Emerald Cruises’ younger fleet of luxurious superyachts is poised to take issues to the subsequent degree with Emerald Kaia. The glossy 393-foot yacht will enter service in 2026 with a capability of 128 company served by 92 crew members. It will likely be a bit larger than its predecessors, the Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara. The yacht is sufficiently small to go to thrilling areas that may’t accommodate bigger vessels. The all-inclusive pricing makes cruising with Emerald very reasonably priced.
Way of life Group Editor-in-Chief Kevin Gale acquired the lowdown in regards to the ship from Ken Muskat, Managing Director Scenic Group USA | Scenic Luxurious Cruises & Excursions | Emerald Cruises, who works along with his group in Hollywood.
The Emerald Kaia ship is already producing a buzz, so it’s not too quickly to consider reserving journeys for its inaugural season earlier than costs enhance.
Emerald’s success with current ships has been attracting youthful, working-age cruisers past the stereotype of retired vacationers, Muskat says. They need to be lively, get social and benefit from the distinctive locations and experiences that Emerald affords.
“We all saw what happened during COVID and nobody wants to be locked away again and told that they can’t go somewhere,” Muskat says. “So, people are taking advantage of these opportunities now to get out there.”
Here’s a transcript of the interview with Muskat, which has been edited for readability and brevity.
You actually appear to be aiming for the very best expertise in cruising.
We’re very, very excited in regards to the launch of Kaia as a result of she joins her two sister ships, Azzurra and Sakara, in what we consider is actually a category of their very own. There’s actually nothing else on the market prefer it for the buyer to have the ability to ebook that’s extremely luxurious. On this case, 128 company and the guest-to-crew ratio is sort of one-to-one, with 92 crew.
However most significantly, some other small ships are usually older ships, whereas ours are model new. They began popping out in 2022 and 2023 and Kaia debuts in 2026. So, that brings this subsequent era of extremely luxurious ships to a complete ‘nother degree.
We’re additionally very enthusiastic about the truth that we’ve made numerous enhancements to her versus her sister ships.
We’ve made a 50 % dimension growth on the wellness space and the spa space in the principle deck. We’ve elevated the ceiling top as much as 10 ft. So, lots of people assume a few of these smaller luxurious ships really feel small when, in actuality, the wonder in regards to the Emerald superyachts is that they actually really feel massive if you’re inside — excessive ceilings, all home windows, massive open suites, massive open lounge areas. You actually really feel such as you get the advantages of a ravishing massive cruise ship in a really small, ultra-luxury superyacht that just about feels prefer it’s utterly personal, all for your self. We made numerous different enhancements, together with the culinary facets. In fact, the good thing about these ships is that they get to go to distinctive ports that bigger ships can’t go to, which actually brings you the exclusivity and the distinctiveness of them. We don’t actually consider there may be competitors on this space.
The chairman and founding father of Scenic, Glen Moroney, says that the Kaia builds on the power of the Sakara and the Azzurra. Speak about that evolution.
We’re at all times listening to visitor suggestions. Within the cruise business, you construct one ship and you then be taught what issues you could possibly do higher or enhance upon. We actually pushed the design parts because it pertains to making the most of all areas onboard the ship. This ship is slightly bit longer, slightly bit wider, and it permits us to do some distinctive issues. We deliver extra space to lodging, 50 % bigger well being, wellness and spa areas, distinctive options just like the expanded Sky Deck and the modern Marina Deck. The commentary Solar Deck is totally unimaginable and there are some new culinary experiences, together with the New Night time Market Grill, which the opposite ships don’t have.
I like how The Sky Deck and the Sky Lounge meld the skin and the within.
It is a central focus for daytime and nighttime exercise. Numerous it through the daytime is simply round relaxation and leisure and having fun with the surroundings, having fun with the ocean; at nighttime, it turns into a significant leisure hub the place you could possibly watch the sundown and have drinks and benefit from the leisure. One of many issues that we’re actually enthusiastic about is the combination of the indoor and out of doors. We like individuals to nonetheless really feel very linked with the ocean once they’re outdoors. You might be on a superyacht crusing in among the most unusual lovely areas on the earth. To have this potential to be inside and have the posh lounge expertise and the bar expertise, simply step a couple of steps away and have this outdoors space with the lounge chairs and the Jacuzzi space and the leisure that we have now up there actually brings that connection to the ocean. It permits us to work in all-weather environments and permits us to supply the posh expertise inside after which extra of an off-the-cuff and lounge-y and ocean expertise on the skin. It’s the very best of each worlds.
I did some analysis on the which means of Kaia and located it had the which means of pure life, within the sea. How was the title chosen?
The title of the ship often comes from our proprietor, Glen, and his spouse, Karen. It means precisely that: pure life, the ocean. It’s additionally strolling away with extraordinary recollections that we offer. It’s a true once-in-a-lifetime expertise. It’s a pure expertise. You’re linked with the ocean and also you’re going to stroll away with recollections which might be like nothing you’ve ever had earlier than.
