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Many cruise lines like to claim they're akin to a hotel at sea, but some of the new lines we see joining the industry are quite literally just that, taking the design, hospitality, service and cuisine for which their hotel chains are so well known to oceangoing luxury ships. From Ritz-Carlton to Four Seasons, these are the best hotels at sea.
An interesting trend in the modern ultra-luxury cruise market is the arrival of many esteemed hotel brands, launching their first 'hotel at sea' offering. As a result, many travellers who have historically turned their back on cruising, imagining that it is too mass market or not sufficiently stylish for someone with their sophisticated tastes, are beginning to understand exactly why a hotel afloat is so very special. We take a look at the options...
Four Seasons Yachts
When Four Seasons I comes into service, she will combine renowned Four Seasons hospitality with a stylish décor, and accommodation very different from anything you will find elsewhere. The residential style suites start at 473 feet plus terrace - so far, so familiar. But once you take a look at the Signature Suites, you will begin to be very impressed, as suites grow to two or three bedrooms, perfect for families travelling together. The Funnel Suite is the most impressive at 5,057 square feet, alongside 4,917 square feet of terrace and ample space for five adults and one child. Housed within the vessel's glass-enclosed funnel, the suite is multi-level and has its own indoor and outdoor gym.
Voyages are on sale now, with two seven-night sailings in February 2026 in the Caribbean from Aruba to Sint Maarten as well as several Mediterranean itineraries through March and May 2026, including seven-night voyages from Athens to Istanbul (or the reverse) calling to the Greek Islands and the stunning beaches and coves of Turkey's Göcek.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Luxury hotel chain The Ritz-Carlton's eponymous Yacht Collection revealed its first yacht Evrima in 2022. Second larger yacht Ilma arrived in September 2024, and when sister yacht Luminara joins the fleet this summer, the company will operate three yachts around the world, extending their roster of itineraries to include Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Baltic, Norway, Iceland and even Alaska, perfect for those many travellers are looking to explore somewhere new away from the classic Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter.
With 228 suites all with a private terrace, as well as two upper suite categories measuring more than 1,000 square feet, Luminara will be fitted with dual-fuel engines, using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as their main fuel source. With a stylish, Scandi-influenced décor, an abundance of dining options and all the facilities you might expect from a luxury boutique resort including a serene spa and marina with a range of water toys, the intimate, elegant and stylish ships are very much an extension of The Ritz-Carlton brand.
Orient Express Sailing Yachts
Orient Express (not be confused with Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express), in partnership with AccorHotels, is constructing its first ship. The Orient Expess Corinthian will be the world's largest sailing yacht, due to launch in 2026, alongside a sister yacht joining the fleet in 2027.
The Orient Express name has long been synonymous with legendary travel, and with the new Orient Express Corinthian, the company is poised to take that forward in the 21st century. Featuring solid sails which will be able to propel the vessel at speeds up to 17 knots, the ship will be at the cutting edge of modern ship design. She will boast just 54 suites that are on average 754 square feet, with a dark wooded décor featuring fine French craftmanship with amazing glasswork and beautiful art collections. There is a vintage feel to the surroundings, with fine handcrafted materials redolent of luxury. Expect sustainability at the forefront, with a hybrid propulsion system running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) that will save around 40% in fuel consumption.
Aman at Sea
Over three decades Aman has built its reputation as one of the most special hotel and resort groups, with a gracious style of hospitality, intimate and welcoming, around the world. So it is exciting to know that the spirit of Aman will extend to a new venture, Aman at Sea. Aman are not unaccustomed to bringing luxury to the water - they have a flagship yacht, Amandira, that sails Indonesia's Flores Sea - but this luxury motor yacht goes one up.
The first ship, to be named Amangati (in Sanscrit, 'peaceful motion') will feature just 47 suites, perfect for private charter to celebrate a special birthday or life event with 92 of your dearest family and friends. Designed in partnership with SINOT Yacht Architecture & Design, this will be T. Mariotti's (the segment's specialist shipyard) first dual-fuel powered newbuild ship, running on diesel and methanol. A joint project between Aman Resorts and Cruise Saudi, she'll set sail in 2027.
Riverside Luxury Cruises
Family-owned hotel company the Seaside Collection has been delighting discerning travellers for over 40 years. This extensive collection of hotels has gained an extraordinary reputation and as Riverside Luxury Cruises they have now added to their collection three very special river vessels, Mozart on the Danube, Ravel on the Rhône and Saône, and Debussy on the Rhine.
With an excellent crew-to-guest ratio, butler service in all staterooms, amazing excursions and a wealth of delectable dining choices, the Riverside product really stands out in the crowded European river cruise market.
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Cruises to Book Now
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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
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From £13,300 per guest
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