Emerald Cruises has announced the launch of Emerald Kaia with the departure of its inaugural cruise. The 128-guest superyacht sailed from Limassol, Cyprus, on an 11-day itinerary, calling at Rhodes, Kos, Spetses and Athens.
*All details correct at time of publish (15 April 2026)
Prior to this, a shakedown voyage took place, with 11 travel agents travelling from Athens to Spetses. Agents were given a full tour of the ship, including accommodation, the spa, gym, marina and the observation deck, in addition to a dining experience at the new Night Market Grill.
They also travelled to the car-free Greek island of Spetses for a walking tour, via Emerald Kaia’s fleet of zodiacs.
For its Mediterranean summer season in 2026 and 2027, Emerald Kaia will cruise the Adriatic Sea, offering a selection of eight and 15-day itineraries between Venice and Dubrovnik.
The ship will reposition to the Indian Ocean, sailing in the Seychelles archipelago from December 2026 to March 2027. Itineraries range from eight to 20 days, including the 16‑day Safari & Seychelles journey, which combines Seychelles cruising with safaris in Kenya’s Masai Mara, Samburu Game Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park.
Extra departure dates have recently been added for this itinerary due to strong demand.
Emerald Kaia has a range of dining venues, including its signature restaurant, La Cucina, featuring an open-plan kitchen with indoor and alfresco seating. Soleá Bar & Bistro, set beside the Vitality Pool, serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes throughout the day with panoramic sea views.
For a more exclusive experience, the Night Market Grill provides an immersive private dining setting for up to eight guests, inspired by the flavours of Asian markets.
The Wellness Deck includes KLAFS salt therapy lounges, a cold plunge pool, a full-service spa and access to fitness areas, the Marina Platform and refreshment spaces.
Emerald Kaia combines contemporary design with comfort, offering spacious, light-filled suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and new interconnecting options.
Glen Moroney, Chairman and 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.”
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.”
Emerald Kaia will be joined by sister yachts Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, expanding the fleet to five, alongside Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, with sailings across the Mediterranean, Seychelles, and Caribbean.
For more information, visit emeraldcruises.co.uk, or call 0161 516 6895.