Discuss in regards to the all-inclusive facet of the Kaia.
We embody the whole lot from airport transfers, breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. The Night time Market Grill is slightly bit additional for a nominal price as a result of it solely holds eight individuals, however it’s an unimaginable various. The drink packages are new for us to be all inclusive. Drinks embody a number of wine, beer, cocktails, glowing wine, gentle drinks, juices and the mini bar. We even have state-of-the-art espresso machines and tea stations across the ship. As a result of we’re centered on sustainability, we’ve acquired our thermos that we offer in each suite you could refill with water, in lieu of plastic and single-use bottles
We additionally embody the excursions with very educated guides, complimentary high-speed WiFi by way of Starlink, gratuities and the Go Cycle electrical bikes on board. So, not included are spa remedies or if you wish to actually improve to a considerably costly wine or alcohol. We like the power for individuals to return on board and never have to consider something and never must put down their card each time they need to get a drink.
What kind of pampering can your company count on?
For lots of people, pampering means simply go away me alone in my cabana up on the highest deck, let me really feel like that is my very own luxurious superyacht and convey me a drink each quarter-hour. For different individuals, it’s throughout the precise facilities on board. The pampering additionally simply comes from the excellent service our crew offers. There’s crew all over the place taking good care of you to the extent that you just need to be taken care of.
We’ve stateroom attendants for the entire suites that everyone can simply get in contact with to get something performed. We’ve a concierge in the principle lounge space who can care for something for you. We even have nice interactive TV on board within the suites. With solely 128 company, there’s by no means a line, by no means a time that you just’re on maintain on the cellphone. It’s tremendous personable and tremendous straightforward to get no matter you want.
What’s behind making the wellness area 50 % larger?
We all know individuals wish to indulge on our cruises and chill out and benefit from the culinary expertise and the beverage expertise and all of the locations we go to, however we additionally know that they need to have that steadiness with wellness. So, it’s necessary for us to construct amenities that may give them that steadiness. Our spa could have a KLAFS Infrared Sauna, in addition to bigger spa remedy rooms for the gymnasium. We’ve redesigned all the appear and feel of the gymnasium. We’re going to supply this potential to attach with the outside with a brand new indoor/out of doors exercise area. When the ship isn’t in movement, the watertight door will open to create an open platform that means that you can go on the platform and do yoga or Pilates or stretching. If you’re performed with that, you’ll be able to simply simply bounce proper within the water. We additionally took the spa and gymnasium space and linked it with the brand new indoor lounge of the marina and the out of doors marina. It’s actually a fantastic, nice setup.
The state room sizes appear to be larger as nicely.
The great factor about this ship is she is barely bigger than her sister ships, which permits us extra space to play with. The suites are a couple of 10 % bigger ground plan than what we have now on among the different ships. This actually permits additional consolation in each the bed room, the bogs and extra facilities. The bottom price balcony suites are 332 sq. ft, which is a really good dimension. The proprietor suite encompasses a Jacuzzi and measures as much as 1,200 sq. ft. We’ve acquired numerous completely different classes in between. As a result of our ships are model new versus the competitors on this dimension, this permits us to say we have now among the largest suites at sea.
What’s going to the eating space designs and delicacies be like?
La Cucina and the Night time Market Grill supply distinctive eating experiences that concentrate on high-end regional delicacies. La Cucina, which is the principle space, could have an open galley design. Our company like to see the cooks cooking. The Night time Market, which is kind of connected to La Cucina, is an eight- individual venue. It would present an Asian-inspired eating expertise showcasing recent and unique flavors. Each venues are designed to foster a way of neighborhood and delight with the senses.
You do construct a fantastic sense of neighborhood with everyone on board. You’ll actually benefit from the culinary expertise with completely different menus each evening, completely different experiences. We even have the alfresco mild refreshments up the place the pool is, obtainable breakfast, lunch and dinner
How do reservations work on the restaurant?
We’ve acquired open eating instances and you may are available in everytime you need. We do suggest reservations, particularly for bigger teams simply to ensure that we are able to get you in on the applicable time. The Night time Market Grill does require reservations, which will be coordinated onboard.
What’s the gown expectation?
Very snug. We’ve individuals who gown in a kind of nation membership, snug apparel day and evening, whereas some individuals select to get slightly bit extra dressed up, however we’re certainly not formal.
What areas of the ship are designed for leisure and having cocktails?
There’s all these little nooks and crannies the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a drink and be completely relaxed, however among the larger areas are the Sky Bar and Spa Pool on the Sky Deck. These are nice for having fun with the daytime expertise and the sundown and the cabanas that we have now up there with a cocktail. We even have the Marina Lounge and the Commentary Solar Deck. The Commentary Solar Deck on this ship notably is a complete new idea and is basically going to be a fantastic out of doors lounge area space day and evening, particularly if you’re seeing the solar go down, for drinks and lounging round and having fun with your fellow company. We even have the indoor predominant foyer lounge the place we’ve acquired a ravishing bar and we do a whole lot of nighttime leisure there, actions and video games. That’s the place you’ll often discover a guitar participant or anyone who could also be singing and offering some leisure. We additionally do this up on the Skybar and Sky Pool.
