March 11, 2026
There has been a shift in cruising in recent years. Where someone might have previously said they weren’t a “cruiser,” those same people have found alternatives to packed pools, expensive drinks, kids running wild and all you can eat buffets. Enter Ultra Luxury Cruising. There is certainly a demand in the market for smaller ships that are tailored to a highly-luxurious experience at sea. The word yacht evokes a very different feeling from the word cruise. With these ships comes an opportunity for privacy, personalization and access to smaller ports, where service ratios feel more like a private club than a floating mall. They are ideal for milestone birthdays and empty nesters. Let’s get into some of the lines that people are talking about.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (RCYC)

The all suite design is the first thing of note for this line. The rooms are larger and there are no inside rooms. While there is a kids club (serving up to age 12), RCYC is not kid-focused and does not tailor the experience to kids and their activities. On the contrary, everything is built for the adults in the room. The entertainment, service levels, aesthetic, culinary program – everything you get at the hotels is carried through the yachts.

Aqua Expeditions

Serving as the adventure luxury cruise line in the bunch, Aqua Expeditions has it’s niche with travel to the Amazon, Galapagos and Indonesia. These ships are for the travelers who want to kayak or scuba dive after breakfast and drink champagne at sunset. They are much smaller than RCYC, and serving around 16-40 guests max. They are small, design-forward expedition yachts. This line could be a fit for couples and families who love nature, appreciate curated, private experiences and want a very unique experience that they might not otherwise be able to find.

Four Seasons Yachts

Brand new for 2026, Four Seasons has entered the room with lots of anticipation and excitement. Maxing out at 190 guests, these ships are smaller than RCYC and feature one of the largest suites in cruise history (starting at 500 square feet). They are designed to feel more like a luxury hotel room rather than a cruise ship cabin. With pricing based on cabin rather than per passenger and dining and drinks priced à la carte instead of an all inclusive rate, as is typical on cruises. It’s a little more relaxed, when comparing the two, and is more space-focused. I know we are all looking forward to hearing more since the maiden voyage in January. Itineraries are focused on the Mediterranean and Caribbean to start.

Aman At Sea

If you thought things couldn’t get more extravagant, think again. Aman is here. If you are familiar with the hotel brand, you know it’s the top of the top. Sailings start Spring 2027, and in their own words “Aman at Sea extends Aman’s enduring philosophy of peace, privacy, and intuitive service to the open ocean aboard its inaugural yacht, Amangati – Sanskrit for ‘peaceful motion.’ Welcoming just 94 guests across 47 expansive suites, the luxury motor yacht is conceived as a sanctuary, defined by unmatched space and an atmosphere of profound seclusion.”

Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is a luxury lifestyle brand launched by MSC group. Again, the vibe here is more floating luxury hotel rather than what most might envision when they hear the word “cruise.” They feature an all suite ship, each with a private terrace, a wellness-focused experience with multiple dining venues available and a nearly 1:1 guest to crew ratio. With larger ships than some of the luxury yachts (461 guest rooms), Explora would be guests wanting something larger with more freedom and flexibility, while still remaining a luxury, yacht-style experience.

Orient Express Yachts

On the other end of the spectrum, the well-known Orient Express brand, based on their popular luxury train experience, has expanded into the sea with Orient Express Yachts. With only 54 luxury suites, Orient Express Silenseas cabins range from 750 to 1400 square feet. Journeys begin sailing in May 2026.

Choosing the right luxury yacht is about far more than selecting a suite online. It is about securing the right sailing, the right category, and the right advantages before they disappear. As a luxury cruise specialist, I provide insider access, preferred partner amenities, and VIP perks that are not available when booking direct. That can include priority waitlist positioning, potential suite upgrades, onboard credits, hosted events, dining preferences secured in advance, and personalized pre and post cruise planning. I also monitor pricing, manage changes, and advocate for you every step of the way. These sailings are intimate and inventory is limited. Having an expert in your corner ensures you are not just booked, but perfectly positioned for the best possible experience from the moment you step onboard.

Current Promotions

While most cruise sites make it very easy to book your own cruise, I want to let you in on a secret: booking with a travel advisor can get you many extras for the same amount of money paid. Sometimes you will end up paying less. Here are a few current promotions.

• The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – Guests who book a voyage by March 31, 2026, will receive a US$300 onboard credit per suite, applicable across all voyages and all suite categories
• Aqua Expeditions – 15-30% savings on certain cabins and voyages booked by March 31
• Check with me on additional promotions as they come and go frequently

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Email Chrissy at chrissy.jenkins@fora.travel to get started OR fill out an intake form here.