Emerald Cruises & Tours Celebrates Luxury Yacht Fleet Expansion

Emerald Cruises & Tours has celebrated a major milestone in the expansion of its luxury yacht fleet. The company marked two pivotal moments last week, celebrating the float out of Emerald Kaia and the keel laying of Emerald Raiya. Underscoring Scenic Group’s ongoing innovation and strategic growth, with three new super yachts planned to join the fleet by 2028, offering travellers more ways to embrace the elegance and ease of luxury yacht travel.

Emerald Kaia Launch Ceremony

On November 10, 2025, Emerald Kaia successfully launched into the sea for the first time at the shipyard in Halong Bay, Vietnam. The ceremony welcomed dignitaries including Mr. Ivo Skelin, General Manager, Design & Development Projects, Scenic Group.

This significant construction milestone brings Emerald Kaia one step closer to the much-anticipated inaugural voyage through Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey in April 2026. The super yacht will then spend the summer exploring the coastlines from Italy to Montenegro, Albania and Croatia, The Greek Islands and Corinth Canal before cruising through the Red Sea to reposition to the Seychelles from December 2026 to March 2027.

Emerald Raiya, Keel Laying

On the same day, Emerald Raiya also reached a pivotal stage with the official keel laying ceremony. Scheduled to debut in June 2027, Emerald Raiya’s launch season will be in the Eastern Mediterranean and Seychelles. In April 2028, Emerald Xara will also join the fleet.

Glen Moroney, Scenic Group Founder & Chairman said, “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. 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.”

The growth of Scenic Group is reinforced by the recent announcement of Scenic Ikon which will join the Scenic Discovery Yachts fleet in April 2028. Along with new additions to river cruising: Emerald Astra, debuting on the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers in May 2026, and Emerald Lumi, on France’s Seine River in 2027.

The Emerald Yacht Cruising Experience

The new luxury yachts will complement sister ships Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, expanding the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet to five by 2028.

Designed to welcome up to 128 guests, Emerald Kaia, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara will deliver relaxed luxury and authentic adventure. With spacious layouts matched with unique culinary, wellness and marina experiences.

Highlights include:

• Expanded Sky Deck and enhanced Observation Sun Deck with an indoor/outdoor bar and additional Spa Pool.
• Private cabanas offering quiet sanctuaries for panoramic sea views.
• Spacious accommodation, including Owner’s Suites with a private terrace and Spa Pool, as well as interconnecting suite options.
• Al fresco dining experiences from the Aqua Pool Café and La Cucina Terrace to the new Night Market Grill*, a private dining venue for eight guests.