Emerald Kaia Completes Sea Trials, Advances Toward 2026 Luxury Yacht Debut

Emerald Cruises & Tours has reached a significant milestone in the construction of Emerald Kaia following the successful completion of sea trials in Halong Bay, Vietnam. This development brings the next-generation super yacht closer to entering service and reflects Scenic Group's commitment to quality and innovation in luxury guest experiences. The yacht's first trials in open water confirmed performance, maneuverability, and overall seaworthiness, conducted from the group's shipyard in Halong Bay ahead of its inaugural Cyprus to the Acropolis sailing departing Limassol on April 4, 2026.

Designed for a relaxed luxury yacht experience, Emerald Kaia will welcome only up to 128 guests with purpose-built expansive lounges, terraces, and decks featuring Missoni decor and furnishings. New interconnecting suites provide added flexibility for families and groups, while generously sized staterooms and suites deliver contemporary comfort. Guests will enjoy an all-new Observation Sun Deck featuring an additional Spa Pool, sun loungers, and shaded areas—an inviting space to take in sweeping coastlines and unwind between ports.

The innovative indoor/outdoor gym featuring state-of-the-art wellness equipment is located adjacent to the marina platform, allowing guests to stay active with fresh sea air and then cool off with a refreshing swim directly from the platform. Emerald Kaia will also debut a new design for signature restaurant La Cucina, featuring a vibrant open kitchen that brings added energy and connection to the culinary experience, alongside the new Night Market Grill—an intimate private dining experience for just eight guests available at an additional cost.

"This milestone is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in the project," said James Griffiths, Scenic Group General Manager of Ocean Operations. "Operationally, this sea trial has delivered excellent results and allows us to proceed with the final phase of commissioning with confidence. We look forward to welcoming guests on board Emerald Kaia in April 2026." With sea trials now complete, the next milestones include final fittings, delivery, and the highly anticipated inaugural sailing. Emerald Kaia will join Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara in the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet, ahead of future sister yachts Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028.

The completion of sea trials matters because it represents a critical validation phase in yacht construction, ensuring safety and performance standards before passenger service. This advancement signals Scenic Group's continued expansion in the competitive luxury cruise market, offering new boutique superyacht itineraries in warm water destinations. The successful trials provide confidence in the yacht's operational readiness for its Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean, and Indian Ocean routes beginning in 2026. For travelers seeking intimate luxury experiences, Emerald Kaia's limited capacity and premium amenities represent an evolving trend toward smaller, more exclusive cruise options that prioritize personalized service and unique destinations over mass tourism. The yacht's design innovations, particularly the integrated wellness facilities and flexible accommodation options, reflect broader industry shifts toward health-conscious travel and multi-generational vacationing. As the luxury cruise sector continues to recover and expand post-pandemic, successful milestones like these demonstrate operational resilience and investment in high-end travel experiences that cater to discerning passengers willing to pay premium prices for exclusivity and quality.