By
Alex Smith |
Emerald Cruises & Tours has marked two milestones in the expansion of its luxury yacht fleet, celebrating the float out of Emerald Kaia and the keel laying of Emerald Raiya. The events continue parent company Scenic Group’s continuing investment in new ship construction, with three additional yachts scheduled to join the fleet by 2028.
The Emerald Kaia launch ceremony took place on 10 November 2025 at the Halong Bay shipyard in Vietnam, where the vessel entered the water for the first time. The event was attended by company representatives, including Ivo Skelin, general manager of design and development projects at Scenic Group.
The float out marks a step toward Emerald Kaia’s inaugural sailing through Cyprus, Greece and Turkey in April 2026. The vessel is scheduled to spend the summer exploring destinations across the Mediterranean, including Italy, Montenegro, Albania, Croatia, and the Greek Islands, before repositioning to the Seychelles from December 2026 to March 2027.
On the same day, the keel-laying ceremony for Emerald Raiya took place. The yacht is expected to enter service in June 2027, with itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Seychelles. A third ship, Emerald Xara, is planned to join the fleet in April 2028.
Emerald Raiya is expected to enter service in June 2027
“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,” said Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group. “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.”
Scenic Group has also announced the addition of Scenic Ikon to the Scenic Discovery Yachts fleet in April 2028, along with two new river ships: Emerald Astra, debuting on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers in May 2026, and Emerald Lumi, launching on France’s Seine River in 2027.
When complete, the additions of Emerald Kaia, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara will expand the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet to five vessels by 2028, joining Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara. All are designed to accommodate up to 128 guests and include features such as an expanded Sky Deck, an Observation Sun Deck with an indoor/outdoor bar and Spa Pool, private cabanas, Owner’s Suites with private terraces, and multiple dining venues including the Aqua Pool Café, La Cucina Terrace, and the Night Market Grill.