News flash: you don’t have to choose between being a cruise person or a hotel buff after all. With the advent of hotel brands launching their own ships, you can enjoy five star hotels atop the waves. From Ritz-Carlton to Four Seasons to Africa’s sustainably-committed andBeyond, hotel-infused and hotel-branded cruise options up the ante for swanky forays across the deep blue sea.
Four Seasons Yachts
Four Seasons fans the world over await the first embarkation of Four Seasons l, the first vessel to set sail under the first-in-class Canadian hotel brand’s banner. With a promise of the same level of legendary service and attention to detail as the nearly 200 peerless hotels, the ship makes its debut in January 2026, charting a course across the Mediterranean Sea. During its first year, the suites-only yacht will explore more than 130 distinct destinations across more than 30 countries and territories. Expect top-of-the-line amenities in the 95 staterooms, all brandishing 50% more living space per guest than currently is available from any competitor at sea. Suites embrace sea views through immense floor-to-ceiling windows, made yet more airy via expansive private terraces. Book the yacht’s top-tier Funnel Suite, which encompasses 9,975-square-feet within the ship’s glass-enclosed front funnel portion. The room spans four levels, each sheathed with wrap-around windows, engineered to provide jaw dropping 280 degree views of the horizon. Enjoy inimitable Shore and Sea experiences from Culture to Culinary, led by local experts with niche interests, including folklorists, geologists—even cricketing legends. Dine from 11 onboard culinary options and partake of world class entertainment and wellness.
Courtesy of andBeyond
andBeyond
Safari lovers return to the bush again and again with andBeyond, a South African-based safari company applauded as pioneers in luxury sustainable travel. Its exemplar lodges and camps across Africa, Asia and South America prioritize people, wildlife and the care of the land ensuring a top level conservation record. They joined the marine space in 2024 with andBeyond Galapagos Explorer, a 124-foot expedition vessel that delivers a safari-like expertise at sea thoughtful pampering during seven night itineraries. Intimate, the ship accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in just four cabins, and two suites. Book this expedition ship as a private charter (perfect for team meetings) or per cabin. Birdwatchers and wanderlusters will want to book andBeyond Amazon Explorer when it joins the brand’s portfolio in 2026. The ship, with space for a maximum of 32 guests in 112 luxury rooms and suites, voyages from Peru’s Nauta into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, situated in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Choose from three, four and seven-night itineraries built to showcase the region’s array of wildlife from sloths to caiman—not to mention the opportunity to fish for piranha. Based on the Beach Club footprint of many ocean-going yachts, Amazon Explorer addresses relaxation with comfortable common areas and well being via a state-of-the-art gym and spa.
News flash: you don’t have to choose between being a cruise person or a hotel buff after all.
Virgin Voyages
Richard Branson eschews norms—albeit in a ritzy, even dignified way. Ever progressive, he has delighted in being a “disruptor,” re-thinking his various ventures and the re-inventing the concept of luxury whether in air travel, swish hotels—and now with his cruise company, Virgin Voyages. A separate company within the larger Virgin Group, not a direct evolution from Virgin Hotels, Virgin Voyages, infinitely chic, nevertheless summons the vibe of Branson’s buzzy hotel brand. Luxurious and adults-only, with a fleet known as the “Lady Ships,” (a nod to Virgin’s British heritage), Virgin Voyages premieres its newest vessel in September: Brilliant Lady, launching from New York City. She’ll offer longer itineraries to new brand (to Virgin) destinations, such as the Panama Canal and Alaska. The ship will offer more than twenty award-winning eateries, Virgin Voyage’s signature red balcony hammocks and a slew of new entertainment, like a cool-kid Red Room that references Virgin Records archives.
Photos below courtesy of Virgin and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Their global campaign “Unlike the Rest” says it all. With the (reasonable) assumption that no two travelers or voyages are alike, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection seeks to conjure bespoke magic for guests. With its third superyacht (Luminara) sweeping onto the maritime scene in July, the brand expands its influence as a premier hotel at sea. Stretching 794 feet, the sleek ship has space for 452 guests, though its abundant nooks and snugs ensures an ambiance of intimacy.. Roomy suites, like oases on the water, flaunt elegant decor. Be indulged on board with a variety of world-class dining, a wine vault, The Ritz-Carlton Spa® and an expanded marina that provides direct access to the sea. This summer choose from a curated selection of 53 itineraries. You’ll disembark at novel ports of call and experience unparalleled shore excursions. Those intrigued with Northern Europe should book Ilma’s summertime foray that traverses the North and Baltic Seas. ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com