Emerald Cruises & Tours has selected two long-serving employees to serve as godparents for its new luxury superyacht, Emerald Kaia. The vessel is currently heading to the Mediterranean ahead of its inaugural season in April 2026. Kim Scoular and Ray Gilbert will christen the yacht in a ceremony planned for June in Venice, Italy.
Emerald Kaia, the latest addition to the Emerald Cruises fleet, departed Halong Bay, Vietnam, on February 13, 2026, marking its official entry into service. The superyacht is en route to the Mediterranean, where it will begin operations with an 11-day voyage from Cyprus to Greece starting April 4, 2026.
The company announced that Kim Scoular, director of operations, and Ray Gilbert, senior software engineer, will act as godparents. Scoular brings nearly three decades of experience with Scenic Group, having started as a reservations agent and later advancing to tour director roles. She now oversees a team focused on guest experiences and operational standards across the river and yacht fleets.
In a statement, Scoular said, “Being named Godparent of Emerald Kaia is an incredible honour and a deeply personal milestone in my journey with Scenic Group. Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud to represent the many passionate people who bring these journeys to life every day.”
Gilbert joined Scenic Group in 1998 and has contributed significantly to its IT infrastructure and digital platforms, supporting guests, partners, and staff globally. He remarked, “When I started with Scenic Group, I could never have imagined being asked to serve as Godparent to one of our ships. It’s a privilege to support the people and technology behind the scenes, and this recognition reflects the dedication of the entire team that keeps our ships and tours running smoothly.”
Scenic Group’s chief operating officer, Damien Thomas, highlighted their long-term commitment: “For almost thirty years, Kim Scoular and Ray Gilbert have dedicated their passion, expertise, and loyalty to the Scenic Group family, helping shape our business into what it is today.” The christening ceremony in Venice will gather team members, partners, and guests.
After the Mediterranean season, Emerald Kaia will transit the Red Sea and Suez Canal in November, heading to the Seychelles for voyages from December 2026 to March 2027 in the Indian Ocean and East Africa. These itineraries include options to combine cruises with safari land tours.
