The keel of UK/Australia tour operator the Scenic Group's newest luxury yacht was recently laid at the Ha Long facilities of MKM Yachts in Vietnam.
Scheduled to enter service in early 2026, Emerald Kaia will sail on itineraries in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, to the Seychelles. It will be operated by Emerald Cruises, Scenic's Switzerland-based subsidiary.
The 120-metre ship will be an enlarged sister of the 110-metre Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, which were handed over to Emerald Cruises in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The greater dimensions mean the newbuilding will have more spacious onboard areas, an expanded open-air deck, and an upgraded indoor/outdoor lounge, as well as a capacity of 128 passengers compared to only 100 on each of the earlier vessels.
Onboard facilities will include guest suites in four categories, a bow sun deck, a bar, a marina, an open-air gym, a spa, a pool/cafe, and a selection of dining areas.