Any traveler worth their salt needs to spend some time at sea. After all, Earth is 70% ocean so by limiting yourself to land-based explorations you’re missing out on a lot. Luckily for you, there are plenty of ways to travel the seven seas. In recent years, ultra-luxury cruises have gained a lot of traction among well-to-do travelers who want high-end, personalized, and intimate vacations on board exceptional vessels. Orient Express, Four Seasons, and Ritz Carlton among others have recently launched their own opulent ships and organized killer itineraries. And the future of ultra-luxury cruises is bright. Aman is also throwing its hat in the ring by launching its first ship, Amangati, in 2027.
Orient Express
The launch of Orient Express Corinthian at the end of April was one the most anticipated travel events of 2026 so far. The largest sailing yacht in the world, capable of welcoming 110 guests in 54 suites, is as beautiful and revolutionary from the outside as it is from the inside.
The 721-foot-long ship and its navy blue hull has three masts from which hang three sails. Instead of the traditional woven cloth, however, the Orient Express Corinthian’s sails are made of carbon fiber-reinforced glass sails. These immense solid sails not only make the yacht unique but also environmentally friendly.
Inside, every space has been thought out meticulously to convey the refinement and elegance of the Art Deco movement. From the glasswork to the furniture, artworks, light fixtures, and the marble in the bathrooms, everything works together in the most sophisticated way. There’s nothing gaudy or over the top to be seen on board.
While the suites, each offering panoramic ocean views, are stunning, it’s the public spaces and amenities that are most impressive. The library, home to over 1,5000 books, is a beauty, but the Guerlain spa, the 54-foot lap pool, and the cinema don’t disappoint either.
Orient Express Corinthian is set to sail the Mediterranean (from now until October), the Caribbean (October 2026 to March 2027), Northern Europe (July-August 2027) and across the Atlantic (October 2026, March 2027, and October 2027).
Orient Express Olympian, Orient Express’ second sailing yacht, will launch in 2027.
Four Seasons
Four Seasons I launched in March 2026, dazzling everyone with its unusual and highly recognizable shape.
The yacht is home to only 95 suites, ranging from 473 square feet to 5,057 square feet of indoor space. The most impressive suite on board, and potentially the most impressive suite at sea, is the Funnel Suite. Spread over the top four floors, this glitzy, glass-encased accommodation has three immense bedrooms, four bathrooms, three powder rooms, a steam room, a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor gym, a splash pool, and a gigantic terrace. And, of course, the views from the suite are spectacular. The Funnel Suite can welcome up to five adults and one child, so you can take the entire family with you.
While there are 11 excellent restaurants on board and a gorgeous spa, our favorite space is the Marina. The Marina is a platform that opens on both sides of the yacht and provides direct access to the water. From the Marina, guests can go for a dip or try out some of the unique water sport toys available on board, including e-foils, electric surfboards, and water bikes.
While Four Seasons I is currently sailing the Mediterranean, it will sail across the Atlantic in the fall and then sail the Caribbean and Bahamas throughout the winter.
And because one yacht is hardly enough, Four Seasons II is scheduled to launch in the spring of 2028. This second ship will be similar to the first, but the number of suites will be reduced to 78. That means more space for guests and potentially an even better guest-to-crew ratio. Four Seasons II’s inaugural sailing will be a seven-day voyage from Greece to Turkey in April-May 2028.
Belmond
Belmond, the LVMH brand behind the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and prestigious hotels like Mount Nelson in Cape Town, is also in the cruise business. More specifically, Belmond has a fleet of seven traditional and ultra-luxurious barges sailing France’s rivers from Provence to Champagne to Burgundy and Bordeaux. All of them are available for private charter only.
The latest offerings from Belmond Boats is Marguerite, a brand-new barge capable of accommodating up to eight guests in four en-suite cabins. The large deck allows for al-fresco meals with peaceful countryside views and there’s even an outdoor heated pool for late-night relaxation. Inside, the decor is both elegant and bucolic, with a focus on linen textiles and spring colors that reflect the name of the vessel – “Marguerite” is French for “daisy.”
Marguerite will be sailing around the Burgundy region starting this summer. Unsurprisingly, experiences both onboard and on land will be focused on food and drinks, with cooking classes and visits to wine estates.
Waldorf Astoria
Cruising the Nile is a non-negotiable part of visiting Egypt and there are plenty of high-end options to help you do just that. In fact, several new luxury boats are launching this year: two modern Dahabiyas by Oberoi, one contemporary river boat by Abercrombie & Kent, and the gorgeous Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience.
The Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience will sail four-day and six-day itineraries between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel will have its own private docking areas in both destinations.
The vessel will be on the small, intimate side with only 29 suites spread over five decks. And if renderings are anything to go by, it will be light-filled and beautifully appointed. As expected from a boat of this caliber, there’ll be a fitness center, a spa, and several food and drink venues.
The Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience is scheduled to launch in late 2026.
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FAQs
Q: How many Orient Express ships are there?
A: The Orient Express Corinthian is the only Orient Express ship for now. Orient Express Olympian, Orient Express’ second sailing yacht, will launch in 2027.
Q: What is the biggest suite on board Four Seasons I?
A: The biggest suite is the Funnel Room with 5,057 square feet of indoor space.
Q: When is the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience scheduled to launch?
A: The Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience will launch in late 2026.
