Emerald Cruises has achieved a major milestone with the successful completion of sea trials for Emerald Kaia, the line’s new next-generation luxury superyacht. Conducted from Scenic Group’s shipyard in Halong Bay, Vietnam, the trials confirmed the vessel’s performance, manoeuvrability and seaworthiness, clearing the way for her inaugural “Cyprus to the Acropolis” voyage departing Limassol on 4 April 2026.
Emerald Kaia: Relaxed Luxury for Just 128 Guests
Purpose-built to deliver a relaxed yacht experience rather than a traditional cruise feel, Emerald Kaia will host up to 128 guests in an atmosphere defined by space, light and contemporary design. Expansive lounges, terraces and open decks give the superyacht a resort-like feel, while interiors are elevated by distinctive Missoni décor and furnishings.
Staterooms and suites have been designed with generous proportions and modern comforts, including new interconnecting suite options that offer added flexibility for families and small groups travelling together. Across all categories, the emphasis is on refined, residential-style luxury that matches the intimacy of small-ship cruising with the polish of a high-end hotel.
Observation Sun Deck and Indoor/Outdoor Gym
Among the most notable features is the all-new Observation Sun Deck, positioned to maximise panoramic coastal views. This area includes an additional Spa Pool, sun loungers and shaded retreat zones, creating an inviting space to soak up the scenery, relax between ports and toast sunset at sea.
Wellness has been further reimagined with an innovative indoor/outdoor gym located beside the marina platform, equipped with state-of-the-art fitness gear. Guests can work out in the fresh sea air and then cool off with a swim directly from the platform, blending active pursuits with easy access to the water in classic superyacht style.
New Culinary Experiences: La Cucina and Night Market Grill
Emerald Kaia also debuts a refreshed design for Emerald Cruises’ signature restaurant, La Cucina. The venue now features a vibrant open kitchen, bringing more energy and theatre to the dining experience and heightening the connection between guests and the culinary team.
Complementing this is the new Night Market Grill, an intimate private dining concept for just eight guests that evokes the feel of a chef’s table with a yacht-club twist. Together, these venues signal a stronger focus on immersive, small-scale gastronomy that aligns with Emerald Kaia’s boutique luxury positioning.
Fleet Expansion and Future Itineraries
With sea trials complete, Emerald Kaia now enters the final commissioning phase, including interior fit-out and delivery preparations ahead of her April 2026 debut. She will join sister yachts Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara in the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet, with Emerald Raiya due in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028 to further expand capacity in the small-ship luxury space.
Emerald Cruises reports strong demand for its luxury yacht collection and sees Emerald Kaia as essential added capacity for Mediterranean and warm-water itineraries. Following her inaugural Mediterranean season from April 2026, the superyacht will reposition to the Seychelles for her first season there from December 2026, offering guests new ways to experience yacht cruising in some of the world’s most coveted coastal regions.
