Emerald Cruises will enter the Seychelles for the first time in November 2026, adding the Indian Ocean archipelago to its luxury yacht program aboard the 128-guest Emerald Kaia and creating new cruise-and-safari options linking East Africa with the islands.
The inaugural season will operate from November 2026 to March 2027, with strong early demand prompting Emerald Cruises to add two departures of its 13-day Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure.
East Africa meets the Seychelles
The 13-day itinerary sails from Mombasa in Kenya to Mahé in the Seychelles, visiting Zanzibar, Mafia Island and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kilwa Kisiwani before continuing to Aldabra Atoll, Praslin and La Digue.
Emerald Kaia’s smaller size is central to the itinerary, allowing the yacht to access islands, bays and marine environments that are less accessible to larger vessels.
“Launching our first-ever Seychelles season is a real milestone for Emerald Cruises,” said Anthony Laver, General Manager, Sales & Marketing APAC, Scenic Group.
“With no more than 128 guests on board, Emerald Kaia is purpose-built for this kind of travel – able to access smaller islands and secluded bays that larger ships simply can’t reach.”
Kenya safari adds trade-friendly combination
For Australian travel advisors looking to package a broader African journey, Emerald Cruises is also offering a 21-day Safari, the Seychelles & Indian Ocean Cruise & Land Journey.
Beginning in Nairobi and ending in Mahé, the itinerary incorporates a six-night Kenya safari with game drives through the Masai Mara, Samburu and Lake Nakuru national parks before transitioning to the Indian Ocean yacht experience.
The combination gives advisors an opportunity to package two distinct African experiences within a single itinerary, particularly for clients wanting to combine safari with an Indian Ocean extension.
New departures offer savings
The 13-day Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure starts from $11,395 per person in a D Category Stateroom for the 29 November 2026 departure, with savings from $5,500 per person available on selected fares.
The 21-day Safari, the Seychelles & Indian Ocean Cruise & Land Journey starts from $21,620 per person for the 21 November 2026 departure. Terms and conditions apply.
Emerald Kaia features spacious suites, multiple dining venues and outdoor areas, along with a Marina Platform providing direct access to swimming, snorkelling and watersports. Zodiacs are also used for exploring beaches, coves and remote islands.
Voyages include meals and drinks while sailing, excursions with local guides and EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, including community encounters and guided visits to historic sites such as Kilwa Kisiwani and Stone Town.
The Seychelles program follows Emerald Kaia’s Mediterranean debut in April 2026 and further expands the cruise line’s luxury yacht footprint into Africa and the Indian Ocean.