The marina actually looks as if it connects company to the water. The slide appears to be like such as you simply plunge proper into the ocean.
The marina is an space you could go to at any time when the ship is anchored out at sea — that’s when all of the water sports activities can be found. We did add this slide, in order that’s a type of enhancements that company have been asking for and we wished to offer this unimaginable slide that goes from deck three all the best way proper into the water. However we even have numerous different water toys together with NautiBoys inflatable platforms, trampoline floats, Seabobs, paddleboards and kayaks. Seabobs are tremendous adventurous, battery-operated and you may dive down into the water and pop again up and go as quick as you need to go.
Numerous the massive ships have to enter massive ports that will not have the very best water high quality. Sounds just like the Marina expertise affords not solely nice views, however nice water high quality.
Completely, 100%. You’re going to locations like St. Bart’s and Jost Van Dyke [an island in the British Virgin Islands] and a few distinctive ports in Puerto Rico that most individuals have by no means heard of. The water is unbelievably clear and delightful. Kaia goes to the Seychelles, so you’ll be able to solely think about what the water’s like there. So, the power to make use of these water sports activities and these locations which might be very a lot untouched, that massive ships can’t get to, is a complete different facet of the wonder. You go on the market in a kayak, sit there for a second, have a look at the ship and the environment and it’s simply breathtaking.
Inform us in regards to the solar deck.
The brand new commentary solar deck on the bow is fantastically designed. It is a area that we took full benefit of that we hadn’t taken full benefit of on the earlier ships. Due to the best way the ship is constructed, it supplied a complete new area for us to have lounge chairs. We’ll have umbrellas when the ship’s not transferring to guard from the solar, tables, chairs and a leisure space. It’s nice for teams to get collectively. It’s nice for cocktail events, nice to simply hang around and skim a ebook. It’s tremendous tranquil and stress-free. These ships do actually, rather well with teams, households and a few bigger events. The sorts of furnishings that we’re going to be utilizing is simply excessive snug and stress-free with the very best views you’re going to see wherever.
Do you have got a differentiation in your land excursions?
They’re all very distinctive and immersive. We’ve Emerald Plus and Emerald Energetic applications and you may get pleasure from actions that go off the overwhelmed path, resembling guided hikes, bike rides and cultural experiences. They’re all led by very educated native guides who present superb insights on the vacation spot, the historical past of the vacation spot and what you’re seeing, so that you’ve acquired a satisfying, enriching expertise. You’ve acquired the power to go off by yourself in order for you, and also you even have the power to do some very unimaginable shore excursions that educate you fairly a bit about the place you might be. These will be as lively or as passive as you need them to be.
What are among the preliminary locations?
She’s going to start her superyacht expertise within the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. 2026/2027 sailings embody Greece, Italy, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Seychelles. We’ve additionally added new itinerary choices, together with a brand new seven-night spherical journey to Venice, a seven-night to Istanbul and an Istanbul to Paros [an Agean Sea island] choice and new voyages crusing to Malta.
What kind of suggestions and buzz are you getting, together with bookings?
We introduced this a couple of months in the past and instantly the response from our journey agent companions was extremely robust. They’re very acquainted with the Emerald Cruises model and find it irresistible. They have been tremendous excited to see Kaia and now take it to the subsequent degree. Our company which have sailed with us on Emerald cruises, particularly those who have sailed on Azzurra and Sakara, gave us wonderful suggestions and instantly began reserving. So, the demand has been thrilling and robust.
Are you able to give our readers an thought of what it prices to sail the Kaia and are there some specials?
Pricing at all times fluctuates based mostly on time of yr, vacation spot and provide and demand. Pricing for the eight-day Tropical Charms of the Seychelles itinerary is starting at $5,055 per individual and from $8,400 for the 13-day itinerary within the Seychelles.
We do supply usually two-for-one fares plus as much as $3,000 in flex credit score, which suggests $3,000 that you need to use both in direction of a reduction off the cruise value or you’ll be able to put that in direction of air to get all-inclusive air.
Now’s the very best time to ebook as a result of the farther out you ebook, the higher. Costs might be going up. I extremely encourage company to speak to their journey advisor or get onto our web sites to see the most recent promotions, which we could have for Black Friday and Cyber Week.
Go to emeraldcruises.com, join the e-newsletter and also you’ll get any of our affords, any of our promotions, all of our emails with the most recent and biggest data.
Are all of your cabins double occupancy or do you have got singles?
They’re all double occupancy. We do have promotions that permit for singles to return with out having to pay 200 %. In additional instances you could pay 145 % or 150 % so that you get a reduction.
