Two New Titans on the Waves: Four Seasons & The Ritz-Carlton Redefine Luxury Cruising
In a sea of traditional cruise lines and boutique yacht experiences, two of the world’s most iconic hospitality brands are making big splashes. Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton — names synonymous with five-star hospitality on land — are now extending their pedigree to ultra-luxury cruising. For travelers seeking personalized service, exquisite design, and unforgettable shore experiences, this new generation of sea travel promises to elevate the notion of a voyage to an art form.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: A Proven Pioneer
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was the first luxury hotel brand to translate its legendary service culture to the sea, launching its inaugural yacht Evrima in 2022. With up to three superyachts planned — Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara — Ritz-Carlton has firmly established its cruise presence with elegant, yacht-sized vessels that feel more like private floating estates than conventional cruise ships.
Signature Highlights
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Intimate, residential ambiance — Each yacht carries a few hundred guests in all-suite accommodations with private terraces.
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Exceptional service — Near-one-to-one crew-to-guest ratios and Ritz-Carlton service standards bring the brand’s famed personalized attention onboard.
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Culinary excellence — Multiple gourmet venues — including Michelin-star influenced menus — elevate dining to a highlight of the voyage.
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All-inclusive ease — Fare typically includes meals, fine wines and spirits, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and many onboard activities.
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Curated itineraries — Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada & New England, and other marquee destinations with immersive, long port stays.
Ritz-Carlton’s yachts blend the freedom and intimacy of private yachting with the reliability and polish of a luxury hotel — a combination that resonates with both seasoned cruisers and first-time luxury voyagers.
Four Seasons Yachts: A New Standard in Ultra-Luxury
Slated to launch in late 2025 with the first of its planned fleet — Four Seasons I — Four Seasons Yachts represents the next generation of luxury yachting. Designed with a boutique feel and a hyper-personalized ethos, the fleet will chart unforgettable journeys across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and beyond.
What Sets Four Seasons Apart
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Boutique scale & space — With just 95 suites for ~190 guests, the experience emphasizes privacy, serenity, and exclusivity.
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Spacious design — Each suite boasts expansive terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows; the signature Funnel Suite spans nearly 5,000 sq ft and sets a new benchmark for onboard luxury.
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Cultural and immersive excursions — Experience Concierges craft bespoke on-shore adventures — from private diving excursions to curated culinary, cultural, and wellness experiences. L
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Unmatched onboard amenities — With up to 11 restaurants and lounges, a full-service spa, and a marina platform for water activities, the yachts are designed to be destinations in themselves. Ourisman Travel
Four Seasons’ entrance signals a new chapter in luxury cruising — one where the line between land-based luxury and maritime travel blurs, creating an experience as refined as any flagship hotel. Four Seasons Press Room
Comparing Two Icons of Luxury at Sea
| Feature | Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Four Seasons Yachts |
|---|---|---|
| Launch / Fleet | Operating since 2022 with Evrima, Ilma, Luminara | Debut late 2025 with Four Seasons I |
| Guest Capacity | ~298–450 guests per yacht | ~190 guests |
| All-Inclusive | Yes (meals, drinks, gratuities) | Primarily à-la-carte |
| Dining Venues | Several world-class restaurants | 11+ restaurants & lounges |
| Service & Feel | Yacht-like + casual elegance | Ultra-exclusive, bespoke service |
| Itinerary Style | Diverse global cruising | Focused seasonal Caribbean/Med with deep immersion |
Both offerings deliver exceptional luxury — but with distinct flavors. Ritz-Carlton’s experience blends the warmth and familiarity of its land hotels with yacht-style voyages, while Four Seasons promises a more intimate, highly curated adventure tailored to ultra-discerning travelers. StarsDesk+1
Why It Matters to Luxury Travelers
What unites these entries is a defining trend: travelers today seek experiences that feel more personal, more authentic, and more enriching than ever before. Luxury yachting — where space, service, and bespoke activities reign supreme — answers that call. And when brands with decades of prestige like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons step into the market, it signals that luxury cruising is no longer just a niche — it’s the future of experiential travel.