By
Alex Smith |
Scenic Group has announced a series of updates and expansions across its two brands at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, including the addition of a new luxury ocean yacht to Emerald Cruises’ fleet and refurbishments for 18 Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises river cruise ships.
Emerald Kaia will be the latest ship to join Emerald Cruises fleet of yachts, following Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara. The ship will accommodate 128 guests and feature and expanded Sky deck that incorporates a new internal Sky Lounge All cabins and suites will have a 10 per cent larger floor plan than their equivalents onboard Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra.
The ship’s marina has been redesigned to include an interior lounge and access to swim to the marina from an open-air gym, as well as offering additional water sports. The Elements Spa has also been expanded.
Emerald Kaia will set sail in April 2026.
"Emerald Kaia, with its significant design and amenity enhancements, marks a pivotal expansion for our fleet,” said Glen Moroney, chairman and founder of Scenic Group.” 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 Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises’ river cruise ships will be updated to align with the design of the two brands’ ocean fleet
Scenic Group also revealed a design update to 18 Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises river cruise ships across Central Europe and France. A redesign of the ships’ main deck will introduce new layouts, furniture and day-to-night features to its lounge and speciality dining venues.
The refurbishment is intended to align the river cruise ships with the design of Scenic Luxury Cruises’ discovery yachts and Emerald Cruises’ luxury yachts. Scenic Group has also partnered with designers including Missoni and Freifrau to incorporate sustainable elements within the design.
"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 at Scenic Group. "It's a testament to our dedication not just to luxury, but to leading the way in sustainable and thoughtful design within the industry."
Scenic Group/Nacho Gutierrez
New features will be introduced onboard both Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II
Scenic Luxury Cruises’ discovery yachts are also set to receive a range of updates in 2024. Scenic Eclipse will enter dry dock in April ahead of its Mediterranean season for a refurbishment that will introduce a number of features from Scenic Eclipse II, including the Senses Spa, updated outdoor dining venues and the Discovery Team space for onboard experts.
Finally, a Scenic Neptune II submersible and four Seabob’s will be added to Scenic Eclips II, allowing guests to explore the coral reefs during the ship’s first season in the South Pacific, Australia and East Antarctica.
"Our collaboration with Triton Submarines on the custom design of our new submersible reflects our commitment to continuous innovation and leading the way in ultra-luxury yacht cruising," said Jason Flesher, director of Discovery Operations for Scenic Group. "The clarity of the acrylic hull once submerged is such that you feel at one with the water. Encountering the vibrant marine life of the South Pacific and Australia's Great Barrier Reef within Scenic Neptune II will create memories to last a lifetime.”