4 luxury hospitality giants have now unveiled ultra-luxury 'yacht' cruises — see what it means to set sail with Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons

• Luxury hospitality companies have been expanding into the cruise industry.

• Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Aman, and Orient Express have all recently announced or begun operating cruise lines.

• See what it'll be like sailing aboard these four luxury company's "yachts."

Massive luxury hospitality brands like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are increasingly pursuing life at sea with new cruise brands.

And unlike traditional cruise lines, these high-end companies are all promising glitzy cruise vessels (or "yachts" as they call it) with amenities like helipads and restaurants designed by Michelin-starred chefs.

It's clear these brands, which include the likes of Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, are targeting a different demographic from companies like Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Let's take a closer look at the four new players.

1. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

In October 2022, iconic luxury hotel company Ritz-Carlton launched its first cruise ship, the 623-foot Evrima.

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

Source: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Insider

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

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

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

… and dining venues like the "S.E.A" designed by the chef of Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg's three Michelin-star restaurant.

From the water misting on the pool deck to the cold towels offered to guests when they first board the ship, travelers can expect the typical Ritz-Carlton treatment at sea.

We're less than a year out from the nascent cruise line's entry into service but Ritz-Carlton already has plans to expand this cruise arm.

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

Source: Insider

2. Four Seasons Yachts

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

We're still two-and-a-half years from Four Seasons Yachts' late 2025 debut but the hotel giant has already revealed a handful of details about its first unnamed ship.

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

Each suite — which ranges up to a four-level 9,600-square-foot accommodation with a private spa and pool — will cost about $4.2 million to build.

These suites will accommodate the ship's 11 bars and restaurants, spa, and like the Ritz-Carlton, 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

Aman Resorts has locations around the world and the title of operating New York City's most expensive hotel.

Source: Bloomberg

In 2025, it'll 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 600-foot ship with 50 balcony-lined suites.

Aman hasn't released full details about the project 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.

Source: Accor Group

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

To target high-income travelers, the cruise ship will have accommodations like a 15,000-square-foot suite with a 5,700-square-foot terrace.

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

Read the original article on Business Insider