4 Luxury Yacht Fleets for Sailing in Style

A new class of yachts is redefining what it means to cruise—not with crowds or choreographed excursions, but with intimacy, design, and deeply personalized service. Leading this transformation are the highly anticipated fleets from Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Aman, and Orient Express. Each brand brings its own philosophy of luxury to the sea, offering guests the ability to travel slowly, thoughtfully, and in exceptional comfort. Here, a look at them all.

The Four Seasons I Yacht

The Four Seasons I Yacht delivers a luxury experience with just 95 suites for up to 220 guests. At its heart is the Funnel Suite, a four-level floating residence housed inside the yacht’s funnel. Spanning more than 9,600 square feet, it features panoramic wraparound windows, a private plunge pool, a high-ceiling living room, and an internal elevator that make it feel more like a penthouse than stateroom. There are 11 dining options on board, each as refined as Four Seasons’ land-based properties. Wellness options are equally robust, with a full spa, open-air treatment rooms, and private in-suite services.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brings its signature elegance to the sea with the ships Evrima, Ilma, and Luminary already sailing as of December 2025. These vessels offer sophistication on a manageable scale, hosting no more than 456 guests. Each suite has a private terrace and is designed to feel like a beachfront residence, rather than a cabin. Dining options are varied and luxurious, like S.E.A. on Evrima, a fine dining venue by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld. Onboard spas offer ocean-facing treatments and a holistic approach to wellness.

Aman

Aman’s Amangati, launching in 2027, is set to redefine the concept of a floating sanctuary. There are just 47 suites, each with its own balcony. The design is minimalist, drawing on Aman’s signature blend of natural materials and calming architecture. There’s no casino, no forced entertainment, just space, light, and quiet luxury, all while floating at sea. The Aman Spa includes a Japanese garden, on-brand Asia-inspired treatments, and meditation areas. Plus, the four on-board restaurants offer seasonal menus. True to the brand’s ethos, the experience is unhurried and deeply private.

Orient Express

On the more theatrical end of the spectrum are the Orient Express sailing yachts. The first, the Corinthian, is set to launch in June 2026 with voyages to the Mediterranean. Inspired by the glamour of the French Riviera during the 1930s, these 722-foot sailing yachts bring back the romance of travel with a modern twist. Each ship glides across the water nearly silently, wind-powered, and outfitted with hybrid propulsion. The experience channels Art Deco elegance with a cabaret lounge, recording studio, jazz bar, and menus curated by acclaimed chef Yannick Alléno.

Together, these yachts represent a shift in how we define cruising. Gone are the buffets, Broadway shows, and impersonal service. Taking their place are private terraces, thoughtful dining, curated wellness, and a sense of timeless escape. Whether you prefer the sleek intimacy of Aman, the warm polish of Ritz-Carlton, the stagecraft of Orient Express, or the grandeur of Four Seasons, this new generation of luxury yachts is changing how we travel across the seas.

Julie Jones is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in expedition and small ships. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Jones at [email protected].