Emerald Cruises has held a christening ceremony for the Emerald Kaia, the third vessel in its luxury yacht fleet. 

The ceremony for the 128-guest ship was held at San Basilio, Venice, with Scenic Group’s director of discovery operations, Jason Flesher, performing the bottle break across the bow. 

The event was live-streamed on YouTube in partnership with travel content creator and YouTuber All Aboard Stephan’s Bike, the cruise line shared in a press release. 

Guests on the eight-day Adriatic Discovery itinerary also celebrated the occasion from the ship’s observation deck. 

“Emerald Kaia is a proud addition to our yacht fleet and a fitting highlight as we celebrate 40 Years of Innovation,” said Glen Moroney, chairman and founder of Scenic Group. 

“Designed and delivered by our expert team at MKM Yachts, the superyacht delivers an experience that blends relaxed luxury, innovative design and immersive access to the world’s most remarkable coastlines. It is especially meaningful to see her entrusted to two of our longest-serving team members as godparents.”  

In addition to Moroney, the ceremony was attended by general manager of oceans operations, James Griffiths; the president of North Adriatic Sea Port Authority, Matteo Gasparato, as well as executives from the Port of Venice. 

Also in attendance were Kim Scoular, director of operations, and Ray Gilbert, senior software engineer, who were selected to be the ship’s godparents in February. 

Following a transit through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, the ship embarked on its inaugural voyage from Limassol, Cyprus, in April. 

After its Mediterranean season, the Emerald Kaia will transit the Red Sea and Suez Canal in November en route to the Seychelles. 

She is then set to sail the waters of the Indian Ocean and East Africa from December 2026 to March 2027.