Emerald Cruises has officially christened Emerald Kaia in Venice, marking the arrival of the third yacht in the brand’s growing luxury yacht fleet.

Designed for no more than 128 guests, Emerald Kaia represents the next evolution of the Emerald Cruises yacht experience, with generously sized suites and spaces, new wellness and dining experiences with contemporary design and art installations created for intimate coastal exploration.

“Emerald Kaia is a proud addition to our yacht fleet and a fitting highlight as we celebrate 40 Years of Innovation,” Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder of Scenic Group, said in a press release.

“Designed and delivered by our expert team at MKM Yachts, the superyacht delivers an experience that blends relaxed luxury, innovative design and immersive access to the world’s most remarkable coastlines,” Moroney said.

“It is especially meaningful to see her entrusted to two of our longest-serving team members as godparents,” he said.

                                            Emerald Kaia’s Godparents

As previously announced, Emerald Kaia’s godparents are Kim Scoular, Director of Operations, and Ray Gilbert, Senior Software Engineer. Their appointment reflects not only their individual contributions to the business but also the commitment and passion of the many people across Scenic Group who have helped shape the company over the past four decades.

Held at San Basilio, the ceremony delivered a rare and memorable Venice experience, with Emerald Cruises among the few operators able to bring guests directly into the city by yacht.

With Venice as the backdrop, guests sailing on the eight-day Adriatic Discovery: Venice, Istria & the Croatian Archipelago itinerary watched the ceremony from the yacht’s Observation Deck, perfectly positioned alongside the pier below.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as godparent to Emerald Kaia,” Kim Scoular said in a press release.

 “To me, this recognition is a tribute to the many committed people across Scenic Group whose passion, care and belief in continual innovation have helped build this company over 40 years,” Scoular said.

“Emerald Kaia represents the intimate, thoughtful and meaningful travel experience today’s guests are seeking, and I am proud to see her begin her journey,” she said.

Ray Gilbert added: “To stand here today as godparent to Emerald Kaia is one of the greatest privileges of my career.”

“She reflects not only the remarkable vision that has shaped Scenic Group, but also the dedication of the people behind it – those ashore and at sea who have brought that vision to life for guests around the world,” Gilbert said in a press release.

Building on the success of Emerald Cruises’ existing yachts, Emerald Kaia features a larger Observation Deck, Sun deck with private cabanas and indoor lounge, new spa and wellness facilities, elevated dining concepts, and suites and staterooms with larger floor plans.

Operating alongside Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, the super yacht is the first of three in its class, with Emerald Raiya set to launch in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028.

Strengthening Emerald Cruise’s offering of intimate, design-led journeys across the Mediterranean and key long-haul coastal regions. Following her inaugural Mediterranean season, Emerald Kaia will then cruise the Seychelles and Indian Ocean, expanding the yacht cruising collection into the world’s most sought-after warm-water destinations.

                                                     About Scenic Group

For 40 years, Scenic Group has set the benchmark for innovation in luxury travel, creating award-winning river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys.

Beginning in Australia in 1986, the company has grown into a global leader through its brands: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours and Mayflower Cruises & Tours.

Scenic Group is the only cruise company to design, build, crew and operate its own ships with the expertise of its in-house shipbuilding division. This fully integrated model ensures exceptional quality and a consistently elevated guest experience.

With a strong global footprint and high repeat guest rates, Scenic and Emerald Cruises are uniquely positioned to deliver seamless, end-to-end journeys across ocean and river cruises and land tours under each of the three brands.

                                               About Emerald Cruises & Tours

Emerald Cruises & Tours delivers relaxed luxury and authentic adventures, with the flexibility for guests to tailor their journey to their own pace and style.

The award-winning brand is in its most significant growth phase since it was established in 2014, expanding its fleet across both river and yacht cruising.

Recent milestones include the launch of luxury yacht Emerald Kaia in the Mediterranean and river ship Emerald Astra on Europe’s iconic waterways, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the region. This momentum continues with a new Emerald Star-Ship planned for Northern France, alongside two additional yachts, including Emerald Raiya launching in 2027 and Emerald Xara, set to sail in Asia and the Kimberley’s from 2028.

Photos courtesy of Emerald Cruises

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