Tl;dr – Over the last few years, several luxury hotel brands have spun out cruising options. Let’s review.
We’re rapidly approaching peak fancy-hotel-chain-starts-sailing-boats. I recently wrote about the launch of the Ritz-Carlton’s third yacht and Four Seasons’s first. I thought it’d be worthwhile to take a look at all the luxury hotel chains that are currently offering water-based vacations.
Now, please join me in opening up your checkbook and signing this appendage release:
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – With three boats in its fleet, two of which are already sailing, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection feels the most established here, though we’re very much in the early innings. From Alaska to Asia, Northern Europe and the Baltics, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or even transocean – whatever your fancy, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection might have a voyage to match.
Four Seasons – Though the Four Seasons I has yet to set sail, its debut is expected in January 2026. If all goes as planned, the ship will travel to over 100 destinations next year. However, this is the Four Seasons’ second on-seas cruiser, as the forgotten bastard stepchild, the Four Seasons Explorer, has, for a couple of years now, ferried ambitious scuba divers to Palau. (After a noble effort in the Maldives). I know what you’re thinking. Palau? Yes, Palau. Oh, you’re new here? We go deep at You Are Travel!
Aman – This story is eerily similar to the Four Seasons above. Aman is scheduled to launch its first boat, the 47-suite luxury motor yacht ‘Amangati,’ within the next two years. Coincidentally, Aman also has a child, ‘the next town over’ by the name of Amandira; it’s a private yacht that will take you around Indonesia, including Komodo Island and another popular diving destination in Raja Ampat.
As for the name ‘Amangati’? Believe it or not, it’s actually a marbled-mouth mashup of “Aman Yacht-i,” which would make sense as it’s rumored that this ‘baller boating’ idea was conceived in partnership with Miles Parks McCollum, aka noted Atlanta-based rapper ‘Lil Yachty.”
Orient Express – Fresh off the debut of its “La Dolce Vita” train line, Orient Express from Accor is also getting into the sea game with the announcement of the Orient Express Corinthian, which will allegedly be the “world’s largest luxury sailing yacht.” (I have to imagine this title only contemplates commercial use purposes). This sailing yacht will travel around the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Oberoi Hotels – Oberoi Hotels currently has the Nile River cruise game on lock with the Oberoi Zahra, its luxury Nile Cruiser. The hotel chain will also launch a second vessel, the Oberoi Melouk and Malekat, which is scheduled for this October.
Belmond – Belmond offers several river cruises that will allow you to see more of France onboard its ‘luxury floating villas.’
Hyatt? – Yes, Hyatt. Well, sort of. The Alila Purnama is my favorite, possibly defunct pirate ship that is very forward about letting you know that it does not participate in the World of Hyatt program. (As if I had enough points too…never mind). I say possibly defunct, because the last time I checked on this (prior to writing this article) there wasn’t much news about the happening or whereabouts of this luxury wooden Phinisi boat for a few years now. However, I think I’ve uncovered a dirty little secret. I think that this ship is one and the same as the Amandira.
Could there be two luxury Phinisi ships? Of course, that said, look at the latest sailing schedule. Komodo, Raja Ampat. Me thinks we sail with the Alila flag one week, and the Aman flag the next.
Regent Seven Seas – Before you ‘@’ me, yes, I know I’m cheating with this one. Regent Hotels and Regent Seven Seas share the same brand and were both once part of Carlson Companies (yes, the same Carlson Companies of Radisson Hotels fame); Carlson no longer owns either entity. Regent Hotels is an IHG brand, and Norwegian Cruise Line owns Regent Seven Seas. With over 100 voyages a year, though, Regent might be the look if you’re looking to cruise a bit more upscale.
By the way, Carlson, can we discuss the fumble here? Regent Seven Seas and Regent Hotels? I imagine Carlson ‘got the bag,’ but I wonder if anyone there is thinking ‘what could have been?”
Ok, we’re done.
