Just a few years ago, luxury cruises were primarily associated with large liners carrying thousands of passengers. Today, the world’s most renowned hotel brands are creating a new format for sea travel, where privacy, personalized service, and the atmosphere of a boutique hotel on the water take center stage.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The first major hotel brand to successfully bring its signature service to the water. Today, the fleet consists of three yachts—Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara.

Evrima features 149 suites, each with its own terrace and panoramic sea views. With a maximum capacity of approximately 300 guests, the yacht maintains an intimate atmosphere and a high level of personalized service.

Guests can enjoy restaurants led by renowned chefs, a Ritz-Carlton spa, pools, fitness facilities, tastings, wellness programs, and a marina for water activities right from the yacht. Unlike large cruise ships, the brand’s yachts can call at small ports and picturesque bays.

Itineraries cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, and French Polynesia. On shore, guests are treated to private excursions, culinary experiences, and an introduction to the region’s culture.

Four Seasons Yachts

A new project from the legendary Four Seasons brand, bringing the standards of its finest resorts and hotels to the water.

Four Seasons I will feature just 95 suites, each with private terraces and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. Many suite categories can be combined to create full-scale residences on the water. The yacht is designed to accommodate approximately 190 guests, with a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1. However, there is no “all-inclusive” format here—the concept is built around freedom of choice and the most personalized service possible.

The facilities include 11 restaurants and bars, a large transformable pool, a luxurious spa complex, wellness areas, and a marina for water activities. A particular highlight of the project will be the Funnel Suite, spanning over 890 m², with its own pool and hammam.

The travel itinerary covers more than 130 destinations across 30 countries. In the summer, the yacht will cruise along the French Riviera, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey, and in the winter, it will head to the Caribbean. Routes to Egypt have also been announced.

Onshore, guests can look forward to carefully curated experiences that allow them to explore each destination more deeply through local culture, traditions, cuisine, and unique locations.

Orient Express Corinthian

The Orient Express is bringing its legendary atmosphere to the water with the launch of the world’s largest sailing yacht, measuring 220 meters in length.

The vessel will feature 54 spacious suites ranging from 70 m² in size, including a presidential suite spanning over 1,400 m². It will have a maximum capacity of approximately 110 guests.

Guests will enjoy a Guerlain spa, two swimming pools, an amphitheater, a recording studio, elegant lounges, and 11 restaurants and bars. The project’s concept is built around the French Art de Vivre, haute cuisine, and the atmosphere of the “Golden Age” of travel.

Itineraries cover the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, and transatlantic crossings. Each voyage combines picturesque coastlines, historic cities, and unique experiences that are difficult to arrange on your own: private concerts in palaces, VIP access to galleries and fashion houses, as well as intimate dinners for a select group of guests.

Aman at Sea

One of the most anticipated projects in the world of ultra-luxury travel from the Aman brand, which has long been regarded as a symbol of absolute privacy and seclusion.

Amangati will be a true Aman resort on the water. The vessel will feature just 47 spacious suites for a maximum of 94 guests. As a result, the level of privacy will be among the highest in the industry, and the staff-to-guest ratio will be close to 1:1.

The main focus is on wellness. The two-deck Aman Spa, spanning nearly 1,200 m², will be one of the yacht’s largest spaces. Also on board will be a Japanese restaurant, a private cinema, a jazz club, areas for yoga and meditation, as well as a transformable marina for water activities.

The main destinations will be the French Riviera, Italy, Sicily, the Greek Islands, Turkey, and Spain. Two helipads and six high-speed tenders will allow guests to explore hidden coves, secluded beaches, and locations inaccessible to most cruise ships.

Amangati’s maiden voyages are scheduled for 2027.