Emerald Rayia Sets Sail: Mediterranean Debut and Exciting Red Sea Season Ahead!

Emerald Cruises has announced the upcoming launch of its luxury yacht, Emerald Rayia, which is set to begin operations in 2026. The yacht will kick off its journey with a 10-night maiden voyage from Valletta to Athens (Piraeus), making stops at lesser-known ports such as Lesvos, Katakolo, Delos, and Kepez, which provide access to historical sites like ancient Troy and the Gallipoli Peninsula. This voyage represents the start of a summer cruise season in the Eastern Mediterranean aimed at exploration beyond common travel routes.

As winter sets in, Emerald Rayia will move to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, offering itineraries that will include stops at Jeddah, Yanbu, Al Wajh, and the futuristic NEOM destination. Passengers can look forward to excursions to notable inland locations like Al Disah Canyon in Saudi Arabia, as well as visits to the ancient Nabataean tombs of AlUla. The itinerary will also encompass port calls to Egypt’s Sharm el Sheikh and Ain Sokhna, as well as Jordan’s Aqaba, which leads to Petra. Further south, guests will visit the Seychelles, Madagascar, and Kenya, with opportunities for spice tours and wildlife safaris.

Emerald Rayia boasts a capacity of around 120 guests, merging intimate exploration with luxury accommodations. Built at Halong Shipyard in Vietnam, the yacht is slightly larger than its sister ships, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, joining a growing fleet that includes the anticipated Emerald Kaia debuting in April 2026, and the Emerald Xara set to launch in 2028. The company has also announced a broad deployment for 2027-2028, featuring 25 new itineraries across 170 departures to over 200 ports in 70 countries.

This new deployment illustrates Emerald Cruises’ commitment to boutique yacht cruising, highlighting open-air designs, wellness features, and an emphasis on coastal exploration. With summer adventures in the Mediterranean and winter voyages in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, Emerald Rayia offers a luxurious, destination-driven experience for travelers eager for unique coastal discoveries.

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