by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:50 PM ET, Tue February 24, 2026
Emerald Cruises has selected two long-standing employees to be the godparents of Emerald Kaia.
The vessel is traveling to the Mediterranean, where it will start its inaugural season in April.
In honor of Scenic Group’s 40th anniversary in 2026, Kim Scoular, director of operations, and Ray Gilbert, senior software engineer, will christen the new ship in June in Venice, Italy.
“Kim Scoular and Ray Gilbert have dedicated their passion, expertise and loyalty to the Scenic Group family, helping shape our business into what it is today,” says Damien Thomas, chief operating officer for Scenic Group. “Their naming as godparents of Emerald Kaia recognizes not only their remarkable individual journeys, but also the commitment and teamwork that define our collective success.
Emerald Kaia departed Halong Bay, Vietnam, on February 13, officially joining the Emerald Cruises fleet. She will begin her inaugural Mediterranean season on April 4 with an 11-day inaugural voyage from Cyprus to Greece.
After the Mediterranean season, the 128-guest Emerald Kaia will transit the Red Sea and Suez Canal in November en route to the Seychelles. She will sail the Indian Ocean and East Africa from December 2026 to March 2027.
Emerald Kaia is the first of three, purpose-built, next-generation yachts joining the Emerald Cruises fleet. Emerald Raiya will debut in 2027, followed by Emerald Xara in 2028.
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