by Mark Chesnut
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Fri November 14, 2025
Traveling by yacht has always been a grand way to see the
world. But now, several high-profile brands have upped the ante with a wave of
new options for indulging at sea.
Among the biggest new entrants are Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton
and Orient Express, names long synonymous with upscale hospitality experiences
on land, as well as Kensington, which recently expanded its Villas and Yachts division and
launched Kensington Expeditions,
a brand that fuses land exploration with private vessel charters.
Nikki McGregory, owner of Nik of Time Travel in
Chesapeake, Va., is among the travel advisors welcoming the new offerings. “When
legends like Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons drop anchor in the cruise world,
they’re not just building ships — they’re creating floating five-star
resorts,” she said. “That vibe fits my clients perfectly. It’s the seamless ‘from
penthouse to penthouse suite’ lifestyle that makes a [client’s] heart skip a
beat.”
Sarah Thompson, CEO and founder of Luxama Travel in Port St. Lucie,
Florida, agrees about the appeal of well-established hospitality brands
entering the yacht and cruise segment. “Luxury is no longer limited to where
you sleep at night,” she said. “Travel is becoming 360 degrees for luxury
brands; not only are they the hotels you stay in, the bedsheets you sleep on and
the robes you wrap yourself in. Now they are also the yachts you can travel the
world aboard. For many clients, if you’re already a fan of the hotel collection
itself, putting it on water is the next best thing.”
Four Seasons is Set
to Sail
The first vessel in the Four Seasons Yachts collection,
the Four Seasons I, is a prime example of sailing in style. Launching in 2026,
the ship is the result of a partnership with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings and
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The yacht will feature 95 residential-style
suites, 11 dining venues and a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio.
Among its standout features are two retractable platforms
for watersports and other activities, as well as an interior bar and lounge
area. Itineraries will include dedicated “Marina Days” in destinations such as
Soufrière Bay, St. Lucia, and Monte Argentario, Italy.
“Guests will explore remarkable destinations, beautiful
bays, and hidden coves while enjoying adventures on kayaks, paddleboards, and
superyacht water toys,” said Tim Littley, Vice President of Itinerary and
Planning at Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings.
Thompson considers the new Four Seasons yacht experience
ideal for several types of travelers. "With expansive suites, thoughtful
kid-friendly touches, and Four Seasons’ hallmark ability to anticipate every
need, this is the yacht collection for families who want to explore the
Mediterranean or Caribbean without compromising comfort or sophistication,” she
said. “It’s also perfect for milestone celebrations- anniversaries, birthdays,
even weddings, where extended family can come together in one seamless, five-star
environment.”
New from The
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which debuted in 2022, is expanding with
Ilma and introducing new Caribbean itineraries for the 2026–2027 winter season.
Each of its 224 suites has a private terrace, and the ship also features a pool
deck and multiple restaurants with menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs.
McGregory sailed on the Ilma and reports that it lives up to
the hype — and client expectations. “When my travelers see a name like
Ritz-Carlton, they already know the service will not disappoint,” she said. “That
the accommodations, will not disappoint. That the food, will not disappoint.
It’s instant trust. They don’t have to imagine the level of polish—they’ve felt
it on land, so booking at sea is an easy ‘yes, please.’”
Thompson also praises the brand’s high standards. “Their
fleet feels like stepping into a floating Ritz-Carlton: polished service,
timeless design and curated itineraries that emphasize cultural immersion,” she
said. “For my clients who are drawn to old world refinement but want it paired
with modern touches, Ritz-Carlton delivers. It’s ideal for couples or
multi-generational families who want classic luxury with the flexibility of a
yacht’s more intimate setting.”
Four Seasons 1. (Photo Credit: Four Seasons Media)
Kensington in Growth
Mode
Yacht charter sales have increased by 94% year over year,
according to Kensington. That’s especially impressive when considering the
company’s reported 47% surge in bookings in the “first-tier luxury” segment,
which it defines as cruises priced at $2,000 to $3,000 per person, per day. The
highest tier — bookings that exceed $3,000 per person, per day — have
jumped an even more impressive 63.8%.
The recent launch of Kensington Expeditions is a direct
response to increased demand for custom experiences that include land-based
activities and private vessel charters, enhanced with a staff of scientists,
historians and adventurers. Kensington Expedition yacht itineraries include
Indonesia, the Arctic and Antarctica.
High-net-worth travelers represent an exceptionally
resilient market, according to Edita Sgovio, VP of Kensington Yachts &
Expeditions. “Their expectations are high, and they want experiences they can
tell stories about — even boast about,” she said. “They want to make lasting
memories and will be loyal to brands that deliver on those high expectations.”
Other Bespoke
Experiences
Operators in a wide range of destinations continue to expand
their yacht offerings. In Croatia, Unforgettable
Croatia continues to expand its fleet of modern yachts with this year’s
debut of the Aretis, an 18-cabin vessel for up to 36 guests. In Indonesia,
meanwhile, Silolona Sojourns unveiled three
new charter options that visit destinations including the Banda Sea,
Cenderawasih Bay and Raja Ampat. Also operating in Indonesia is Dunia Baru, which offers excursions aboard
its 14-guest, phinisi-style yacht. The vessel is also available for longer
charters in the waters off Thailand and Myanmar.
Thompson notes that choosing the best yacht experience
depends on a variety of personal factors. “Ultimately, the perfect yacht
experience depends on the traveler themselves,” she said. “A young couple
seeking romance may gravitate toward the heritage-rich Orient Express. A
multi-generational family might feel most at home with Four Seasons’ seamless
blend of luxury and comfort. Clients who love classic service and polished
refinement often feel most at ease aboard Ritz-Carlton.”
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