Yachts, Not Cruises: The New Face of Ultra-Luxury at Sea
Luxury cruising has entered a bold new era—one designed not for traditional cruise-goers, but for high-end travelers who typically prefer five-star hotels, private villas, and exclusive experiences. If you’ve never considered a cruise, it’s time to rethink everything you thought you knew.
Today’s most exciting ships feel more like floating boutique hotels than traditional ocean liners. With a sharp focus on design, space, wellness, and personalization, these new yacht-style cruises cater to discerning travelers who value elegance, comfort, and individualized service—without compromise. And I’ve never been more excited about cruising. That is, yacht-style cruising.
Here’s what’s making waves in the world of ultra-luxury small ship travel:
✧ Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: The Hotel Brand You Know—at Sea
Bringing their signature sophistication to the water, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is redefining maritime luxury. The fleet now includes three incredible yachts—Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara (launching in 2025)—ranging from just 298 to 452 guests.
These sleek superyachts offer all-suite accommodations (each with private terrace), nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, and Ritz-Carlton’s signature design and intuitive service.
Suite sizes start at 264 sq ft on Evrima and 294 sq ft on Ilma and Luminara—comparable to spacious hotel rooms. Dining is refined, wellness offerings are world-class, and the overall ambiance is true to the Ritz Carlton brand.
Evrima launched in 2022 and is already winning awards for its outstanding guest experience, making this one of the best luxury cruise options for non-cruisers.
✧ Explora Journeys: A Floating Sanctuary of Wellness and Style
While not technically a yacht, Explora Journeys offers a yacht-inspired experience on a slightly larger scale—built with the non-cruiser in mind. With spacious all-suite accommodations, an elevated wellness program, and curated cultural immersion, it feels more like a boutique hotel at sea than a conventional cruise ship.
Explora I and II with a maximum of 922 guests and a 1.25:1 guest-to-host ratio, this is not your typical cruise. Each of the 461 oceanfront suites features a private terrace and starts at a spacious 302 sq ft.
Key highlights:
9 included culinary experiences
A world-class spa and wellness deck
Flexible itineraries with overnight stays in port
Sophisticated, design-forward interiors
Explora Journeys reviews from my clients? The reviews from my clients have been overwhelmingly positive. If you’re considering this new cruise line, now is a great time to book—rates are likely to rise as popularity increases.
✧ Four Seasons Yachts: Ultra-Luxury Sets Sail in 2026
The legendary Four Seasons brand is set to launch its inaugural Four Seasons Yacht in 2026—and it’s already one of the most anticipated ultra-luxury cruises on the horizon.
Expect:
Just 95 suites, starting at 473 sq ft, nearly 50% more space than most suites at sea
A full spa and wellness deck
An aft infinity pool and watersports marina with paddleboards, kayaks, and more
Globally inspired dining by Four Seasons chefs
This isn’t a cruise—it’s a Four Seasons experience on the water, built for travelers who don’t “do cruises” but want to explore the world’s coastlines in unmatched comfort and sophistication.
As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, I can offer my clients exclusive amenities—including a special Food & Beverage Credit onboard.
✧Bonus news for Amanjunkies:
Aman is launching the Aman at Sea (working name "Amangati") in 2027 with just 47 ultra-luxury suites. More details to come on this exciting newcomer to the yacht-style cruise space.
✧ Why Yacht-Style Voyages Are Different
Still wondering if these are “cruises”? Not in the way you’re thinking. Here’s what makes yacht-style cruising so different:
All-suite accommodations with private oceanfront terraces, walk-in closets, and hotel-like bathrooms
Smaller ships (usually under 500 guests), allowing access to intimate ports
Wellness-forward amenities: spa decks, fitness classes, and thermal areas
Elevated, à la carte dining—no buffets, no compromise
Curated on-shore experiences are offered à la carte, allowing travelers to craft personalized explorations—or simply indulge in the serenity of life onboard
✧ Beyond the Tropics: The New Face of Luxury in Antarctica & the Galápagos
The luxury expedition cruise market has exploded—especially in bucket-list destinations like Antarctica and the Galápagos—bringing five-star comfort to the farthest reaches of the world.
Antarctica:
Le Commandant Charcot (Ponant) is the world’s first luxury icebreaker, offering polar research experiences alongside a heated indoor pool and gourmet French cuisine.
Silver Endeavour (Silversea) features all-suite accommodations, personal butler service, and a strong wellness program—all while sailing the White Continent with under 200 guests.
Galápagos:
The Hermès Galápagos catamaran offers an exclusive yacht experience for just 20 guests.
Each suite is oversized, the service is exceptional, and excursions are led by expert naturalists.
It’s one of the most elegant ways to explore this pristine archipelago with a minimal footprint.
These are among the best luxury small ship cruises for adventurous travelers who still want world-class comfort.
✧ Prefer Rivers to Open Seas? Discover Belmond’s Floating Villas
For those who love slow travel, fine wine, and immersive culture, Belmond’s luxury barges in France offer a completely different—but equally exclusive—way to cruise.
Just 4–12 guests onboard
Privately chartered floating villas with chef-prepared meals and custom excursions
Glide through Burgundy’s famed vineyards or the sun-drenched canals of Provence
For wine connoisseurs, Belmond’s Grand Cru journey is the most exclusive sailing—an ultra-rare opportunity to taste all 33 of Burgundy’s Grand Crus, including La Romanée-Conti. This is next-level wine travel by water.
✧ Ready to Cruise—Without Compromising?
If you’re a luxury traveler who’s never considered cruising, this new wave of ultra-luxury yachts and small ships might just surprise you. These experiences aren’t about crowds or compromise—they’re about space, style, and personalization, with access to the world’s most desirable destinations.
Curious which ship or itinerary is right for you? Whether you're dreaming of the Mediterranean, Galápagos, Patagonia, or Antarctica, I’ll help you match your travel style with the perfect luxury yacht cruise.
→ Let’s plan your dream voyage.
Contact me for a personalized consultation and take advantage of my exclusive preferred partner perks with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Explora Journeys, Four Seasons Yachts, and more.
Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons Yachts, Aman, and Explora Journey’s
