Emerald Cruises will enter the Seychelles for the first time this November, launching a new Indian Ocean season aboard its 128-guest luxury yacht Emerald Kaia.
Operating from November 2026 to March 2027, the program will combine the islands and coastal destinations of East Africa with some of the Seychelles’ most remote marine environments.
Strong early demand has prompted Emerald Cruises to add two departures of its 13-day Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure, which sails from Mombasa, Kenya, to Mahé in the Seychelles.
“Launching our first-ever Seychelles season is a real milestone for Emerald Cruises,” said Anthony Laver, General Manager, Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific, 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, so guests can explore East Africa and the Seychelles Islands in relaxed luxury.”
From East Africa to the Seychelles
The 13-day itinerary begins in Mombasa before visiting Zanzibar, Mafia Island and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage-listed Kilwa Kisiwani.
Emerald Kaia then continues across the Indian Ocean to the remote Aldabra Atoll and the Seychelles islands of Praslin, La Digue and Mahé.
Guests will be able to explore destinations through guided excursions and EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, including community encounters, historic sites and the region’s marine environments.
The yacht’s Marina Platform provides direct access to swimming, snorkelling and watersports, while Zodiacs can take guests to secluded beaches, coves and islands.
Safari and cruise combination
Emerald Cruises is also offering a 21-day Safari, the Seychelles & Indian Ocean Cruise & Land Journey, combining six nights in Kenya with the yacht voyage.
Beginning in Nairobi, the land component includes game drives in the Masai Mara, Samburu and Lake Nakuru national parks before guests continue their journey through the Indian Ocean to Mahé.
The combination gives travel advisors an option for clients seeking to pair a traditional East African safari with small-ship cruising in one itinerary.
Fares and savings
The 13-day Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure is priced 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 launched in April 2026 and is currently operating in the Aegean and Adriatic before repositioning to the Indian Ocean in late October.
The yacht accommodates a maximum of 128 guests and offers multiple dining venues, spacious suites and outdoor areas designed for coastal and island cruising.
