Emerald Celebrates the Keel Laying of Emerald Kaia
Emerald Cruises has recently marked a significant milestone in the construction of its latest superyacht, Emerald Kaia, with the keel-laying ceremony—an essential step in the shipbuilding process for what is set to be one of the most innovative vessels in the luxury cruise industry.
The ceremony took place during the week of December 27, 2024, at the MKM Yachts shipyard in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, symbolizing the official beginning of the construction of a ship poised to revolutionize the luxury cruise segment.
Emerald Kaia Keel laying
Emerald Kaia Keel laying
Emerald Kaia is the result of meticulous architectural planning, blending contemporary elegance, cutting-edge technology, and a strong commitment to sustainability. The ship’s design has been developed to meet the needs of an exclusive and increasingly demanding clientele, integrating innovative technological solutions, premium materials, and optimized resource management. With a capacity of 128 guests, Emerald Kaia represents a groundbreaking offering in the luxury cruise sector, designed to ensure the highest level of comfort and service quality onboard.
One of Emerald Kaia’s standout features is its cabin layout, with 88% of the rooms featuring spacious private verandas, providing panoramic sea views and allowing guests to enjoy a more immersive experience during their stay. This particular cabin design maximizes privacy, while the common areas are designed to be spacious and luxurious, ideal for hosting exclusive events, moments of relaxation, and high-end entertainment. Among the most notable innovations of Emerald Kaia is a wellness area expanded by 50% compared to other ships in the fleet, featuring a large spa and state-of-the-art facilities, including a swim platform for direct access to the ocean. Additionally, the yacht will be equipped with new water toys, such as an inflatable slide, adding an extra dimension of fun and entertainment onboard, further differentiating it from other luxury vessels.
Emerald Kaia Keel Laying
Emerald Kaia Keel Laying
Emerald Kaia is not just a symbol of luxury but also a milestone in Scenic Group’s expansion strategy, aiming to strengthen its presence in the high-end cruise market and further establish its reputation as a leader in sustainable cruising. The new vessel will join an already prestigious fleet, including Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, both highly regarded for their exclusivity and bespoke itineraries. Emerald Kaia stands out for its commitment to sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly solutions and advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact. This approach aligns with Scenic Group’s broader strategy of investing significant resources into developing increasingly eco-sustainable solutions, without compromising the onboard experience.
The superyacht Emerald Kaia aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable luxury cruising, offering customized itineraries covering some of the world’s most exclusive destinations. The Mediterranean, Adriatic, Aegean, and Seychelles will be among the locations accessible onboard Emerald Kaia—destinations that epitomize natural and cultural allure, reachable only by luxury ships of this caliber, ensuring unique experiences for every guest. The ability to access exclusive ports and explore off-the-beaten-path routes makes Emerald Kaia a privileged choice for discerning cruisers. The keel laying of Emerald Kaia is not only a significant milestone for the company but also a strategic opportunity for cruise industry partners, particularly travel consultants and tour operators. With bookings now open for Emerald Kaia’s inaugural season, starting in April 2026, travel agents have the chance to offer their clients an exclusive, tailor-made experience, designed to meet the needs of a select clientele increasingly interested in luxury travel. Reservations are already open for groups, charters, and individual travelers, marking a key opportunity for industry professionals to attract an affluent and sophisticated audience.
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Emerald Kaia’s exclusive itineraries, uncompromising luxury, and strong commitment to sustainability offer an additional selling point for travel professionals. Positioning themselves as a reference for highly personalized, environmentally conscious travel experiences allows industry operators to connect with an elite clientele seeking luxury cruises that respect the environment while delivering unique experiences.
Emerald Cruises is now entering a new phase of growth, solidifying its position in the luxury and sustainable cruise market, offering a portfolio that spans from ship design and construction to the creation of exclusive itineraries and the curation of highly personalized customer experiences. With the launch of Emerald Kaia, the company is setting new standards in luxury cruising—not only for the quality and elegance of its vessels but also for its innovative approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility, creating new business opportunities in the high-end cruise sector.
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