Emerald Cruises
Redefining Luxury
Travel by River & by Sea
Emerald Cruises & Tours delivers elevated luxury and unforgettable cultural discoveries
By Anna Hobbs
As we slipped out of the port of Limassol, Cyprus this past April, en route to Athens, Greece, my dream to one day sail among the Mediterranean islands finally came to life. What I never imagined, though, was that this dream would unfold aboard a luxurious, state-of-the-art superyacht—an unexpected and delightful twist on a journey I had pictured for years.
Enter Emerald Kaia, a sea-worthy Emerald Yacht Cruises gem, designed for only 128 guests and 92 crew members, felt more like an exclusive private yacht than a super-sized floating resort. Magnificent yet unpretentious, the ambiance created a relaxed atmosphere where it was easy to get to know fellow travellers—mainly Canadians, Australians and Americans.
Life on Board
The sleek, modern décor is, at the same time, warm and inviting. Clean lines and a palette of subtle neutral colours brightened with sparkling chrome and glass become cozy with imported Missoni furnishings. Our Deck Four balcony suite included everything we needed, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opened to a two-person balcony —the perfect nook to savour the passing scenery. For families or groups, connecting suites and staterooms have huge appeal as well.
A new design for Emerald Yacht Cruises’ signature restaurant, La Cucina, brings a vibrant, open kitchen concept. Open seating gave us an opportunity to meet and get to know fellow travellers. Thanks to Emerald Kaia’s intimate size, we never experienced a line-up at the buffet for breakfast or lunch, or at embarkation and disembarkation.
Guests were able to enjoy an exceptional array of inclusions: all meals, guided excursions, daily beverages (wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks served throughout the day), tips and gratuities, and airport transfers. Active travellers took advantage of e-bikes and EmeraldActive excursions, including hiking and biking tours, while the Sky Deck’s Aqua Pool and Vitality Pool offered a place to unwind. The marina platform rounded out the experience with kayaks, paddleboards, seabobs, and snorkel gear, all included. And for total relaxation and rejuvenation, the spa offered an array of luxurious treatments and therapies.
Connection at Sea
Before choosing this cruise, we learned Emerald Kaia would be christened in Venice, in June—not by a predictable celebrity, but by two of the company’s longest-serving employees. The choice spoke volumes to us about the value the company places on its “family.” That friendly, family feeling carried over to the superb, caring crew who pampered us for 11 days.
As we approached Athens at the end of our journey, I found myself reflecting on far more than this just being another cruise. Emerald Kaia had carried us to remarkable places, but it was the warmth of the crew, the friendships formed on board and the privilege of experiencing the Mediterranean at an unhurried pace that made this voyage truly unforgettable.
River Cruising: The Sensations of the Seine and Normandy
In 2014, Emerald River Cruises (known then as Emerald Waterways) began sailing the rivers of Europe. When I sailed the Danube on Emerald Sky in 2016, it was a hidden gem. But the Danube’s secret is out, thanks to the company’s commitment to quality, innovation and unique guest experiences, as well as the enthusiastic responses from travellers. River cruising has opened the door to a new way of seeing the world.
Next year travellers can expect a new Emerald Cruises Star-Ship to join the fleet. In March 2027, Emerald Lumi, will make her debut on the Seine River, and will have access to sought-after ports such as Rouen and Honfleur, where larger ships simply cannot reach. Designed to delight 130 discerning travellers at a time, this exclusive journey is reserved for those with a passion for history, French cuisine, and who enjoy bespoke experiences.
On this 8-day journey, guests will be able to discover the timeless charm of northern France, sailing through ancient towns and bucolic landscapes while enjoying exclusive experiences that reflect the region’s rich heritage. Highlights include a visit to Giverny, the former home and gardens of Claude Monet, the medieval treasures of Rouen, the historic D-Day Landing Beaches, and the region’s world-renowned food and wine country.
Like all Emerald River Cruises sailings, Sensations of the Seine and Normandy includes airport transfers, daily excursions, gourmet dining, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and all onboard and offshore gratuities.
In August 2027, back by popular demand, the acclaimed father and son culinary duo, Chefs Michael and Oscar Bonacini, will also host a special Sensations of the Seine and Normandy departure for Canadian travellers. This will mark their third culinary cruise partnership with Emerald Cruises.
A Trend-setting Company
For those that don’t know, Emerald Cruises is part of the family-owned Scenic Group, which oversees the design and development of its ships, before they are built by leading European and Asian shipyards. The fleet of river and ocean vessels sail the waters of Europe, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Central America, the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, the Red Sea, the Seychelles and Indian Ocean, and Australia and the South Pacific.
Started in Australia in 1986, Scenic Group has established a strong presence in Canada, with its head office located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The company employs over 80 people across the country, including an all-Canadian Contact Centre dedicated to supporting both travel advisors and guests. By leveraging global expertise alongside a local presence, Scenic Group is able to deliver high-quality service and support, tailored to the needs of Canadian travellers.
Responding to the increased interest in luxury yacht cruising, two next-generation yachts will be joining Emerald Kaia. In 2027, Emerald Raiya will launch, followed in 2028 by Emerald Xara. Each superyacht is purpose-built for up to 128 guests and custom-built to reach charming ports and harbours, taking guests closer to the heart of fascinating port towns. These major steps reflect Scenic Group’s ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, sustainability and unique guest experiences.
An Evening to Cherish
In celebration of Emerald Kaia’s maiden voyage, Emerald Yacht Cruises organized a memorable evening at the 2,300-year-old open-air Great Theatre of Ephesus (part of EmeraldPLUS, an extra-special excursion and experience for guests). At dusk, we climbed the steep marble seating where thousands once gathered for performances and ceremonies. Below, a string quintet played classical favourites, their hauntingly beautiful notes filling the ancient theatre with warmth and remarkable acoustics. Hearing music beneath the same stars that once shone over the citizens of Ephesus centuries ago was a captivating, rare connection to the ancient world.
More River Adventures with Emerald Cruises
The luxury Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony also sails the Mekong River of Southeast Asia. From an eight-day Majestic Mekong River cruise to a 26-day, combined land tour and cruise, The Wonders of Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia, Emerald Cruises’ 2026-2027 calendar includes 10 cruise and land itineraries from which to choose.
On the European side, Emerald River Cruises’ Star-Ships feature an innovative indoor heated swimming pool, which cleverly transforms into an evening cinema (excludes Portugal river cruises). The pool floor rises, and the area is converted into a cozy movie theatre with comfortable lounge chairs.
Travel Planner
For more information about Emerald Cruises & Tours, call toll-free 1-855-233-4246, or contact your travel advisor. You can also find Emerald Cruises on X, Instagram and Facebook. To order a complimentary brochure, visit emerald.cruises
