• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
The godparents were longtime Scenic Group employees Kim Scoular and Ray Gilbert as the company celebrates its 40th year.
June 22, 2026
It's a smash! Godparents Kim Scoular and Ray Gilbert, at right, broke the Champagne on Scenic Kaia's bow as passengers watched from the Observation Deck above
Emerald Cruises' third yacht, Emerald Kaia, was christened in outdoor festivities at San Basilio, the central, small-ship cruise terminal on Venice's Giudecca Canal.
With Venice as the backdrop, passengers on the eight-day "Adriatic Discovery: Venice, Istria & the Croatian Archipelago" itinerary watched the ceremony from the yacht's Observation Deck.
The godparents, Scenic Group's Kim Scoular, director of operations, and Ray Gilbert, senior software engineer, were chosen not only for their longtime contributions to the business but also to reflect the "commitment and passion of the many people across Scenic Group who have helped shape the company over the past four decades."
Scenic Group's Jason Flesher, director of discovery operations, assisted the godparents in breaking the Champagne across Emerald Kaia's bow. The bottle was tied to a rope Flesher uses for mountain climbing.
"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."
Scoular called her selection a "tribute to the many committed people across Scenic Group whose passion, care and belief in continual innovation have helped build this company over 40 years. Emerald Kaia represents the intimate, thoughtful and meaningful travel experience today's guests are seeking," she said, "and I am proud to see her begin her journey."
For Gilbert, it was "one of the greatest privileges of my career." He said Emerald Kaia reflects the "dedication of the people behind it, those ashore and at sea who have brought that vision to life for guests around the world."
Also on hand were James Griffiths, GM of oceans operations; Matteo Gasparato, president of the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority, and executives from the Port of Venice.
Building on Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, the 128-passenger Emerald Kaia features a larger Observation Deck, a Sun Deck with private cabanas and indoor lounge, new spa and wellness facilities, elevated dining concepts and suites and staterooms with larger floorplans.
Emerald Kaia is the first of three in its class, with Emerald Raiya set to launch in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028.
Following its inaugural Mediterranean season, Emerald Kaia is scheduled to cruise the Seychelles and Indian Ocean.
The naming fesitivities were live-streamed on YouTube in partnership with travel content creator and YouTuber All Aboard Stephan's Bike.
Fuente: sea-trade cruise
