From the hypnotic hues of the Caribbean to the churning blues of the deep Atlantic, the world’s oceans have long lured travellers and wide-eyed adventurers. Today, a new generation of ultra-luxury cruise lines is preparing to ply the waters of the world’s great oceans and changing the cruise paradigm for the better, with smaller ships, elevated onboard offerings and immersive experiences that plunge passengers into the heart of a destination.

As big-name hotel brands unshackle themselves from land and set sail alongside well-established luxury cruise lines, more well-heeled travellers are setting their sights on distant oceanic horizons.

Travellers accustomed to the privacy and service levels of an ultra-luxury hotel are finding their needs met by smaller ships that offer a more bespoke and boutique experience, and new-to-cruise passengers are coming around to the idea of ocean voyages powered by trusted hospitality brands.

At the same time, disruptive upstarts with visionary leaders are challenging industry norms and redefining what it means to be sustainable at sea; an obligation made even more pressing when introducing humans and cruise ships to the world’s most fragile eco systems. From pole to pole, this collection of next-generation superyachts and state-of-the-art ships is changing the narrative on ultra-luxury cruising.

1. THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION: UNTETHERED ADVENTURES

When sapphire-hulled Evrima embarked on her maiden voyage in October 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection became the first hotel brand spin-off to dip its toe into the world of ultra-luxury cruising. Meaning ‘Discovery’ in Greek, the much-anticipated ship bought the Ritz-Carlton hotel experience to sea in a sleek 149-suite vessel inspired by the world of superyachts, with residential-feel interiors and large windows that let the outside in. Itineraries in the Mediterranean and Caribbean were designed to give passengers the flexibility to explore at their own pace or embark on small group, private or fully customised tours.

The second ship, Ilma, followed in September 2024 and this summer sees the launch of Luminara, the third member of the collection, which is set to venture further afield with far-flung itineraries in Asia-Pacific and Alaska.

Ten Asia-Pacific journeys will call in at well-travelled and lesser-visited ports around the region, with stops including the castaway beaches of Busuanga and El Nido in the Philippines, Bako National Park in Borneo and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. In summer 2026, Luminara trades the balmy waters of the tropics for colder climes in Alaska and British Colombia, with scenic sailings through labyrinthine fjords and sublime glaciers, and onshore experiences like bear-watching in the Alaskan wilderness.

Ship: Luminara
Launching: Summer 2025
www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

2. EXPLORA JOURNEYS: OCEAN STATE OF MIND

Explora Journeys set out to rewrite the narrative on luxury ocean cruising when Explora I set sail from Copenhagen in August 2023, with hotel-inspired interior design, an ultra-luxury all-inclusive proposition and a commitment to spending longer in port with more overnights than competitors.

Two years on, Explora III — the third of six state-of-the-art ships commissioned by parent MSC Group — is set to debut in summer 2026, taking Explora’s unique brand of ocean journeys to the next level. Debut itineraries will include stops in Tangier and Bordeaux before sluicing through the waters of Northern Europe and the Arctic, calling in at lesser-travelled ports including Rønne in Denmark, Nanortalik and Paamiut in Greenland and Seyðisfjörður in Iceland. Across the Atlantic, the ship will cruise the coast of New England before calling in at Miami and wintering in the Caribbean.

Explora III will feature a larger proportion of premium accommodation than her siblings, with Ocean Penthouses now accounting for 24 per cent of the inventory, more Ocean Residences and a second Owner’s Residence. The Ocean Wellness concept is enhanced with a new spa and dedicated fitness centre created in partnership with Technogym, and new dining experiences that will complement the existing restaurants curated by culinary lead Franck Garanger. Like her siblings, the ship will feature onboard boutiques from luxury brands including Rolex, Panerai, Piaget and Cartier.

Reimagined with young families in mind, Nautilus Club will offer six hours of daily baby-sitting services for children under three and more immersive programmes for older kids including workshops on marine conservation and sustainability. As the first Liquefied Natural Gas-powered ship in the future-ready fleet, Explora III will also be ready to use bio and synthetic LNG and advanced battery storage capacity when the technology permits.

