Emerald Cruises’ next-gen superyacht Emerald Kaia has officially launched, sailing from Cyprus on her inaugural journey at sea, while the all-new Astra Star-Ship completes river trials ahead of joining the fleet in May 2026.
Scenic Group, the parent company of Emerald Cruises, has marked a double milestone with the launch of Emerald Kaia, setting sail on her Mediterranean maiden voyage from Limassol on 4 April 2026, along with river trials for the Emerald Astra Star-Ship.
For Europe-bound Australian cruisers, Emerald Kaia is one of the few cruise ships to dock in the centre of Venice.
The 128-passenger superyacht represents the brand’s evolution, blending Emerald’s signature relaxed luxury with elevated design to deliver more space, including interconnecting suites, enhanced wellness areas and innovative dining concepts.
The luxury yacht features a reimagined Wellness Deck with salt therapy lounges, a plunge pool and a spacious spa alongside fitness and self-serve refreshment areas.
There are three onboard dining venues – the signature, open kitchen-style La Cucina restaurant, a new Soléa Bar & Bistro and the Asian-inspired Night Market Grill private experience for up to eight guests – as well as contemporary art throughout.
Emerald Kaia will cruise on eight and 15-day island-hopping itineraries between Venice and Dubrovnik during the Mediterranean 2026 and 2027 summer seasons, repositioning to sail the Seychelles from December 2026 to March 2027.
She will be joined by sister ships Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, expanding the ocean fleet to five.
Meanwhile, Emerald Astra will debut on European rivers in May 2026, sailing on the Rhine, Main and Danube and also sporting Emerald Cruises’ new design look.
An additional two river ships, Emerald Lumi on France’s Seine River and Emerald Nova in Portugal’s Douro Valley, will mark the next expansion phase in 2027.
Scenic Group Chair & Founder Glen Moroney said: “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.”
“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.”
