Emerald Rayia Superyacht: Exciting Mediterranean and Tropical Deployments Planned for 2027-2028

Emerald Cruises has unveiled plans for its upcoming luxury yacht, the Emerald Rayia, which will commence operations in the first quarter of 2027. The yacht will kick off with a 10-night maiden voyage starting on April 8, 2027, from Valletta to Piraeus-Athens. The itinerary includes stops at alluring small ports such as Lesvos, Katakolo, Delos, and Canakkale, the gateway to ancient Troy and the Gallipoli Peninsula. These voyages signify the beginning of summer cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on exploration away from conventional routes.

As winter approaches, the Emerald Rayia will relocate to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, offering new itineraries in Saudi Arabia that feature destinations like Jeddah, Yanbu, Al Wajh, and NEOM City, which is accessible from Duba Port in Saudi Arabia. Guests can look forward to excursions to remarkable sites such as Al Disah Canyon and the Nabataean tombs of AlUla. Additionally, the cruise will include ports in Egypt, featuring Sharm el Sheikh and Ain Sokhna, and the Jordanian city of Aqaba, which serves as a gateway to the ancient city of Petra. The voyage will also extend to the Indian Ocean, visiting Seychelles, Madagascar, and Kenya, with chances for spice plantation tours and wildlife safaris.

The Emerald Rayia will have 64 staterooms with a maximum capacity of 128 passengers. Built at the Halong Shipyard in Vietnam, it is larger than its sister ships, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, and is closely related to Emerald Kaia and Emerald Xara, which are expected to debut in 2026 and 2028 respectively.

Emerald Cruises has also announced an extensive global deployment for 2027-2028, planning 25 new sailings across 170 departures to over 200 ports in 70 countries. This deployment highlights the company’s dedication to boutique yacht cruising, prioritizing open-air design, premium wellness amenities, and a deep coastal immersion experience for guests who are eager to discover unique destinations.

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