For those who swore they’d never cruise. Discover the hotel-branded “yachts” that are changing everything.
Hotel-branded “yachts
At MTY Luxury Travel, we began as true “never cruisers.” The kind of travelers who swore we’d never step foot on a cruise ship. Then, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection changed everything. Seven nights in the Aegean on the Ilma transformed us from skeptics into frequent “yachters,” opening up an entirely new way to experience ultra-luxury travel.
Now, Ritz-Carlton is joined by icons like the Four Seasons, Orient Express, and Aman, ushering in a new era of intimate, yacht-style voyages. These are not traditional cruises. They are curated journeys at sea, designed for travelers who demand refinement, exclusivity, and surprise in every detail.
At MTY Luxury Travel, we help fellow “never cruisers” rethink their never. By focusing exclusively on the hotel-branded ultra-luxury “yacht” experiences, we curate seamless, highly personalized journeys that feel nothing like a cruise and everything like the best decision you never thought you’d make. And, you can be confident in your choice knowing that at MTY Luxury Travel we’ll always give you our straightforward advice and honest feedback on the hotel-branded yachts, including their strengths as well as any areas for improvement.
Let’s address one detail right away: you may notice that we often place the word “yacht” in quotes. That’s because while these hotel-branded ships are designed to deliver a yacht-like experience — intimate, elegant, and nothing like traditional cruises — they are not private yachts reserved exclusively for one family or group and their invited guests (unless, of course, you buy-out the entire ship). By using “yacht” in quotes, we acknowledge both the elevated, yacht-inspired journey you’ll enjoy and the distinction from privately owned vessels most people picture when they hear the word. Call them what you will — yachts, superyachts, ultra-luxury cruises, ultra-luxury ships — we won’t argue. What matters is knowing that this ultra-luxury alternative to traditional cruising exists, and that it can remove the barriers that once held you back from experiencing the beauty of the sea.
With that out of the way, are you ready to rethink your “never”?
Hotel-Branded “Yachts”: Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient Express and Aman
Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection
Ritz-Carlton was the first hotel brand to bet big on the water. And it’s paying off. With Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara, they’ve set the benchmark for what this new style of ultra-luxury travel looks like: polished design, big airy suites (all with terraces), and the signature Ritz-Carlton service you’d expect, but on the scale of a private yacht.
Evrima (149 suites; 298 guests; 0.85 : 1 crew to guest ratio; 25,400 gross tonnage)
Ilma (224 suites; 448 guests; 0.85 : 1 crew to guest ratio; 46,750 gross tonnage)
Luminara (226 suites, 452 guests, 0.85 : 1 crew to guest ratio; 46,750 gross tonnage)
Voyage Duration: 3 nights to 14 nights
Itineraries: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Africa, Asia, Alaska
Pricing: From approximately USD $3,500 per suite per night for Terrace Suite to approximately USD $15,000 per suite per night for Owner’s Suite. All inclusive except one specialty dining option, shore excursions, spa treatments and private fitness treatments.
Four Seasons Yachts
Debuting in March 2026, the Four Seasons Yacht I will be one of the most exclusive ships at sea. With just 95 suites, it’s intentionally intimate and designed to replicate the “yacht” lifestyle. All suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces, starting with the 473 square foot Seaview Suite up to the 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 5,057 square foot Funnel Suite.
Four Seasons Yacht I (95 suites, 218 guests, 1 : 1 crew to guest ratio, 34,000 gross tonnage)
Voyage Duration: 5 nights to 14 nights; launching March 2026 (booking open now)
Itineraries: Mediterranean, Caribbean
Pricing: From approximately USD $3,500 per suite per night for Seaview Suite to approximately USD $30,000 per suite per night for 3 bedroom, 3 bath Loft Suite. Funnel Suite pricing available upon request. Breakfast and non-alcoholic drinks included; all other meals and alcoholic drinks a la carte.
Orient Express Sailing Yachts
The Orient Express Corinthian is pure romance. Launching in June 2026, this 110-guest luxury sailing yacht leans into the golden age of travel. Think Art Deco glamour meets French refinement, set to the rhythm of billowing sails. The vibe here is timeless and deeply personal, perfect for travelers who crave the intimacy of sailing without giving up any luxury.
Corinthian (54 suites; 118 guests; 1.3 : 1 crew to guest ratio; 26,600 gross tonnage)
Voyage Duration: 2 nights to 14 nights; launching June 2026 (bookings open now)
Itineraries: Mediterranean, Caribbean
Pricing: From approximately € 5,000 per night for the Suite Panoramique to approximately € 24,300 per night for the two bedroom Agatha Christie Suite. All inclusive except optional shore excursions, spa treatments and private fitness treatments.
Aman at Sea
Aman at Sea is scheduled to launch its first yacht in Spring 2027 with the Amangati. If you know Aman, you know the vibe: serenity, simplicity, and intentional design that strips away the noise. Imagine that ethos afloat. This is about retreating into calm, understated luxury while drifting from one horizon to the next.
Amangati (47 suites; 94 guests; 2 : 1 crew to guest ratio; 23,000 gross tonnage)
Voyage Duration: To be announced, Winter 2026; launching Spring 2027
Itineraries: To be announced, Winter 2026
Bookings: Opening Winter 2026 (full-ship charter available to book now)
Pricing: To be announced, Winter 2026
FAQs
What is a hotel-branded “yacht”?
Think of everything you don’t like about traditional cruises: crowded decks, endless buffets, long lines, cookie-cutter cabins. Now, erase it.
A hotel-branded yacht is the glow-up: sleek ships created by names you already trust — Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient Express, Aman — offering yacht-like experiences by bringing their five-star standards and private-club vibes to the sea. It’s fewer guests, more space, impeccable service, and yes, champagne on the marina deck.