Ship: Explora III
Launching: Summer 2026
www.explorajourneys.com

3. ORIENT EXPRESS SAILING YACHTS: MASTER OF THE WAVES

With a legacy forged in the golden age of rail travel, when the heirs of empires embarked on grand tours around the capitals and cabarets of Europe, Orient Express Sailing Yachts promises to bring something special to the realm of ultra-luxury ocean cruise. Its first ship, Orient Express Corinthian, is shaping up to be a thing of beauty: a sleek, 220-metre black-hulled superyacht with three 100-metre masts and three rigid sails that harness all the wind power needed for a steady 17 knots. A hybrid LNG and hydrogen engine will step in when conditions demand.

Orient Express Artistic Director Maxime d’Angeac has taken design cues from the original Orient Express trains, with stately interiors across the 54 suites, which include a 230-square metre Presidential Suite. A 1930s style speakeasy, seven other bars and five restaurants will channel the glamour of the Riviera, and a 115-seat cabaret, recording studio and cinema will appeal to flappers and film-buffs alike.

Accor CEO Sebastien Bazin says the yacht will become a regular appearance at events like the Monaco Grand Prix and Art Basel and expects private charters to start in the region of US $7 million per week, which is not unreasonable given the additional kudos of turning up in Monaco’s Port Hercule aboard the world’s largest sailing yacht with 100 friends.

Orient Express Corinthian will debut in 2026 following the launch this year of La Dolce Vita Orient Express trains in Italy and the brand’s first two hotels: Orient Express La Minerva Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovanelli in Venice.

Ship: Orient Express Corinthian
Launching: June 2026
www.orient-express.com

4. SELAR: LESS CAVIAR, MORE ADVENTURE

Polar exploration used to move in step with nature. Explorers survived by adapting to constantly changing conditions and connectivity was limited to whoever was within earshot. Selar founder and CEO Sophie Galvagnon isn’t looking for anything quite so extreme, but she does envisage a new era of Arctic cruising that taps into a purer form of adventure aboard the company’s super-sustainable yacht, Captain Arctic.

Powered by five 35-metre-tall fold-away solar sails and two electric propellers, the 70-metre vessel will emit 90 per cent less carbon than a typical polar expedition ship. It will also be slower and almost entirely silent, increasing the chances of up-close wildlife encounters during its year-round sailings between Norway, Svalbard and Greenland. Itineraries will be determined based on weather conditions, wildlife sightings and input from the 36 passengers, who will fill their days with activities like sub-zero snorkelling, glacier hikes, skiing and trips to Innuit villages.

The cabins, The Lounge and The Library are being designed by Paris-based designer Josephine Fossey, whose background in boutique hotels and private residences is reflected in the understated interiors. Onboard dining taps into the region’s culinary heritage (pickles, ferments and preserves galore) and the fresh bounty of the Arctic through a network of sustainable suppliers. On deck, a Finnish sauna and Nordic bath will provide spirited distraction when the orcas remain elusive, and a garage full of kayaks and SUPs provides the means for quiet solo moments in the frozen landscape.

Championing human connections, Galvagnon wants to break down the walls between crew and passengers, who are encouraged to visit the bridge, chat with the crew or roll up their sleeves and help out with ongoing scientific experiments. There’s no Wifi onboard, but you can send a telegram. If you’re looking for unscripted exploration and a company that’s going to disrupt the Polar cruise industry, this is the one to watch.

