Emerald Cruises & Tours Marks Dual Milestones with the Launch of Emerald Kaia and Successful River Trials of Emerald Astra
April 7, 2026 - Emerald Cruises & Tours has announced the launch of Emerald Kaia after a successful transit through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The next generation superyacht has cruised from Limassol, Cyprus on its inaugural voyage. The maiden sailing also follows the recent successful river trials of Emerald Astra, the new Emerald Star-Ship which is set to join the fleet on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers in May 2026. Glen Moroney, Chairman & Founder of Scenic Group, said: “The launch of Emerald Kaia and the upcoming inaugural sailing of Emerald Astra in May mark important milestones for Scenic Group as we celebrate 40 years of innovation in travel. As the only cruise company that designs, builds, and operates our own ships, we continue to set new benchmarks in luxury yacht and river cruising. Driven by technical excellence and a commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience.” Emerald Kaia blends Emerald Cruises and Tours’ signature relaxed luxury with new levels of design sophistication. A curated collection of contemporary art and bespoke interior finishes, featuring Tom Dixon, Missoni, Freifrau, Paola Lenti and Kettal, elevates the aesthetics of the onboard spaces. While expansive outdoor areas invite guests to rejuvenate and feel more connected to the coastline during days at sea. James Griffiths, General Manager of Oceans Operations at Scenic Group said, “Emerald Kaia represents the next evolution of Emerald Yacht Cruises with more space, enhanced wellness, innovative dining concepts, and a considered yacht experience. All designed to deliver the intimate, relaxed atmosphere our guests love. Seeing her in operation and welcoming our first guests is the most rewarding proof that this evolution in our fleet is the right one.” Unique Culinary Experiences The Emerald Kaia dining venues include a thoughtfully curated selection of experiences. The signature restaurant, La Cucina, features an open-plan kitchen, for guests to connect more closely with the chefs while enjoying additional indoor and alfresco seating. The new Soleá Bar & Bistro, located beside the Vitality Pool, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed setting, open for à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner with panoramic sea views. While the intimate Night Market Grill is an immersive private dining experience for up to eight guests, celebrating flavors inspired by local markets of Asia.