What is on the horizon?

Ritz-Carlton launched its Yacht Collection in autumn 2022, with a view to attracting 50 per cent new-to-cruise guests at an average age of 55, who would probably not consider a more mainstream option. 

Its first vessel, the Evrima, sleeps up to 298 in 149 spacious suites. While clearly large, it does have the shape and feel of a private yacht, while offering everything you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton hotel. Later this year, a second ship, Ilma, is due to launch, and in 2025, Luminara will be the third.

Next up will be Four Seasons, with its first residential-style vessel ready by late 2025 and a second a year later. The first will have 95 suites, all with spacious decks and its top 9,500ft Funnel Suite (including a 5,000sq ft deck) will be spread over four levels, with its own wading pool and spa. The yacht will also have an onboard transverse marina offering guests easy access to the sorts of watersport toys traditionally associated with privately owned yachts. 

There will also be rentable custom-craft sea limousines for exploring the coastline and a saltwater pool that turns into a dance floor.

Then in 2026, Orient Express will bring its historic and refined brand to sea, unveiling the world’s largest sailing yacht – the ultra-modern 722ft Silenseas, which will have 54 suites and be powered by a pioneering wind propulsion system. Inspired by the French Riviera’s golden age of travel but unapologetically modern at the same time, it will have two pools, two restaurants, a lavish spa and an oyster bar and would not look out of place in St Tropez.