Even the world’s most exclusive hotel 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, with a second superyacht, Ilma, 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 five of the best superyacht-inspired cruises setting sail in the next few years.
Explora I and II
A family-owned offshoot of MSC Cruises, Explora creates ‘ocean journeys’ that are about as far from a cookie-cutter cruise as you can get. Its first two ships, Exploras I and II, each have 461 suites that are decorated like boutique hotel rooms – nick nacks, private terraces, and all. There’s also an extensive spa offering the very latest treatments, many small plunge pools on the deck, and six dining spaces that wouldn’t feel out of place in Mayfair.
Four Seasons Yachts
Four Seasons Yachts’ first vessel will launch in 2026 – and it’s set to be a belter. Its 95 suites are all focused on giving guests the best ocean views possible, with the standout Funnel Suite offering over 9,500 sq ft of indoor/outdoor 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.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
There are currently three yachts in the Ritz’s collection – and you can set sail on the second, Ilma, from this summer. Each will transport you to the world’s yachting playgrounds in exactly the kind of luxurious surroundings you’d expect from the brand; each suite has a private terrace, Ilma comes with a wine vault, and Luminara (setting sail in 2025) has an expanded marina to ‘make the sea your playground.’
Orient Express Silenseas
In an entirely on-brand move, Orient Express’s upcoming 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. The ship itself has 54 suites, two swimming pools, two restaurants, and a speakeasy bar.
Aman at Sea
We don’t have too many details of Aman’s upcoming yacht – but we do know that it’s projected to launch in 2027 with 50 suites, a selection of dining options, an Aman spa (of course), and two helipads, should guests want to arrive or depart by air. There’ll also be a beach club offering guests direct access to the water from the yacht’s stern.
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