VENICE, Italy – June 22, 2026: Emerald Cruises has christened Emerald Kaia at San Basilio in Venice, formally welcoming the 128-guest vessel as the third luxury yacht in its fleet.
The event took place while Emerald Kaia was operating the eight-day Adriatic Discovery: Venice, Istria & the Croatian Archipelago itinerary. Guests watched the ceremony from the yacht’s Observation Deck while she was positioned alongside the pier.
The christening coincided with Scenic Group’s 40th anniversary year and recognised two of the company’s longest-serving employees as joint godparents.
Long-serving employees named joint godparents
Kim Scoular, Director of Operations, and Ray Gilbert, Senior Software Engineer, served as Emerald Kaia’s godparents.
Emerald Cruises announced their appointments in February 2026, citing their long service and individual contributions to Scenic Group. Scoular has spent almost three decades with the company, beginning as a reservations agent before working as a Tour Director and later leading an operations team across the group’s river and yacht fleet.
Gilbert joined Scenic Group in 1998 and has contributed to the development of its information technology infrastructure and digital platforms.
“It is an incredible honour to serve as godparent to Emerald Kaia,” said Kim Scoular, Director of Operations, Scenic Group.
“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. Emerald Kaia represents the kind of intimate, thoughtful and meaningful travel experience today’s guests are seeking, and I am proud to see her begin her journey.”
Ray Gilbert, Senior Software Engineer, Scenic Group, 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.”
Traditional bottle break held at San Basilio
Scenic Group’s Director of Discovery Operations, Jason Flesher, carried out the ceremonial bottle break across Emerald Kaia’s bow, marking the yacht’s formal welcome into the Emerald Cruises fleet.
“Emerald Kaia is a proud addition to our yacht fleet and a fitting highlight as we celebrate 40 Years of Innovation,” said Glen Moroney, Chairman and Founder of Scenic Group.
“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. It is especially meaningful to see her entrusted to two of our longest-serving team members as godparents.”
Emerald Kaia adds new onboard spaces
Emerald Kaia accommodates a maximum of 128 guests and builds on the yacht design introduced through Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara.
The vessel includes a larger Observation Deck and an Observation Sun Deck with a spa pool. Her exterior areas also feature a Sun Deck with private cabanas and an indoor lounge.
Dining additions include a reworked La Cucina restaurant with an open kitchen and additional indoor and outdoor seating. Night Market Grill provides an Asian-style private dining experience for eight guests.
The yacht also has expanded wellness facilities, including an indoor and outdoor gym, a marina platform and new spa spaces. Suites and staterooms have larger floorplans, while selected accommodation can be connected for families or groups travelling together.
Third yacht joins growing Emerald fleet
Emerald Kaia entered service in April 2026 with an inaugural 11-day voyage from Limassol, Cyprus, to Athens, Greece.
She now operates alongside Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara while Emerald Raiya is scheduled to enter service in 2027, followed by Emerald Xara in 2028. The arrival of the two additional vessels will increase Emerald Cruises’ yacht fleet to five ships.
Following her inaugural Mediterranean season, Emerald Kaia is scheduled to sail in the Seychelles and Indian Ocean. The yacht’s published programme includes Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red Sea and Indian Ocean itineraries.
Source: Official source links from Emerald Cruises and Tours plus industry announcements on 22 June, 2026
