Scenic Group has unveiled plans for a new ship and a raft of updates to both its ocean and river cruise offering.
Emerald Cruises will add new ship Emerald Kaia to its fleet in April 2026, describing the vessel as a “next generation luxury ocean yacht”. Bookings go on general sale from April 22 with prices leading in at £4,656 per person.
The cabins and suites on the 128-passenger ship will be 10% larger than the line’s other two vessels, Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra, and will feature an “expanded sky deck, enhanced dining venues, reimagined gym, spa and wellness features”..
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The ship will also feature a spa, cabanas and water sport offerings.
“Emerald Kaia, with its significant design and amenity enhancements, marks a pivotal expansion for our fleet,” said Scenic Group chairman and founder Glen Moroney.
“It builds on the strengths of Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra, allowing us to offer unmatched superyacht experiences along the world’s most captivating coastlines.”
Scenic Group also unveiled plans to update 18 Scenic and Emerald Cruises river cruise ships, reflecting a “major investment and ongoing commitment to elevating [the] fleet”..
Inspired by its ocean ships, the river cruise vessels’ main decks will have modern furniture with new features and layouts in the lounges and dining spaces.
The update aims to “embody the ‘cherish the planet’ ethos”, and will “incorporate sustainable elements alongside exquisite design”, the line added.
“The design update of our river fleet integrates the elegance and innovative features of our ultra-luxury and luxury ocean yachts into our river cruise ships, elevating and enhancing the guest experience onboard,” said Karen Moroney, director of project design.
“It’s a testament to our dedication not just to luxury, but to leading the way in sustainable and thoughtful design within the industry.”
Sister ocean ships Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II will also receive “significant enhancements” as part of a “multimillion-dollar investment”.
Ahead of its Mediterranean season, Scenic Eclipse will undergo a drydock period in April where updates to its spa and outdoor dining venues will take place, as well as the addition of a Scenic Neptune II submersible and four Seabob underwater scooters.
Scenic and Emerald Cruises UK sales, strategy and partnership director Nick Hughes added: “The exciting launch of Emerald Kaia coincides with the tenth anniversary of Emerald Cruises.
“To commemorate this special milestone, Emerald Cruises is giving away 10 river fam trip places, for bookings made during April 2024.
“All agents making bookings during the anniversary month of April 2024 will automatically be entered into a prize draw. Trade partner winners will be revealed on 1st May 2024.”