April 19, 2024
Redefining Luxury Cruising
Your favorite five-star hotel brands are getting into the superyacht business. Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Aman are bringing their attentive, white-glove service, culinary expertise and high-thread count linens to an ocean near you.
Far from the megalith ships that characterize the the cruise industry, these sleek, smaller vessels will feel like a private charter with all the bells and whistles of the hotel name you know and love. It’s an opportunity to nudge the traveler in your life who wouldn’t normally ever go near a cruise to take a look at what’s different about the superyacht lifestyle.
Perhaps one of the most important differences is that these smaller vessels can slip into shallow harbors for a more intimate destination experience (and we’re looking at you Mykonos, Saint-Tropez and St. Barths).
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has already set sail with its first ship — the Evrima — which sails with under 300 passengers. There are no cabins, just 149 suites, each with a personal concierge and Champagne chilling upon arrival.
Interestingly, on the Evrima, two-story loft-style suites are expected to make in-room entertaining easier, so it’s a great ship to travel on with friends and family for big celebrations. The Ritz-Carlton collection will launch two more yachts in 2024.
In 2025, expect the 679-feet Four Seasons yacht to set sail. The ship will feature 95 suites, which can be reconfigured for larger family gatherings. The brand is also promising the largest pool deck for ships of its class and 11 onboard restaurants as it makes its way through Caribbean and Mediterranean waters.
Aman will also set sail in 2025 with a 600-foot ship it’s calling “Project Sama” for now. Expect 50 suites, all with private balconies. Amongst all the usual high-end culinary, spa and amenity offerings Aman is known for, two helipads will be on the ship for guests to use. Aman’s new ship will focus on health and wellness and is expected to include the first Japanese garden at sea.
As luxury hotel brands venture into the superyacht business, the cruising landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Embracing the superyacht lifestyle offers an unparalleled fusion of sophistication, bespoke experiences, and exclusive access to some of the world’s most enchanting destinations.
Step on board a yacht with the attention to detail of your favorite five-star hotel
Why Sailing May Be Your Next Favorite Holiday
The allure of setting sail for adventure and relaxation aboard a ship is captivating more travelers than ever, and it’s easy to see why when you consider the myriad of options catering to various tastes and adventure levels.
Cruises come in all different styles of travel: smaller expedition ships to explore the Poles or the Galápagos, for example, or sleek, boutique boats with luxe overnight accommodations to ply the waters of the Nile or Amazon Rivers.
Prefer the exclusivity and intimacy of a small ship voyage? Look for river-cruise ships that take travelers to the historic cities and towns along Europe’s famous rivers. And expect truly sybarite sailings to be had on board small ships run by trusted luxury brands such as Ritz Carlton, Aman, and Four Seasons.
Multi-generation groups might consider private yachts reserved for your group to sail the jaw-dropping coastlines of Turkey, in and out of Norway’s stunning fjords, or the over-the-top grandeur of Australia’s western coastline.
Many families enjoy the theme-park fun of larger ships, where people of all ages are entertained with everything from waterslides to WaveRider surfing slopes to Disney-themed meals and off-shore adventures.
Let True North Travel guide you to the perfect ship and itinerary, tailored to your travel style. It’s your gateway to discovering your must-see destinations in a whole new light.
