• Emerald Kaia will spend its maiden season in the Mediterranean before repositioning to the Caribbean.
• Its new Wellness Deck features salt therapy lounges and a cold plunge pool.
• Emerald Cruises also celebrated the recent successful river trials of Emerald Astra, the new Emerald Star-Ship.

The latest jewel in Emerald Cruises’ fleet, Emerald Kaia, has embarked on its maiden voyage, after setting sail from Limassol, Cyprus, on April 4, 2026.

Emerald Kaia is the third superyacht from Emerald Cruises and boasts more space, a new design of its wellness centre, and innovative dining experiences for the 128-guests.

Other features include new interconnecting suites, introduced to provide families and groups more flexibility, new fitness spaces, a cold plunge pool, and a collection of contemporary art and installations from designers such as Tom Dixon, Missoni, Freifrau, Paola Lenti, and Kettal.

The Wellness Deck offers “a holistic approach to relaxation” and features state-of-the-art KLAFS salt therapy lounges, which promise to leave users “the feeling of spending a day by the sea” and are said to cleanse the respiratory system, improve skin health and enhance the immune function.

Emerald Cruises also announced that Emerald Astra had successfully completed river trials ahead of joining the fleet next month. An additional two river ships, Emerald Lumi on France’s Seine River and Emerald Nova in
Portugal’s Douro Valley, will mark the next phase of the brand’s continued river expansion in 2027.

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

“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, added: “Seeing [Emerald Kaia] 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. The itineraries will open up the cruise line to the booming American market and lucrative millionaire-style private events and parties.