Unlike traditional cruise lines, these high-end companies are all promising glitzy cruise vessels (or “yachts”) with amenities like helipads and restaurants designed by Michelin-starred chefs.

It’s clear these brands are targeting a different demographic from companies like Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Let’s take a closer look at the four new players …

Inside Jeff Bezos’ shiny new US$500 million Koru megayacht and Abeona vessel

1. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The popular new cruise company now has five- to 13-night itineraries into late 2024 with ports of call across Europe, the US, and Central and South America.

No two itineraries, which start at US$3,700, will be the same.

Taking a closer look at the new vessel, the Evrima has 149 suites for almost 300 travellers.

On board amenities include a spa, infinity pools, personal trainers, a marina with access to the ocean …

… and restaurants like S. E. A, designed by Sven Elverfeld, the chef at Ritz-Carlton’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Germany, Aqua.

We’re less than a year on from the nascent cruise line’s launch, but Ritz-Carlton already has plans to expand this cruise arm.

Inside Saudi Arabia’s futuristic luxury travel destination, Neom

In 2024 and 2025, the new brand will build its second and third ships: the Ilma and Luminara, respectively.

2. Four Seasons Yachts

Another competitor in the luxury hotel space, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is also sailing into the yacht-like cruise industry.

The hotel giant has already revealed a handful of details about its first unnamed ship ahead of its 2025 debut.

The 679ft-long vessel will have 95 suites lined with tall ceilings and terraces.

Each suite – which ranges up to a four-level 9,600 sq ft accommodation with a private spa and pool – will cost about US$4.2 million to build.

These suites will accommodate the ship’s 11 bars and restaurants, spa and, like the Ritz-Carlton’s, a marina with water toys.

The ship will be constructed by shipbuilding giant Fincantieri. This Italian company has also built vessels for popular cruise lines like Disney, Carnival and Norwegian.

3. Aman Resorts

5 of the biggest travel trends for 2023, from off-peak to solo trips

In 2025, the brand will grow its ultra-luxurious hospitality footprint into the cruise industry as well.

Aman is working with Cruise Saudi and Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design to build and operate “Project Sama”, a 600ft ship with 50, balcony-lined suites.

Aman hasn’t released full details about the project yet, but we can expect to see unique spaces like a Japanese garden, a beach club with access to the water and two helipads.

4. Orient Express

Unlike the previous three companies, Orient Express isn’t a traditional hotel group.

However, it still holds its ground in the luxury travel world with its famous niche: luxury trains. And soon, maybe cruises as well.

In January, Orient Express announced its plan to build the Silenseas, a luxury cruise ship that’ll sail in 2026.

Like Aman, we don’t have many details on the project yet. However, we do know that this 720ft long vessel will sail with 52 suites, a speakeasy bar and two swimming pools and restaurants.

To target high-income travellers, the cruise ship will have accommodation like a 15,000 sq ft suite with a 5,700 sq ft terrace.

Orient Express has partnered with shipbuilding company Chantiers de l’Atlantique and hotel giant Accor Group for this new project.