Premium hotel brands like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are taking to the seas—with floating palaces that leave nothing to be desired. Is this the new gold standard in cruising?
The yacht glides gently through the deep blue Mediterranean. The scent of lemon is in the air and jazz music is playing softly. No buffet, no crowded decks, no hustle and bustle - just the calming sound of the waves and the impeccable service of a five-star hotel at sea.
What was once known as "cruising" has been given a luxurious upgrade: Yachting - a term that has long since become synonymous with a new era of travel on the water. And right at the forefront: the big players in the luxury hotel industry. Renowned hotels such as Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Aman are shaping the new league of travel at sea.
What these yachts offer has little in common with the typical megaships—those floating cities packed with thousands of passengers and the buzz of bustling shopping malls. Instead, they celebrate a kind of luxury rooted in understatement, spaciousness, and individuality. Guests who come aboard aren’t looking for an entertainment marathon—they seek seclusion, serenity, and the discreet glamour of a modern grand hotel.
Ritz-Carlton recognized the potential of luxury cruises early on - and redefined it impressively with its Yacht Collection: no crowds, no anonymous buffets, but a personal atmosphere and excellent service for
a deliberately manageable number of guests. Even the dress code follows the motto "yacht casual" - smart but relaxed.
In 2022, the Evrima entered service - an exclusive boutique ship with space for just 298 guests. The slightly larger Ilma followed in 2023 with 448 guests; a capacity that still seems almost intimate compared to classic cruise ships. By comparison, the Icon of the Seas, currently the largest cruise ship in the world, can carry over 7,600 passengers.
Positioning: Luxury cruise in yacht style with perfect service, plenty of privacy and a classically elegant ambience.
Design and interior: Modern, spacious and stylish in maritime colors.
Capacity: Between 298 and 452 guests, depending on the ship (Evrima, Ilma, Luminara).
USP: Hotel comfort at sea with international gourmet cuisine, opulent spa and access to smaller ports thanks to its manageable size.
Thanks to their sleek dimensions, the yachts of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection can navigate remote coves, hidden fishing villages, and secluded fjords—like those in Alaska, where guests may be lucky enough to spot whales and bald eagles in pristine natural surroundings. In 2025, a new ship called Luminara will join the fleet—promising to take the experience to an even higher level.
“The intimate size of Luminara allows us to access less-traveled ports and bring our guests closer to the beauty of Alaska and its wildlife in a more immersive way,” says Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. After its debut in Europe—with stops in Barcelona and Rome—the itinerary shifts to more exotic destinations throughout the year: the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Mauritius. Even outdoor adventures can be enjoyed in style: a marina offers direct access to the sea, whether for swimming, snorkeling, or a ride on a jet ski. Those who prefer to stay on board can unwind in the spacious spa, take in the view from the infinity pool—or retreat to the elegant cigar lounge with a glass of Grand Cru in hand.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is also setting new standards when it comes to dining—thanks in no small part to three-Michelin-star chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua at The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg. His signature style defines the onboard restaurant S.E.A., where a carefully curated tasting menu is served. For the acclaimed chef, working at sea is both an exciting challenge and a true win-win: “What appeals to me is delivering the highest quality under unique conditions,” says Elverfeld. “We have to adapt some recipes to the climate, humidity, and local ingredients. At the same time, cooking onboard creates the opportunity to pair exceptional culinary experiences with extraordinary travel destinations.”
Every menu on board becomes not only a feast for the senses, but also a reflection of the journey itself—shaped by flavors as distinctive as the ports of call.
A week in an elegant suite—starting, for example, in Fort Lauderdale and heading toward the Caribbean—begins at around $7,100 per person, while the Owner’s Suite can cost up to $36,400. Those embarking on an Alaskan adventure from Vancouver can expect to pay about $10,100—or up to $50,000. A charming bonus: members of the Marriott Bonvoy program can redeem their points for a voyage aboard one of these superyachts.
While Ritz-Carlton has already set the benchmark at sea as a true pioneer, a new icon of yachting is now on the horizon: Four Seasons I. The first ship from the prestigious hotel brand promises nothing less than a new definition of ultra-luxury at sea. In 2026, it will set sail under Captain Kate McCue, who made history in 2015 as the first American woman to captain a megacruise ship. With nearly three decades of maritime expertise, McCue brings a wealth of experience aboard. Measuring 210 meters in length, the vessel bears little resemblance to a conventional cruise ship—it’s more of an homage to the legendary Christina O, once owned by Aristotle Onassis and still considered one of the most famous private yachts in the world.
The true masterpiece on board is the Funnel Suite—a luxurious residence that sits majestically within the ship’s glass-enclosed “funnel.” Spanning nearly 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, it delivers an experience beyond compare. With three bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and a stunning 280-degree view of the open sea, this suite offers far more than just comfort. It’s a floating penthouse—complete with a private pool, fitness area, elevator, and discreet staff available around the clock. The price for a week in this exclusive haven? $330,000.
