High-end hotel brands are increasingly entering the world of cruise. Here’s the lowdown on the properties proving there’s no barrier between luxury living from land to ship.
Like global luxury hoteliers Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient-Express, and Aman, the Hilton group is investing millions in the cruise market.
But whereas the other brands are going to sea with state-of-the-art superyachts, Hilton is building an ultra-luxe river ship – the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience.
The five-deck ship, which is due to welcome guests in 2026, will have 29 elegantly appointed suites, a fitness centre and spa, and Waldorf Astoria’s signature Peacock Alley brasserie.
Hilton Luxury Brand Global Head and Senior VP Dino Michael says, “Waldorf Astoria is in an incredible new era of luxury, creating unforgettable, immersive experiences in the most sought-after destinations.”
Continuing its successful launch into ocean cruising with its first superyacht Evrima, in 2022, followed by Ilma in 2024, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s third superyacht is set to make her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean at the beginning of July.
Luminara is the largest of the fleet, accommodating up to 452 guests.
After her inaugural season in the Med, she will sail in South Africa and Asia from November 2025 until May 2026 – the closest she’ll get to Australia, at this stage. Luminara will then be in Alaska from May to September 2026.
Four Seasons’ first oceangoing yacht is set to make her maiden voyage in January 2026, in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles islands.
Helmed by former Celebrity Cruises captain (and social media star) Kate McCue, the eagerly awaited Four Seasons I will accommodate up to 190 guests who will enjoy a very high space-per-guest ratio and an equally impressive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio.
Four Seasons I will bring “Michelin-calibre dining to the sea”, with 11 restaurants and lounges that include a champagne and caviar bar.
Other distinctive features are a 20-metre pool and the futuristic four-level Funnel Suite, which boasts an extraordinary 898 square metres of indoor and outdoor space.
A sister ship is due to set sail in 2008, a year later than previously announced – Four Seasons II will cost more than 400 million euros to build.
The 220-metre Orient Express Corinthian will be the world’s biggest sailing yacht when she makes her debut in June 2026 – and unlike other superyachts, she will be powered largely by sails, albeit revolutionary rigid ones. When there’s not enough wind, hybrid engines will power the mighty vessel.
Orient Express says Corinthian was conceived as a floating palace, and her interior designs are inspired by the golden age of the classic Orient Express train.
She will accommodate a maximum of 110 guests in 54 exquisitely appointed suites that range in size from 45 to 225 square metres; the biggest is the two-bedroom suite named Agatha Christie.
However, guests have the option of booking all six suites on Deck 7, to form the incredibly grand Penthouse for the ultimate in exclusivity for up to 22 guests.
Orient Express Corinthian will cruise in the Mediterranean and Adriatic from June until October 2026 – bookings for her Caribbean season have not yet been released – and a sister ship is due to launch in early 2027.
Asia-based Aman hotelier group has partnered with Cruise Saudi to build Amangati, a 47-suite luxury motor yacht that is scheduled to launch in mid-2027.
Meaning “peaceful motion” in Sanskrit, the glamorous vessel is designed to be a sanctuary at sea, offering the immaculate service and exclusivity of Aman’s properties in the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Standout features we know about so far include the elegant Aman spa (complete with a Japanese garden), two helipads and an extensive aft marina called the Beach Club.
Amangati’s inaugural season will be in the Mediterranean – we can’t wait to tell you more.
For more information, visit Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient-Express, Aman and Hilton.
