting the growing demand for yacht-style cruising in the Mediterranean, Seychelles and Caribbean.”
Emerald Kaia, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara will offer relaxed luxury and authentic adventure, with spacious layouts matched with unique culinary, wellness and marina experiences.
Together, these vessels represent the next evolution of Emerald’s yacht cruising experience.
“Demand for this truly unique style of yacht cruising has been exceptional,” said Angus Crichton, Director of Sales, Marketing & Product at Emerald Cruises & Tours. “We’re excited to welcome guests on board Emerald Kaia this April, and the expansion of our luxury yacht fleet will not only provide much-needed capacity but also introduce inspiring new destinations — including the Seychelles Islands — to our collection.”
Alongside its expanding yacht fleet, Emerald will also grow its river cruising portfolio with two new Star-Ships: Emerald Astra, debuting on the Rhine, Main and Danube in May 2026, and Emerald Lumi, launching on France’s Seine River in 2027.
Highlights include:
• Expanded Sky Deck and enhanced Observation Sun Deck with an indoor/outdoor bar and additional Spa Pool.
• Private cabanas offering quiet sanctuaries for panoramic sea views.
• Spacious accommodation, including Owner’s Suites with a private terrace and Spa Pool as well as interconnecting suite options.
• Al fresco dining experiences from the Aqua Pool Café and La Cucina Terrace to the new Night Market Grill*, a private dining venue for eight guests.
Assets: Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya November 2025 - Dropbox
YouTube Video – Emerald Kaia Float Out: https://youtu.be/7Rucz-3f3nQ
*Available at an extra cost
About Scenic Group
For nearly 40 years, Scenic Group has redefined luxury travel, gaining global acclaim for its award-winning river cruises, intimate yacht experiences, and meticulously curated land journeys. With a portfolio of renowned brands – Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours, and Mayflower Cruises & Tours – Scenic Group offers transformative
experiences that provide unparalleled access to the world’s most breathtaking destinations across all seven continents.
Scenic Group recently announced the launch of Scenic Ikon, which will join the Scenic Discovery Yachts fleet in April 2028.
Emerald Cruises & Tours continues to expand its fleet of innovative ships on Europe and Asia’s rivers and coastlines of the Mediterranean, Caribbean & Indian Ocean. Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara will be joined by Emerald Kaia in 2026, further enhancing luxury yacht cruising with itineraries across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean and Central America, Seychelles Islands and Indian Ocean. Additionally, Emerald Astra, debuting in 2026 as the 10th Emerald Star-Ship in the river fleet, will elevate Emerald’s renowned river cruising experience. Looking ahead to 2027, the 11th Star-Ship, Emerald Lumi, will mark the brand’s first sailing on the Seine River, offering roundtrip cruises from Paris. The fleet will further grow with Emerald Raiya (2027) and Emerald Xara (2028), offering new boutique superyacht itineraries in warm-water destinations.
Scenic Group’s commitment to innovation and exceeding expectations ensures that every journey – whether on river, ocean, or land – brings moments of wonder and creates memories that last a lifetime.