Ship: Captain Arctic
Launching: 2027
www.selar.cc

5. AMAN AT SEA: SUPERYACHT SOJOURNS

Almost four decades since the opening of Amanpuri in Phuket, Aman will embark on its own maritime adventure in 2027 with the debut of its ultra-luxury superyacht, Aman at Sea. Though details remain scarce, Aman COO Ben Trodd says the yacht will reflect the Aman spirit through its architecture and design, ensuring the continuity of the brand experience during fixed-itinerary voyages and private charters. Created in partnership with Cruise Saudi, the 183-metre dual-fuel vessel is being built by Italian luxury yacht specialist T. Mariotti, which counts Seabourn and Silversea among its previous customers. The ship will be home to 50 suites with private balconies, an Aman Spa and Japanese Garden, a club and lounge and several dining options as well as two helipads and a Beach Club connecting onboard and off-ship experiences. Itineraries have not yet been revealed, but we can imagine slow sojourns around the Indonesian archipelago and Southeast Asia, summer sailings down the Adriatic and perhaps a handful of castaway Caribbean adventures, with languid stays at Aman hotels and resorts at either end.

Ship: Aman at Sea
Launching: Q2 2027
www.aman.com

6. FOUR SEASONS YACHTS: ENDLESS HORIZONS

Having peppered the globe with hotels, resorts and residences, and conquered the air with its sleek private jets, Four Seasons is setting its sights on the seven seas with Four Seasons Yachts. The first, due to debut in January 2026, promises the largest suites at sea and a 1:1 guest to crew ratio. Taking design cues from the legendary Christina O superyacht, Four Seasons I — currently being built by Italy’s Fincantieri — is home to 95 suites including the superlative Funnel Suite, a three-bedroom 927-square-metre penthouse that occupies four floors, wrapped in a vast cocoon of glass.

Residential-feel interiors by Tilburg Design of Sweden and creative direction from publisher Prosper Assouline prioritise natural light and understated design throughout the guest cabins.

A system of modular walls means suites can be combined into highly bespoke configurations for groups or families; while 11 restaurants and lounges, a spa and a 20-metre saltwater pool lavish passengers with onboard comforts that befit the Four Seasons experience.

The yacht will embark on her first sailings in the balmy waters of the Caribbean, calling in at postcard-perfect stops like St. Barths, Nevis, Martinique and Guadeloupe, before crossing the Atlantic and making her Mediterranean debut. As well as itineraries around iconic Riviera destinations like Capri, Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, Four Seasons I will visit lesser-known ports including Portovenere (Italy), Fréjus (France) and Tossa del Mar (Spain).

Ship: Four Seasons I
Launching: January 2026
www.fourseasonsyachts.com

7. PONANT: THE SCIENCE OF SUSTAINABILITY

French luxury cruise line Ponant has hitched its bowline to a sustainable future by developing the fully carbon-neutral transoceanic cruise ship Swap2Zero. Harnessing wind and solar power supplemented by liquid hydrogen fuel cells, the ship will generate zero emissions when sailing or manoeuvring at port or anchor, while advanced carbon capture technology and energy and waste management systems will help achieve ambitious net-zero goals.

Designed in partnership with long-term Ponant partner Stirling Design International, the 181-metre ship will be home to around 100 staterooms when it debuts in 2030, but details about onboard features and itineraries have not yet been revealed.

In the meantime, Ponant’s flagship Le Commandant Charcot is the latest addition to the fleet; a state-of-the-art hybrid polar explorer designed to minimise its impact on the most environmentally sensitive parts of the planet while delivering an ultra-luxe onboard experience and low-impact, high immersion polar activities. Named for 19th-century French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, the ship ventures to the farthest reaches of the Arctic and Antarctic regions including the geographical North Pole, the Northwest Passage and Antarctica’s Weddell Sea.

Up 245 guests can indulge in activities planned in partnership with indigenous communities and experts to minimise impact including ice fishing, polar plunges and dogsledding in the Arctic; and hovercraft excursions, hiking and penguin-spotting in the Antarctic.

Onboard, decadent dining by Alain Ducasse and wellness by Biologique Research will be framed by expert lectures and workshops, and passengers will have the opportunity to participate in citizen science programmes alongside the ship’s science and research team.

Ship: Swap2Zero
Launching: 2030
www.ponant.com