Emerald Kaia Departs Vietnam for Venice Christening

Emerald Kaia is officially on her way. Emerald Cruises confirmed that its newest luxury yacht departed Halong Bay, Vietnam, on February 13, 2026, toward the Mediterranean for an April debut. The 128-passenger vessel is scheduled to be christened in Venice on June 17.

As the yacht makes her way west, the line also announced its chosen godparents. Kim Scoular, Director of Operations, and Ray Gilbert, Senior Software Engineer, will serve as Emerald Kaia’s godparents.

Emerald Kaia departs Halong Bay, Vietnam, on February 13, 2026, to the Mediterranean. Image courtesy of Emerald Cruises. — *Emerald Kaia* departs Halong Bay, Vietnam, on February 13, 2026, for the Mediterranean. Image courtesy of Emerald Cruises.

Honoring Decades of Service

Scoular and Gilbert take on the ceremonial role as parent company Scenic Group marks 40 years of innovation in 2026. Both have spent nearly three decades with the company.

Kim Scoular (right), Director of Operations, and Ray Gilbert, Senior Software Engineer at Scenic Group, will serve as godparents of Emerald Kaia. Image courtesy of Emerald Cruises. — Kim Scoular (right), Director of Operations, and Ray Gilbert, Senior Software Engineer at Scenic Group, will serve as godparents of *Emerald Kaia*. Image courtesy of Emerald Cruises.

Scoular began her career as a reservations agent. She then directed tours and later led operations across the river and yacht fleet. Gilbert joined Scenic Group in 1998 and is credited for shaping the company’s IT infrastructure and digital platforms.

In maritime tradition, a godparent plays a ceremonial role during a christening, delivering remarks and breaking a bottle at the bow to formally name the craft and wish her safe voyages. While largely symbolic, the ritual carries deep nautical roots and is intended to bestow good fortune on all who sail aboard.

Boutique Scale, Big Impact

Designed for 128 passengers, Emerald Kaia continues what Emerald describes as its boutique yacht approach. The company says the smaller capacity is intended to create a more intimate onboard atmosphere while maintaining generous public spaces.

Onboard features include a new Observation Sun Deck with a spa pool, expanded indoor and outdoor dining venues.The Night Market Grill will be a private dining experience for eight passengers. Wellness amenities include an indoor-outdoor gym and a diving platform designed to provide direct sea access in select destinations.

Mediterranean Debut and Beyond

Emerald Kaia will launch her inaugural Mediterranean season with an 11-day sailing from Cyprus to Greece on April 4. The inaugural season will highlight Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic itineraries, with port calls across Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Italy.

From December 2026, the yacht will then reposition via the Red Sea and Suez Canal before sailing in the Seychelles and Indian Ocean. Emerald says select itineraries will allow passengers to combine their cruise with an East Africa safari program.

As CruiseNews previously reported, Emerald Kaia recently completed sea trials in January. The yacht measures approximately 393 feet (120 meters) in length and 5,755 gross tons. She features seven decks and accommodates up to 128 passengers across 64 staterooms and suites, supported by a crew of around 92.

Emerald Kaia pictured at Halong Shipbuilding Company in Halong Bay, Vietnam, during her launch into water in November 2025. Credit: Emerald Cruises. — *Emerald Kaia* pictured at Halong Shipbuilding Company in Halong Bay, Vietnam, during her launch into water in November 2025. Credit: Emerald Cruises.

Emerald Kaia is the first of three next-generation yachts set to join the fleet. She will be followed by Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, bringing the Emerald yacht fleet to five vessels.