Luxury Cruises Fight To Make A Comeback

The best on-water getaways of the next few years

The entire cruise industry certainly experienced some difficult times recently, but we are now seeing a growing number of exciting opportunities becoming a reality after years of anticipation, in addition to other new announcements that are creating a lot of buzz in the travel world. Luxury cruises and unique journeys with bespoke services are fighting hard to make a comeback and entice savvy, affluent travelers to climb back onboard and take a cruise in the coming years. 

From charming river cruises to over-the-top luxury journeys in the Mediterranean, there is a luxury cruise ship out there for every traveler. We wanted to highlight three particularly inviting cruises to consider in the coming years, plus an additional collection of cruise lines to review before planning your next cruise getaway.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

As expected with a yacht delivery of this caliber, this project has been hit by several delays, but it is finally getting ready to set sail—and it has a lot of travelers loyal to The Ritz-Carlton brand very excited. Regardless of the location or destinations, the brand promises an elevated level of cabin and amenity luxuries paired with impeccable service. Guests will enjoy exploring Earth’s exquisite and unexpected hideaways while stirring their passions and curiosities to create a heightened connection with both travel and with themselves. In addition to the launch of Evrima this year, two more yachts are being produced now with expectations to launch in 2024 and 2025.

“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality, and the vessels are sure to be true standouts in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC. “This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant, and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalized service.”

Sunbathing and sightseeing in luxury on board a Ritz-Carlton yacht

Four Seasons Yachts

Very recently, another iconic brand officially announced they will be launching their own uber-luxury yacht cruise in 2025. With Four Seasons at the helm, this new venture brings together an unparalleled group of partners, including Nadim Ashi and Philip Levine (leading luxury entrepreneurs and visionaries of exceptional yacht experience) as well as Fincantieri of Italy (one of the world’s leading shipbuilding groups). From everything we have seen and heard, this vessel is sure to be a showstopper inside and out with a posh, eye-catching design. Cabins are designed to be joined in different ways to create a residence-like feel—and feature 50 percent more living space per guest than what’s currently available in an all-suite nautical setting—while the Funnel Suite encompasses four levels and extends to over 9,000 square feet with its indoor and outdoor spaces.

“Four Seasons Yachts represents the next chapter of our long history of industry leading innovation, and a milestone moment for our company as we continue to capitalize on new opportunities to extend the world of Four Seasons,” says Christian Clerc, President of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “True vision rests in the ability to imagine the possibilities while always remaining loyal to one’s values. Our vision for this new venture does exactly that.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages

When it comes to luxury adventure cruises, Atlas Ocean Voyages is making a big splash in the industry. Designed to appeal to discerning travelers who seek fun, immersive, awe-inspiring moments in remote and captivating destinations, these ships deliver on every promise. The World Navigator ship has been turning heads this past year, and World Traveller launches this year along with three additional ships scheduled for 2023. Their signature “All Inclusive, All The Way” service provides guests a complete and seamless experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, choice of a shore excursion at every port, unlimited premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, emergency medical evacuation insurance, WiFi, premium bath amenities, and butler services for suites. According to Atlas Ocean Voyages, “World Traveller is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified and caters to curious, global travelers with a passion for exploring iconic and off-the-beaten-path places. The stylish and intimate yacht-style vessel offers every five-star comfort, from an all-inclusive onboard experience and luxurious accommodations to in-depth excursions and customized private tours, for a truly personalized voyage.”