Emerald Rayia now to Sail in Europe and in Indian Ocean During Inaugural Season: New Itineraries to Explore the Aegean, Red Sea, and East Africa

Emerald Cruises has revealed its inaugural season of its new yacht, the Emerald Rayia, as it will embark on exclusive itineraries in Europe as well as in the Indian Ocean in 2025. With luxurious suites totaling 120 spacious suites, this new yacht will embark on its initial voyage in the Aegean Sea, mesmerizing travelers with an once-in-a-lifetime ten-night voyage between Valletta and Athens. In this voyage, some of the most sought-after pearls of the Eastern Mediterranean will be treated with a superior experience in luxury yacht voyages.

The first voyage of the Emerald Rayia is not just any voyage; it is simply the launch of a summer of indepth discovery of off-the-map places. Guests will enjoy opportunities of visiting charming but little-explored places like Lesvos Island, Katakolo, as well as ancient island of Delos and Kepez, the latter of which provides a gateway into the ancient city of Troy as well as the Gallipoli Peninsula. With such a blend of history, culture, as well as scenery available, this voyage will no doubt provide truly distinguishing perspectives into places off-the-beaten-track

Exploring the Mediterranean: New Itineraries and Hidden Gems

Emerald Rayia itineraries in the Mediterranean will not only offer breathtaking scenery and luxurious amenities, but they will focus on true cultural immersion. Guests will have the chance to explore southeastern Europe’s rich heritage on this voyage, starting with fabled Aegean Sea, as it sails from Valletta, Malta, to Greece’s Athens. Guests will have opportunities to enjoy itineraries they may not be used to on mass-market cruises, such as this unspoiled pearl of the northern Aegean, Lesvos Island, as well as Katakolo, gateway to ancient Greece’s ruins of Olympia.

Guests will also travel to Delos – the UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins, and Kepez – gateway to the renowned archaeological site of Troy and Gallipoli Peninsula, which has played a unique role in history as the location of the world’s first organised landings by amphibious force during World War I, in experiences that are intended to showcase not only the beauty of the destination, but also its rich history, granting guests a broader picture of the cultures and narratives that shape the Mediterranean.

The Emerald Rayia’s itineraries in the Mediterranean are curated to take guests right to the soul of each region, with special excursions showcasing local traditions, culture and landscapes. Plenty of space for a handful of guests, the yacht offers an exclusive, personalised experience, aboard the yacht, sail to discover hidden jewels and local cultures, many of which can often not be found on larger ships.

Winter Cruising in the Red Sea and East Africa

Emerald Rayia will go to the Red Sea and East Africa for the winter season following service in the Mediterranean. This wonderful increase in choice of voyages will give guests the chance to see some of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in the region. The yacht’s winter voyages will include island-hopping trips to destinations such as the Seychelles’ Mahe, Kenya’s Mombasa and Saudi Arabia.

One of the most exciting of these winter sailings is the opportunity to visit the Al Disah Canyon in Saudi Arabia, christened ‘the Grand Canyon of Saudi Arabia’ and boasting mesmerising rock formations and scenic vistas. There is no question that the chance to sail into this wondrous landscape will be a highlight of the Emerald Rayia’s first season.

As well as stunning scenery, the Red Sea and East Africa provides a wealth of cultural experiences. Predictable, consistent, and luxurious, guests will be privy to epic cities, vibrant markets, and remote islands and will not be disappointed with the comfort and style Emerald Cruises are famous for.

Pure Luxury On The Emerald Rayia

At the heart of the Emerald Rayia is a desire to provide an on-water experience like no other. The 120-guest yacht offers an intimate, exclusive ambience. Each suite is designed with luxury in mind, generous rooms with private balconies and everything modern you’ll need to make for a comfortable stay at every turn. Passengers can relax in the onboard spa, cool off in the pool or indulge in world-class cuisine prepared by an international team of chefs.

Emarald Cruises isn’t just a cruise, but a journey that connects guests to the heart of every destination. Guests will also be spoilt on board, with bespoke excursions and activities to forge even closer connections to the places visited. Whether you’re on a guided tour of ancient ruins, a cooking class in a nearby village or a hike to a hidden natural attraction, the Emerald Radiya’s itineraries are designed for an immersive and enriching experience.

An Expansion for Emerald Cruises

The Emerald Rayia launch is a key landmark for the company, but this is only part of a bigger expansion plan for Emerald Cruises as a whole. In addition to the Rayia, Emerald Cruises has also committed to building two more yachts, the Emerald Sakara and the Emerald Kaia, which are expected to launch in 2025 and 2026, respectively. The company’s growing fleet of luxury yachts will enable it to sail to even more exclusive and immersive destinations around the world.

They join the slightly larger 110-meter, 100-pasenger Emerald Kaia, which is also expected to debut in early 2026 and explore the Eastern Mediterranean. This new 128-guest ship will offer guests more ways to explore some of the world’s most beautiful and remote destinations in complete luxury and will help us continue to grow our brand with thoughtfully planned expedition cruises.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Luxury Yachting

Emerald Cruises’ brand-new yacht, the Emerald Luna, will premiere its exclusive itineraries in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red and Aegean Seas. Discover all the Mediterranean’s ancient wonder or diving for explorers in the Red Sea, the Rayia looks set to take guests on an unmissable voyage of exploration and relaxation. Enabling cultural immersion, small-group experiences and impeccable service, the Emerald Yacht Rayna is set to become a hot favourite amongst the most discerning voyagers, looking for the most exclusive and luxurious voyages.