Emerald Kaia Completes Sea Trials Ahead of April 2026 Debut
Emerald Cruises has completed sea trials for its next luxury yacht, Emerald Kaia, scheduled to enter service in April 2026. The trials were carried out in Halong Bay, Vietnam, and confirmed the yacht’s overall seaworthiness, according to Emerald.
Kaia’s inaugural voyage will be an 11-day sailing from Limassol, Cyprus, to Athens, departing on April 4.
During her first operating season, Emerald Kaia will sail in the Eastern Mediterranean, with itineraries covering Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, and the Adriatic region. Published schedules show the yacht operating Mediterranean and Adriatic sailings through spring, summer, and early autumn 2026.
Later in 2026, Kaia is scheduled to reposition into the Red Sea. From December 2026, published itineraries place the yacht in the Seychelles and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Emerald Kaia is 393 feet in length and measures 5,755 gross tons, according to vessel data. The yacht has seven decks and accommodates up to 128 passengers across 64 staterooms and suites. She will be supported by a crew of approximately 92 and operates at a service speed of around 22 knots.
Dining Onboard
Kaia will continue to feature the brand’s La Cucina as its main restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a redesigned space that includes a new open kitchen. The yacht will also offer the Night Market Grill, a new Asian-style private dining venue limited to eight passengers, providing a more intimate option alongside the main restaurant.
Rendered views of La Cucina aboard Emerald Kaia, showcasing the redesigned dining room with an open-kitchen concept. Credit Emerald Cruises.
In addition to its main dining venues, Kaia integrates more casual options into its outdoor spaces. These include the Aqua Pool & Café, where passengers can enjoy light refreshments.
Suites and Spaces
At the top end of the accommodation range, Emerald Kaia introduces expansive Owner’s Suites measuring 1,407 square feet. These suites feature large private terraces and include a dedicated spa pool. Emerald says the suites follow a residential-style design approach, with contemporary finishes and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.
Entry-level Balcony Suites and Oceanview Staterooms measure 340 square feet, which Emerald describes as “now even more spacious.” These staterooms are designed as private retreats, featuring contemporary styling alongside premium amenities such as Egyptian cotton linens, bathrobes and slippers, and ESPA bathroom toiletries.
Between these categories, Emerald Kaia also offers Terrace Suites at 830 square feet and Yacht Suites measuring 879 square feet, both including wraparound outdoor space. Select staterooms and suites can be booked with interconnecting doors, allowing families and groups to create larger shared living areas while maintaining privacy.
Outdoor Spaces
Kaia will also debut new indoor and outdoor lounges, open decks, and terraces designed for relaxed, scenic sailing. Outdoor areas include an Observation Sun Deck with an additional spa pool, shaded seating, and panoramic views.
An indoor-outdoor gym is positioned beside the marina platform, allowing passengers to move directly from workouts into the sea.
Emerald Kaia is being built at a Vietnam-based shipyard in Halong Bay. The same shipyard previously constructed Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, Emerald’s first two luxury yachts. Additional yacht deliveries are planned for 2027 and 2028.
