Picture this: The sun rises over an endless stretch of blue, casting a warm glow across calm water. From your private terrace, the scent of fresh coffee drifts in as the horizon slowly changes. There is no rush, no bags to pack. Your world moves with you.
This is the new frontier of luxury travel. Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient Express, Waldorf Astoria, and Aman are taking their legendary hospitality to sea, creating floating sanctuaries that deliver the comfort of a five star hotel with the thrill of waking up somewhere new. The move answers a growing demand from travelers who want both the adventure of exploring multiple destinations and the familiarity of a trusted brand. Smaller ultra-luxury ships provide uncrowded spaces, access to boutique ports, and highly personalized service, all while extending the brand loyalty guests already enjoy on land.
Some of these vessels are already sailing, while others will make their debut in the next two years, making now the perfect time to see how the hotel experience is being reimagined at sea.
Design that Travels with You – Ritz Carlton Evrima
Step aboard Evrima, the first Ritz Carlton yacht. With just 149 suites, each with a private terrace, the yacht feels more like a Mediterranean villa than a cruise ship. Floor to ceiling windows flood each space with light, while elegant, understated interiors echo the brand’s hotel design. Because of its size, Evrima can slip into exclusive harbors that larger vessels cannot reach, giving guests direct access to tucked away ports and coastal towns. Onboard, five distinct dining venues, an infinity pool, and a marina platform for water sports complete the boutique resort feel.
Dining that Goes Beyond the Plate – Four Seasons I
When Four Seasons I welcomes guests in January 2026, it will carry the brand’s culinary excellence to sea in spectacular fashion. This 14 deck, 679 foot yacht will offer just 95 suites, each with expansive private terraces, and a nearly one to one staff to guest ratio. Dining will be a journey of its own, with 11 restaurants and lounges ranging from a Riviera inspired brasserie to a jewel box 16 seat omakase lounge. Menus will evolve with the itinerary, often featuring ingredients sourced that morning, and a rotating line up of guest chefs from Four Seasons properties worldwide will keep every voyage fresh and distinctive.
Wellness in Motion – Orient Express Silenseas
Set to debut in 2026 as the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Silenseas will blend the glamour of the brand’s legendary trains with the romance of ocean travel. Just 54 suites will be available, averaging 70 square meters each, including a Presidential Suite with a private terrace larger than many city apartments. Wellness will be at the heart of the experience, from open air spa treatments and sunrise meditation on deck to saltwater pools and French inspired rituals. The design, inspired by the Art Deco golden age, will make every moment onboard feel cinematic.
Experiences You Cannot Get Elsewhere – Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience
Launching in late 2026, the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience will bring the brand’s timeless elegance to one of the most storied waterways in the world. With only 29 suites across five decks, this boutique river yacht will offer intimate journeys between Luxor and Aswan. Days will be spent exploring ancient temples and vibrant markets alongside expert Egyptologists. Evenings will bring cocktails on deck as the desert sun sets, or quiet moments on your veranda watching the Nile drift by. Onboard, guests will enjoy signature spaces like Peacock Alley for afternoon tea and a rooftop bar for scenic views, along with a spa and fitness center for moments of relaxation between excursions.
The Art of Tranquility at Sea – Amangati
In 2027, Aman will bring its legendary sense of serenity to the water with Amangati, the brand’s first ocean-going luxury yacht. Built to host just 94 guests in 47 suites, it will carry the understated elegance and calming design language that Aman devotees know so well. Interiors draw inspiration from Japanese ryokans, with natural woods, travertine, and expansive balconies in every suite. The largest, the Aman Suite, will feature a private sauna, massage room, and dining area, creating a true sanctuary at sea.
Onboard, guests will find four dining venues including Nama, Aman’s signature Japanese concept, along with a jazz club, cinema, and an expansive Aman Spa complete with hammam, banya, and a Japanese garden. A marina platform at the stern will allow direct access to the water for swimming, paddle boarding, or tender transfers to hidden coves. With dual-fuel hybrid propulsion, Amangati also reflects Aman’s commitment to sustainable luxury. Charters and itineraries are expected to span the Mediterranean and other handpicked destinations, promising the same level of intimacy, privacy, and connection to place that define Aman on land, now with the endless horizon as its backdrop.
COZY Take
This new wave of hotel branded cruising is changing how we think about luxury travel. For first time cruisers, it is a comfortable and uncrowded introduction to life at sea or along the river. For seasoned travelers, it is a fresh way to explore without ever giving up the details and service you love. And with COZY, you can expect extra touches that make the journey uniquely yours, from private dinners under the stars to behind-the-scenes access in port.
The future of luxury travel is setting sail, ready to awaken your senses one horizon at a time.
Stay COZY.
