Scenic Group has announced major milestones for its Emerald Yacht Cruises brand, with the launch of Emerald Kaia scheduled for April 2026 and construction underway on the next-generation super yacht, Emerald Raiya.
Emerald Kaia will make her debut on 4 April 2026, carrying just 128 guests on her inaugural sailing through the Mediterranean. The 11-day journey will cruise from Limassol to Athens, tracing the historic coastlines of Greece and Turkey. Among the highlights is an exclusive private concert at Ephesus, where guests will experience a classical performance in one of the world’s most atmospheric ancient sites.
Other itinerary highlights include exploring the Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos, visiting Bodrum’s Mausoleum of Halicarnassus – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – and guided tours of UNESCO-listed Delos. Guests will also have the chance to take part in immersive DiscoverMORE experiences, such as volcanic hikes, Turkish cooking classes and local wine tastings.
The voyage coincides with both Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox Easter, giving travellers a unique opportunity to experience traditional celebrations across the region.
On board, Emerald Kaia will showcase a new Observation Sun Deck with spa pool and cabanas, larger suites with connecting options for groups and families, a new Night Market dining experience, and expanded wellness facilities including a salt therapy lounge, indoor/outdoor gym and cold plunge pool.
Meanwhile, work has begun on Emerald Raiya, following a steel cutting ceremony at the Vietnam shipyard on 20 August 2025. Attended by Scenic Group executives and shipbuilding partners, the event marked the official start of construction for the yacht, which will join the fleet in June 2027.
Scenic Group Chairman and Founder Glen Moroney said the milestone reflected the company’s dedication to innovation and expansion.
“We are delighted to celebrate another milestone in the journey of Emerald Cruises as the build of Emerald Raiya begins,” he said. “This is a testament to the innovation at Scenic Group and the dedication of our team at MKM Yachts and our valued shipbuilding partners.”
Emerald Kaia will join Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara in 2026, with Emerald Raiya following in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028. Scenic Group says the continued expansion underscores its commitment to redefining luxury yacht cruising.
Bookings are now open for voyages through to 2028, with Emerald Kaia’s inaugural 11-day Cyprus to the Acropolis journey starting from $11,545 per person, and Emerald Raiya’s debut 8-day Greek Islands & Turkish Coastlines sailing priced from $9,895 per person.
Emerald Cruises currently operates luxury yachts in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean and Indian Ocean, alongside its acclaimed river fleet sailing Europe and Southeast Asia.
The line has received industry recognition, including being voted the #1 small ship cruise line in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
