By
Alex Smith |
Emerald Cruises is to launch two new superyachts and its first ship for the River Seine in a multi-ship expansion of its fleet in 2027.
“This is a transformational moment for Emerald Cruises,” said Glen Moroney, chairman and founder of Emerald’s parent company Scenic Group. “From our first yachts to today’s growing fleet, our vision remains clear: to deliver curated experiences in some of the world’s most captivating destinations – both by ocean and river.”
The two superyachts, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara, will feature the same design style as their sister ships Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra, which are set to launch in April 2026. Each will welcome up to 128 guests in all-suite accommodations and also have a Sky Deck with private cabanas and a swim-up marina platform providing access to the sea.
Other features will include an open-air fitness area, the Elements Spa, dining venues serving regionally inspired cuisine, and a collection of water toys such as paddleboards and SeaBobs.
Emerald Raiya will debut in the Seychelles in winter 2026-2027, then sail the Eastern Mediterranean in summer 2027, before returning to the Seychelles in winter 2027-2028. Emerald Xara, meanwhile, will launch in the Mediterranean in summer 2027, then head to the Caribbean in winter 2027-2028.
“These new sailings allow us to expand the guest experience into more warm-weather seasons, offering even more ways to enjoy our incomparable superyacht product, from the Seychelles to the Caribbean,” said Ken Muskat, president of Scenic Group for USA and Latin America. “It’s a powerful extension of our boutique superyacht portfolio. We look forward to sharing the full itinerary and booking details for our new yachts in June 2025.”
Emerald Lumi will sail round-trip from Paris
Emerald’s new river ship, meanwhile, will be named Emerald Lumi. The ship is designed specifically for the River Seine in France and will feature contemporary interiors, suites and onboard amenities. It will visit ports such as Honfleur and Rouen during roundtrip sailings from Paris, including overnight and extended stays. French-inspired cuisine and wine pairings will be available onboard, along with locally curated excursions. Onboard programming will feature art, culture and storytelling from the region.
“The Seine is a natural evolution for Emerald Cruises,” said Moroney. “It’s a river rich in romance, history and culinary heritage – everything our guests love. We’re excited to bring our distinctive Emerald Cruises experience to France with this beautifully designed ship.”