We’ve seen a definitive boom of yacht-style cruise ships launching over the past few years, with cruise lines keen to capitalise on the burgeoning demand for a smaller, intimate cruising experience.
These are some of the best luxury yacht cruises and cruise lines offering yachts and yacht-style cruise ships.
1. Scenic:
Scenic’s stunning 228-guest Scenic Eclipse and just-launched sister ship Scenic Eclipse II are certainly more reminiscent of luxury superyachts than traditional cruise ships, with cool and contemporary décor on board.
This sits alongside gadgets like a helicopter, seven-seater submarine, fleet of zodiacs, kayaks, snorkelling and scuba diving gear that allow guests to immerse themselves among the likes of Antarctica and the Arctic, as well as classic warm-weather yachting destinations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
2. SeaDream Yacht Club:
It’s in the name! SeaDream Yacht Club aim to offer an intimate, yacht-like experience – in their own words, ‘it’s yachting, not cruising’. This is reflected in the al fresco and casual experience on offer, with an unpretentious style – don’t expect flashy interiors – and service that is second to none.
3. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection:
The luxury Ritz-Carlton brand’s first foray into cruising exceeded expectations with the first of their three yachts, Evrima, launched in October 2022. These superyacht-style cruises place an emphasis on cutting edge design, intimate spaces and lots of outdoor space, with just 149 luxurious suites, and offer voyages to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and beyond.
4. Windstar’s Star Breeze, Legend and Pride:
Formerly the ‘Yachts of Seabourn, these lovely little 312-guest ships offer a chance to live the yacht life.
These sociable ships have plenty of outdoor deck space, perfect for soaking up the sun in warmer destinations like the Caribbean and the Greek islands. A romantic outdoor restaurant on deck under the stars enhances the al fresco yacht feel, and guests can enjoy deck barbecues with music and entertainment.
5. Ponant:
All of Ponant’s vessels offer an intimate experience but their explorer ships, named after six of France’s most famous explorers, have a real yacht-style feel, with just 92 all-balcony suites decked in a chic Scandi style, ample outdoor space and an state-of-the-art hydraulic marina at the back of the ships for easy boarding and zodiac embarkation.
The innovative Blue Eye Lounge is the spectacular centrepiece, with two oversized portholes reinforced with 18 layers of glass looking out into the deep blue sea on voyages around the world, from French Polynesia to the Norwegian Fjords.
Keywords: luxury, yacht, cruises, entertainment.