By
Laura Hyde |
Emerald Cruises has celebrated two fleet expansion milestones: confirmation of the inaugural voyage for its newest luxury yacht, Emerald Kaia, in the Mediterranean in April 2026 and the first steel cutting for Emerald Raiya, which is scheduled to set sail in June 2027.
Emerald Kaia will embark on its inaugural voyage from Limassol, Cyprus, to Athens, Greece, on 4 April, and will include a private concert at Unesco World Heritage Site Ephesus near Selçuk in Turkey. Other itinerary highlights include the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Greek island of Patmos; a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in Bodrum, Turkey; and volcanic hikes, Turkish cooking classes and local wine tastings. The sailing coincides with both Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations.
The luxury yacht includes an observation sun deck, featuring a spa pool, lounge area and cabanas; new Asian-inspired dining experience, Night Market Grill; an indoor/outdoor gym; and larger suites and staterooms than any other ship in the Emerald Cruises fleet, with the option of connecting suites for groups or families.
The official cutting of the first sheets of steel for the hull of Emerald Raiya took place on 20 August 2025 at a ceremony at the shipyard in Vietnam.
Construction is underway on Emerald Raiya, which is expected to join the Emerald Cruises’ fleet in June 2027
“We are delighted to celebrate another milestone in the journey of Emerald Cruises as the build of Emerald Raiya begins in Vietnam,” said Glen Moroney, chairman and founder of Emerald Cruises’ parent company, Scenic Group. “This is a testament to the innovation at Scenic Group and the dedication of our team at MKM Yachts and our valued shipbuilding partners.”
A third new ship, Emerald Xara, is expected to join the Emerald Cruises fleet in 2028.