Emerald Cruises Expands Boutique Yacht Fleet With Two New Mediterranean Ships

Emerald Cruises is preparing to expand its luxury boutique yacht fleet with the debut of two new ships, Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya, marking an ambitious chapter for the Scenic Group-owned company. The highly anticipated maiden voyage of Emerald Kaia is scheduled for April 4, 2026, with a seven-night itinerary that starts in Limassol, Cyprus, and concludes in Athens, Greece.

Emerald Kaia: A Boutique Yacht Launching in 2026

Emerald Kaia’s inaugural cruise is timed to coincide with both Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox Easter, providing guests with a unique opportunity to experience vibrant local traditions alongside visits to historic destinations in the Aegean Sea. Key highlights include a private concert in Ephesus, tours of the Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos, guided explorations of the UNESCO-listed island of Delos, and visits to Bodrum’s Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Designed to accommodate just 128 guests, Emerald Kaia boasts innovative onboard features that blend comfort and luxury. Among its offerings is an Observation Sun Deck complete with a spa pool, a Night Market dining concept, expanded suites across various categories, and wellness-focused amenities such as an indoor-outdoor gym, a salt therapy lounge, and a cold plunge pool.

Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group, emphasized that the ship’s debut reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability within the luxury cruising industry. As a part of the Emerald Yacht Cruises collection, Emerald Kaia aims to deliver exclusive access to stunning coastal destinations in Greece and Turkey while providing an intimate and refined travel experience.

Emerald Raiya: Continuing the Fleet Expansion

The fleet’s growth will continue with the addition of Emerald Raiya, slated for its first voyage on June 19, 2027. Construction officially began on August 20, 2025, marked by the ceremonial first steel cutting at MKM Yachts shipyard in Vietnam. According to Moroney, the milestone reflects the dedication and collaboration with the company’s shipbuilding partners.

Emerald Raiya will introduce guests to its signature boutique-yacht style during its inaugural cruise, entitled "Greek Islands & Turkish Coastlines." The vessel promises a blend of cultural excursions and luxury experiences, with spacious designs, wellness-oriented amenities, including salt therapy lounges and gym facilities, and open public spaces to enhance leisurely travel.

Emerald Cruises’ Boutique Fleet Strategy

The addition of Emerald Kaia forms part of Emerald Cruises’ broader strategy to expand its boutique luxury yacht fleet, which already includes Emerald Azzurra, launched in 2022, and Emerald Sakara, inaugurated in 2023. With Emerald Raiya set for 2027 and Emerald Xara expected in 2028, the company is on track to operate five sophisticated yachts by 2028.

To complement the fleet expansion, Emerald Cruises has opened bookings for departures through April 2028, including reservations for the inaugural voyages of Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya, underscoring its dedication to redefining small-ship cruising with a focus on exclusive experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Emerald Kaia begin its inaugural season?

The maiden voyage of Emerald Kaia is scheduled for April 4, 2026, with a seven-night itinerary spanning Limassol, Cyprus, and Athens, Greece.

Why is the inaugural voyage around Easter?

The April 4, 2026 debut is timed to align with Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations, offering passengers rare access to local traditions and cultural festivities in Greece and Turkey.

What destinations are featured on Emerald Kaia’s first sailing?

The itinerary includes stops at cultural and historical sites, such as Ephesus, the Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos, the UNESCO-listed island of Delos, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum.

What amenities does Emerald Kaia offer?

Emerald Kaia features an Observation Sun Deck with a spa pool, a Night Market dining experience, upgraded suites, wellness facilities like a salt therapy lounge, a cold plunge pool, and an indoor-outdoor fitness area.

When will Emerald Raiya debut?

Emerald Raiya is scheduled for her inaugural journey on June 19, 2027, with an itinerary designed around the Greek Islands and Turkish coastlines.

With the upcoming debut of Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya, Emerald Cruises continues to build on its legacy of boutique luxury yacht experiences, further enhancing small-ship travel offerings in the Mediterranean and beyond.