Positioning: Ultra-luxury with a clear focus on sophisticated design, spacious suites, excellent gastronomy and understated elegance.
Design and interior: cosmopolitan aesthetics meet relaxed understatement - in the style of the renowned Four Seasons resorts on land.
Capacity: Around 95 suites, maximum 190 guests - privacy guaranteed.
USP: Generous space, only suites with sea views, the iconic Funnel Suite and tailor-made, curated experiences on board and ashore.
The onboard culinary offerings are equally exceptional, inspired by the world-renowned restaurants of the Four Seasons group. Eleven distinct dining concepts promise gourmet moments at the highest level—from an exclusive champagne and caviar bar to refined omakase experiences worthy of Michelin stars. “Our restaurants and bars are the heart of our hotels, and the same will be true at sea,” says CEO Alejandro Reynal. The concept is clearly resonating: the first voyages are already fully booked. Especially popular are itineraries around Greece, Croatia, and the Lesser Antilles.
With an investment of approximately €1.2 billion, Four Seasons plans to launch a fleet of three ships. The second vessel is currently under construction in partnership with the renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The goal is clear: the yachting division isn’t just a PR stunt—it’s a strategically positioned growth sector within the ultraluxury travel market.
When a brand like Aman sets its sights on the world's oceans, you can confidently set your expectations to "zenith". Aman at Sea is no ordinary cruise experience, but a floating oasis of tranquillity - inspired by the Far Eastern aesthetics of understated luxury for which Aman is celebrated worldwide. Sounds like a temple? It is - but with a bow and a bow wave. The Amangati is due to set sail for the first time in 2027; a hybrid superyacht with just 50 suites, each with a private terrace and an almost limitless view of the vast sea.
An Aman Spa extending over two decks, which includes a Japanese Zen garden, several restaurants with Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, a jazz club and a beach club on the stern deck create a new form of slow travel. Deliberately reduced, the focus here is on well-being, privacy and the feeling of being completely by yourself. The starting price for a trip with Aman at Sea? This remains a well-kept secret for the time being.
Positioning: Boutique yacht with a strong connection to the philosophy of the Aman resorts - uncompromising privacy, spiritual depth and minimalist design characterize the concept.
Design and interior: Reduced, Japanese-inspired luxury; clear lines, natural materials and a meditative aesthetic create an atmosphere of inner peace.
Capacity: Only 50 suites, maximum of around 100 guests - for maximum intimacy and relaxation.
USP: A floating temple of relaxation - with a focus on wellness, mindfulness and retreat. Aman at Sea promises tranquillity in its purest form, far away from the hustle and bustle of classic cruises.
For now, the Amangati remains well hidden at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa—its launch is scheduled for summer 2027, with its maiden voyages set to explore the Mediterranean. For those with deep pockets, the yacht will also be available for exclusive charter.
Meanwhile, inspired by the Golden Age of Travel, the first Orient Express yacht is set to revive an era when travel was more ritual than routine. Scheduled for 2026, the Orient Express Silenseas is not only a tribute to the legendary luxury of the iconic trains—it’s a bold, almost poetic masterpiece of French engineering. As the world’s largest sailing luxury yacht, it’s expected to set new standards in aesthetics, sustainability—and the art of travel itself.
The design was created by Maxime d'Angeac, the Parisian architect who also brought the historic Orient Express train of the 1920s into the present day. Now he is translating its essence onto the sea: a floating palace with ornate glass elements, curated works of art and custom-made furniture that combine French Art Deco with contemporary noblesse. Subtle opulence that needs no noise to make an impression.
Positioning: ultra-luxury meets French grand hotel tradition - elegant, sensual, cultivated.
Design and interior: Art Deco-inspired, curated by Maxime d'Angeac; very French, with subtle opulence.
Capacity: 54 suites for a maximum of 120 guests.
USP: The world's first hybrid wind propulsion system ("Solid Sail" masts) that combines sustainability with poetry.
There are 54 suites available for a maximum of 110 guests - between 45 and 230 square meters in size. Here, luxury becomes a multi-sensory experience: vintage lamps, sculptural shapes, hand-picked materials - every detail seems to say: time can stand still here.
Yannick Alléno - one of France's most renowned Michelin chefs - takes over the culinary reins. He is responsible for five restaurants and eight bars, including a stylish 1930s-style speakeasy and a sophisticated Paris noir cabaret hall. Those who prefer to spend the day in contemplation can relax in the spa or watch a movie in the on-board cinema. There's even a professional recording studio - for creative moments with a sea view.
The Silenseas also makes a technological statement: three monumental masts support the Solid Sail system - an innovative, rigid sail concept that enables emission-free travel in good weather. It's supported by an LNG hybrid engine, which can also be operated with green hydrogen in the future. The ship is being built by the renowned French shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique, in partnership with Accor.
The first routes will run along Provence and the French Riviera between May and October 2026 . Prices: From 35,640 euros per suite (for two people) for six nights; the presidential suite is estimated at around 160,000 euros per week.
