Emerald Cruises & Tours has reached a significant new milestone in the expansion of its luxury yacht fleet. The company recently celebrated two special achievements: the launch of Emerald Kaia and the keel laying of Emerald Raiya. Together, these events clearly demonstrate the ambitious growth strategy and continued innovation of Scenic Group, which aims to add three new superyachts to its fleet by 2028.
On November 10, 2025, Emerald Kaia touched the water for the first time at the shipyard in Halong Bay, Vietnam. The ceremony, attended by Ivo Skelin, General Manager Design & Development Projects at Scenic Group, marked an important step toward her long-awaited inaugural voyage in April 2026. During this first sailing, Emerald Kaia will head to Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, followed by a summer season along the coasts of Italy, Montenegro, Albania and Croatia, before continuing around the Greek islands and the impressive Corinth Canal. At the end of 2026, the yacht will sail through the Red Sea to the Seychelles, where it will offer sun-drenched luxury cruises from December 2026 to March 2027.
On the same day, the keel was laid for Emerald Raiya, a new superyacht scheduled for delivery in June 2027. Raiya will begin her first season in the eastern Mediterranean and the Seychelles. In April 2028, a third new yacht, Emerald Xara, will be added to the fleet.
Scenic Group founder and chairman Glen Moroney emphasises that these developments signify an important step in the further growth of Emerald Cruises. According to Moroney, both Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya have been carefully designed by the MKM Yachts team to offer a unique luxury experience for up to 128 guests, perfectly matching the growing demand for yacht-style cruising in the Mediterranean, the Seychelles and the Caribbean.
The growth of Scenic Group is further supported by the announcement of Scenic Ikon, which will join the Scenic Discovery Yachts in April 2028. The river division is also expanding, with Emerald Astra debuting on the Rhine, Main and Danube in May 2026, and Emerald Lumi set to sail the Seine from 2027.
With the arrival of the new luxury yachts, the existing Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet – currently Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara – will grow to five ships by 2028. The new generation of yachts – Emerald Kaia, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara – are designed to accommodate up to 128 guests in an atmosphere of relaxed luxury paired with authentic ocean discoveries. They offer spacious and stylish interiors, unique culinary concepts, an extensive range of wellness and relaxation options, and an inviting marina for water activities.
The upgrades on board are extensive. The yachts feature an expanded Sky Deck and a redesigned Observation Sun Deck with an indoor/outdoor bar and an additional Spa Pool. Private cabanas create quiet escapes with panoramic sea views. Accommodation is notably spacious, including Owner’s Suites with a private terrace, Spa Pool and the option for connecting suites. Culinary highlights include al fresco dining at the Aqua Pool Café and on the La Cucina Terrace, as well as the new Night Market Grill, an intimate private dining experience for up to eight guests.
The ongoing expansion of Emerald Cruises reaffirms its position as a pioneer in luxury yacht cruising, where elegance, adventure and personalised service go hand in hand. From 2026 to 2028, guests will be able to sail on an increasing number of Emerald yachts, each designed to elevate ocean travel with more space, more comfort and more ways to discover the world in pure luxury.
Photos courtesy of Emerald Cruises.
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