Even the world’s most exclusive hotels can’t offer a different view every morning. Unless it’s a luxury hotel at sea, that is – which we’re starting to see more of as high-end hotels branch out into the cruise industry.
However, these aren’t simply big boats with hotel logos slapped onto the side. These are sleek superyachts that come with Italian-designed suites, private terraces and plunge pools, Michelin-standard restaurants, curated art galleries, and designer boutiques. In other words, all the elements of the world’s leading luxury hotels – which is unsurprising, given that Ritz-Carlton, Aman, Four Seasons, and Orient Express have all either launched or are about to launch their inaugural superyacht-style cruises.
The primary reason for this is simple: hotels want to offer guests the opportunity to stay with them at sea as well as on the shore. But it’s also a clever way to combat cruising’s age-old old-age problem: most passengers are between 55 and 65 years old, so getting younger generations on board is essential to secure the industry’s future.
‘Younger demographics have typically been reluctant to cruise as the itineraries have been too long to work within annual leave allowances and the product offering hasn’t spoken to them,’ says Priti Mehta, Head of Sales, UK and Ireland at Explora Journeys – a pioneering new brand aiming to redefine what it means to go on a luxury cruise. ‘Explora Journeys is disrupting the sector [by] targeting 35-plus-year-olds with a relaxed luxury proposition.’
Explora’s way of turning things on their heads is to throw stuffy cruise stereotypes overboard. You stay in a suite, not a cabin. Instead of formal parties, evenings are spent at the onboard whisky bar or cigar lounge – or a performance by comedians and Broadway stars. You can even shop in a Rolex boutique – the first ever at sea. It at once offers guests the exclusivity they desire whilst still giving them the opportunity to socialise on their terms – a must for today’s high-end passenger.
But it’s not the only brand setting its sights on the luxury cruise market. Four Seasons Yachts will launch its inaugural vessel in 2026, saying it’s looking to ‘capitalise on new opportunities’ as well as bring the Four Seasons experience to sea (including a 1:1 staff-to-passenger ratio). Ritz-Carlton’s first yacht, Evrima, launched in 2022, and now its third superyacht, Luminara, is setting sail around the Med this summer.
Each is doing its best to differentiate itself from cruise stereotypes – even the word ‘cruise’ is nowhere to be found, instead replaced with ‘journey’ or ‘voyage’ or ‘yacht.’ The destinations, too, are beginning to branch out; Four Seasons Yacht will stop at Fréjus (France) and Gozo (Malta), whilst Explora is offering epic transoceanic voyages for those looking for a longer, more adventurous journey.
‘[We provide] a boutique hotel at sea with a yacht-like feel,’ says Priti. ‘This appeals to younger, luxury land lovers, offering the benefits of a high-end resort – such as six restaurants and four pools – with the added value of discovering iconic destinations and lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path ports, all whilst only unpacking the once.’
Sound like something you can get on board with? Here are six of the best superyacht-inspired cruises setting sail in the next few years.
EXPLORA VI, Explora Journeys
Best for: off-the-beaten-path ports.
Explora Journeys’ ‘ocean journeys’ are about as far from a cookie-cutter cruise as you can get. The fourth (for anyone fazed by Roman numerals) in its fleet, EXPLORA VI, sets sail in 2027 to the rugged shores of lesser-explored spots like Iceland, Greenland, and New England. Each of its 463 ocean-facing suites are decorated like boutique hotel rooms, so they feel like ‘your floating home’. There’s also five heated pools and six dining spaces that wouldn’t feel out of place in Mayfair.
Where: Europe, North America | Sets sail: 2027
explorajourneys.com
EXPLORA VI, Explora Journeys
Four Seasons Yachts
Best for: cutting-edge design.
Four Seasons Yachts’ first vessel will launch in 2026 – and cruising connoisseurs might recognise the design is inspired by the legendary superyacht Christina O. Its 95 spectacular suites are all centred around giving guests the best ocean views possible. But the star of the show is the Funnel Suite, with a whopping 9,500 sq ft of space (as well as 280-degree panoramic views). It also has a bespoke on-board marina filled with watersports toys and a 20m saltwater pool that can be quickly emptied to use as a function space.
Book with us to receive additional benefits such as a dedicated onboard host, welcome reception, shore experience, private car and driver, up to $175 USD credit per person, and shipboard credit.
Where: Mediterranean, Caribbean | Sets sail: 2026
fourseasonsyachts.com
Four Seasons Yachts
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Best for: super-sized ships.
There are currently three yachts in the Ritz’s collection: Evrima (149 suites), Ilma (228 suites), and Luminara (226 suites) – all available for private charter. You can set sail on the third, Luminara, from this summer. Every journey will transport you to the world’s yachting playgrounds in exactly the kind of luxurious surroundings you’d expect: each suite has a private terrace (so an alfresco breakfast every morning is a must), Ilma comes with a wine vault, and Luminara has an expanded marina that ‘makes the sea your playground.’
Book with us to receive additional benefits such as Champagne or wine on arrival, a complimentary dinner for two at Michelin-inspired restaurant, a bridge tour at the Captain’s discretion, and a suite upgrade (all subject to availability).
Where: worldwide | Sets sail: 2025
ritzcarlton.com
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Corinthian, Orient Express Sailing Yachts
Best for: eco-conscious cruising.
In an entirely on-brand move, Orient Express’s Corinthian yacht will be inspired by the Golden Age of the French Riviera – gigantic sails and all. But these 100m sails don’t just look good – they’re also strong enough to propel the entire ship on a windy day, offering a new, greener vision for the future of cruising. It’s the world’s largest sailing yacht, and home to 54 suites (all with sea views, obviously), a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, and a state-of-the-art spa, and much more.
Where: Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean | Sets sail: 2026
orient-express.com
Corinthian, Orient Express Sailing Yachts
Amangati, Aman at Sea
Best for: unparalleled peace.
Amangati (which – reassuringly for any sea sickness sufferers – means ‘peaceful motion’ in Sanskrit) will be Aman at Sea’s inaugural ship. This sleek 47-suite luxury motor yacht is currently under construction at T.Mariotti S.p.A in Genoa, Italy, but will soon be sailing the glistening seas of the Mediterranean (where else?) on Aman’s first maritime adventure. Expect all the usual telltale signs of an Aman experience – from generous space and service to ultimate peace and privacy (especially when booked as a private charter).
Where: Mediterranean | Sets sail: 2027
aman.com
Amangati, Aman at Sea
&BEYOND Amazon Explorer
Best for: wildlife spotting.
The Amazon isn’t somewhere you rush through – and the &BEYOND Amazon Explorer knows it. Built to move at the river’s pace, this intimate 15-suite vessel is all about slow, sensory travel. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the jungle inside, while textures and Shipibo-inspired patterns give everything a grounded sense of place. It’s sustainable, too, with solar panels that help ease its footprint. But the highlight has to be the wildlife walks and boat trips with expert naturalists, where you’ll spot everything from macaws and pink dolphins to giant otters and jaguars.
Where: Peruvian Amazon | Sets sail: 2026
andbeyond.com
