| Emerald honours staff

EMERALD Cruises has announced Emerald Kaia’s (pictured) two godparents ahead of the luxury yacht joining the fleet in Apr.

The cruise line has named two long-standing Scenic Group team members as Kaia’s godparents ahead of her inaugural Mediterranean season.

Kim Scoular, director of operations; and Ray Gilbert, senior software engineer, have been acknowledged with the prestigious honour.

Scoular has almost three decades of experience with Scenic, starting as a reservations agent before embarking on a global career as a tour director, and moving into her current position where she leads the operations team.

Gilbert started with Scenic Group in 1998, and has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s IT infrastructure.

“For almost 30 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,” Scenic Group CCO Damien Thomas said.

“Their naming as godparents of Emerald Kaia recognises not only their remarkable individual journeys, but also the commitment and teamwork that define our collective success.

Kaia is due to be christened in Venice in Jun, during a ceremony which will bring together Scenic Group team members, travel partners, and guests.

The ship will then transit the Red Sea and Suez Canal in Nov, en route to the Seychelles, following her Mediterranean season.

She will sail from Dec to Mar, exploring the Indian Ocean and East Africa.

Kaia is the first of three next-generation yachts joining the Emerald fleet.

She has been purpose-built for 128 passengers, with design features including an all-new Observation Sun Deck, including a spa pool; a reimagined La Cucina restaurant with an open kitchen and additional al fresco dining; and a new private dining experience, The Night Market Grill. MS