New players are changing the face of luxury cruising – following Ponant, Scenic and Emerald, high-end hotel groups are heading to the high seas with superyacht-style ships. What does it mean for advisors and clients?
The evolution of the luxury cruise market over the past decade or so means there is more choice of operators, ships and styles of sailing than ever before – which is attracting younger, affluent travellers as well as cashed-up baby boomers.
The arrival of Ponant’s sleek Sisterships and Explorers between 2010 and 2020 marked a major shift in the look and style of luxury cruising. Resembling private motor-yachts favoured by billionaires, Ponant’s ships were – and still are – smaller and more informal than those operated by classic luxury lines such as Crystal, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea.
Another recent entrant into the luxury cruise market is Explora Journeys, which says that its gorgeous ships are “designed to feel like your own private yacht”.
The Explora series is considerably larger than classic luxury and new superyacht-style ships, hosting up to 922 guests – but it’s all about the vibe, experience and service.
There’s no doubt about it: superyacht cruising is go. The first sailings of Scenic Group’s show-stopping new Scenic Ikon in 2008 have already sold out, and she is still being built. Between now and 2028, a fabulous collection of these new ships is due to set sail – here are the vital stats.
Scenic
In case you missed the news last week, Scenic Group has announced the launch of its new-generation Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon.
The 205-metre-long, 24-metre-wide yacht will accommodate up to 270 guests in 135 all-balcony suites that range from 34 to 250 square metres. Every suite will have butler service and fares will include just about everything.
Among Scenic Ikon’s outstanding features are 15 dining venues, a bar stocked with more than 150 whiskies, a two-deck spa, two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters and a nine-guest Triton AVA-9 submersible that is designed to operate in both tropical and polar regions.
Following her maiden voyage from Venice on 7 April 2028, Scenic Ikon will sail in the Mediterranean, Aegean, Egypt, Cape Verde Islands, Dakar, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and Chilean Fjords until March 2029.
Super Earlybird offers include a complimentary helicopter flight on select voyages.
Emerald Cruises
Scenic Group’s sister brand Emerald has also been at the forefront of the superyacht scene since launching the super-stylish Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara in 2022 and 2023.
The 110-guest vessels will be joined by the 128-guest Emerald Kaia, Emerald Raia and Emerald Xara in 2026 and 2027; Emerald Kaia’s maiden voyage from Cyprus to Greece departs on 4 April 2026.
Emerald Yachts sail in warm-weather destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Red Sea and the Seychelles, where their extensive marina platforms are put to full use. Water toys include Seabobs, inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, and snorkelling equipment; ebikes are available for exploring ports.
Accommodation ranges from generously sized owners’ suites with huge private terraces to balcony suites and oceanview staterooms. Dining, drinking and lounging spaces include La Cucina Dining & Terrace, Amici Bar & Lounge, the Aqua Pool and Sky Deck and the new Observation Deck.
Fares include complimentary wine, beers, cocktails and soft drinks, some shore excursions and staff gratuities.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The high-end hotel group’s third elegant yacht, Luminara, launched in July 2025. Shortly afterwards, Sebastian Seward, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s VP and General Manager Asia Pacific, was in Sydney to open a new regional office.
Seward says the company is looking at opportunities to bring one of its yachts to local waters – meanwhile, Evrima and Luminara will sail in French Polynesia, Hawaii and Asia Pacific for the first time between October 2026 and April 2027.
The 242-metre Luminara is the largest of the trio, accommodating up to 452 guests in 226 massive suites; the 190-metre Evrima has 224 suites and 241-metre Ilma has 149. Each superyacht offers a range of stunning balcony (terrace) suites, a selection of fine-dining venues, bars and lounges, plus a spa and fitness centre and aft marinas stocked with water toys.
The three yachts also sail in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Central America, and Alaska.
Four Seasons Yachts
Four Seasons I is due to make her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean in March 2026, helmed by Captain Kate McCue, of Celebrity Cruises (and social media) fame; Four Seasons II is slated to launch in 2028.
The 207-metre-long, 27-metre-wide yachts each have 95 enormous all-balcony suites over 15 decks – the balconies alone measure from 9.3 sqm (for a deluxe suite) to a staggering 457 sqm for the dramatic four-deck Funnel Suite. Each superyacht accommodates a maximum of 190 guests, who will enjoy the highest space per guest ratio at sea.
Among the yachts’ exceptional features are 11 dining options, a 20-metre swimming pool and an onboard transverse marina that boasts expansive openings across the vessel from port to starboard.
Following her inaugural season in the Mediterranean, Four Seasons I will sail in the Caribbean. Itineraries are customisable with pre- and post-hotel and overland programs at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Orient Express Sailing Yachts
Orient Express Corinthian, the largest sailing yacht in the world, is embarking on her maiden season in the Mediterranean and Adriatic in June 2026.
The 222-metre yacht will be the first to deploy the SolidSail system, three massive rigid sails set on tilting masts that significantly reduce the use of its engines.
While she is a technical and engineering marvel, Orient Express Corinthian promises an ultra-luxe experience for a maximum of 120 guests. Fifty-four suites, ranging from 45 sqm to 230 sqm (not all have balconies), are designed to evoke the “golden age of travel” with bespoke, Art Deco-style furniture and furnishings.
Onboard features include five restaurants and private dining spaces – under the direction of Orient Express train’s renowned chef Yannick Alléno – several bars, two swimming pools, a library, cinema, spa and watersports marina.
Mediterranean cruises range from two to eight nights and can be combined into longer itineraries. From October, Orient Express Corinthian will sail in the Caribbean. A sister ship, Orient Express Olympian, is scheduled to arrive in 2027.
Aman at Sea
Guests sailing on the Aman Group’s Amangati can expect to enjoy the “Aman way of life”, which is all about privacy, generosity of space and gracious hospitality.
Amangati’s inaugural season is set to be in the Mediterranean, with bookings opening later this year; reservations for private charter groups are available now.
The 183-metre yacht will accommodate up to 94 guests in 47 exquisitely minimalistic suites that will be among the largest in the industry. They range from 49.4 sqm to 183.2 sqm; each has an expansive private terrace, some with plunge pools, and all are serviced by a dedicated host (similar to a butler).
Dining options onboard Amangati will include Nama, Aman’s signature Japanese restaurant; an informal, all-day Mediterranean venue; and an Aman Grill.
The Aman Spa will feature a Japanese garden and treatment rooms opening to al fresco terraces and whirlpool baths, and the marina at the stern will offer direct ocean access along with yoga, meditation and other wellness activities.
For more information, visit Ponant, Explora Journeys, Scenic, Emerald Cruises, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons Yachts, Orient Express Sailing Yachts, Amangati.