Basically, it’s your favorite luxury hotel . . . only it floats.
What distinguishes hotel-branded “yachts” from traditional cruise lines?
While both offer premium experiences, hotel-branded “yachts” are in a league of their own. Here’s why:
Intimacy & Scale
Traditional luxury cruise ships often carry close to a thousand guests or even more. Hotel-branded yachts, by contrast, host only a few hundred (or fewer) guests creating a truly private, club-like atmosphere.Brand Standards You Already Trust
These yachts are designed and operated by world-renowned hospitality icons—Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient Express, and Aman. They bring their signature service, design, and attention to detail from land to sea.Personalized Service
With fewer guests, crew-to-guest ratios are exceptionally high. Every detail, from dining to excursions, is tailored to your preferences.Curated Experiences
Instead of mass-market itineraries, these voyages focus on immersive destinations, private excursions, and unique cultural encounters, blending the best of yachting with the refinement of a five-star resort.Atmosphere
Where traditional luxury cruises can still feel like “big ships,” hotel-branded yachts feel exclusive, residential, and uncrowded, with dining and activities that mirror a private members’ club or Michelin-level retreat.
In short, hotel-branded yachts deliver the familiar luxury of a five-star hotel combined with the freedom and intimacy of a private yacht—something traditional cruise ships, even at the luxury tier, simply can’t replicate.
Aren’t hotel-branded yachts just cruises with better marketing and branding?
It may seem that way at first glance, but in reality, they’re a completely different category of travel.
Scale & Atmosphere
Traditional luxury cruise ships may carry a thousand or more guests. Hotel-branded yachts host only a few hundred, or fewer, creating an intimate, private-club feel that simply can’t be replicated on larger vessels.Service & Standards
These yachts are operated by world-renowned hospitality leaders like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient Express, and Aman. They bring the same uncompromising service, design, and attention to detail you’d expect from their flagship properties on land.Experience Beyond Branding
While the branding is familiar, what truly sets them apart are the curated itineraries, uncrowded spaces, Michelin-level dining, and immersive cultural excursions. They’re designed for travelers who want the best of both worlds: the comfort of a five-star resort and the adventure of a private yacht voyage.Value Beyond the Price Tag
Yes, they sit at the higher end of the market, but the experience is not about “paying more for the name.” It’s about accessing a level of intimacy, personalization, and authenticity that traditional cruises, even luxury ones, aren’t built to deliver.
In short, these aren’t just cruises with better logos. They’re a new way to travel by sea, redefining what “luxury cruising” even means.
How do each of the hotel-branded yachts differ?
Unlike traditional luxury cruise line brands which often feel interchangeable with only minor differences, each of the hotel brands has gone to great lengths to bring a distinct style and experience to the sea. While all of the hotel-branded yachts will exceed your expectations, each of them has a distinct design, feel and character that makes them unique.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection feels like stepping onto your favorite Ritz-Carlton hotel: spacious, modern suites with terraces, world-class dining, and impeccable service in a relaxed, residential atmosphere. With three ships and the only hotel-branded yacht that has launched to date , its worldwide itineraries have unmatched reach in this category.
Four Seasons Yachts leans into modern design and wellness, with innovative spaces, expansive suites, and the brand’s trademark focus on personalized service and effortless living. With suites that go up to three bedrooms in size, your family or friend group can have its own private villa at sea while having the benefits of the Four Seasons’ five star service.
Orient Express Sailing Yachts, the only sailing vessel in the category, captures French refinement, romance and heritage, with dramatic sails, boutique-size ships, and unique onboard experiences like speakeasies and cabaret lounges, ideal for travelers who want the journey to feel as captivating as the destination. It is the perfect choice for a honeymoon or milestone anniversary or birthday celebration.
Aman at Sea is a floating sanctuary: serene, design-led, and wellness-focused. It mirrors the tranquility of Aman resorts, with minimalist luxury, intimate spaces, and a deep sense of calm.
How much do voyages on the hotel-branded yachts cost and what is included?
Pricing for these voyages depends on the length of the itinerary, the demand for the sailing, and the suite you choose. As a general guide, the nightly rate per suite is higher than traditional luxury cruise lines, but with good reason. Even the entry-level suites on hotel-branded yachts rival what would be considered a top-tier upgrade on most cruise ships. Add to that the spacious design, far fewer guests, and an atmosphere of true exclusivity, and the value becomes clear.
Below are rough approximations of the range of nightly pricing per suite (not per person) on each of the four hotel-branded yachts, all of which are subject to change and are not final until a booking is complete. Shore excursions and spa/wellness treatments on all yachts are at an additional cost (except for select excursions included on certain itineraries and complimentary perks/benefits secured for you when booking with The Never Cruiser).
Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection: from approximately USD $3,500 per night for a Terrace Suite to approximately USD $15,000 per night for the Owner’s Suite. All inclusive, except cost of excursions and an additional fee for dining at one dining venue on each ship.
Four Seasons Yachts: from approximately USD $3,500 per night for a Seaview Suite to approximately USD $30,000 per night for a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom Loft Suite. Funnel Suite pricing available upon request. Inclusive of daily breakfast. All other dining charged a la carte.
Orient Express Sailing Yachts: from approximately € 5,000 per night for the Suite Panoramique to approximately € 24,300 per night for the two bedroom Agatha Christie Suite. All inclusive.
Aman at Sea: Pricing available Winter 2026.
What is the guest capacity on each of the hotel-branded “yachts”?
Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection:
Evrima: 149 suites/298 guests
Ilma: 224 suites/448 guests
Luminara: 226 suites/452 guests
Four Seasons Yacht I: 95 suites/approximately 210 guests
Orient Express Corinthian: 54 suites/approximately 118 guests
Amangati: 47 suites/approximately 94 guests