Hotel chains are launching ultra-luxury cruise ships. Here’s how the newest entrant plans to compete with Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton.
October 15, 20240
Four Seasons said its ship, pictured in a rendering, will begin sailing in January 2026.
Four Seasons
A suite on Four Seasons’ seven-night cruise starts at $19,900 for a voyage from Oranjestad, Aruba, to Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, in early 2026.
Ritz-Carlton’s cheapest weeklong cruise is relatively more affordable at $6,200 per person for a roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to the Bahamas in late 2025.
Aman has not released further details about its vessel or itineraries.
The cost of a VidantaWorld vacation falls between Four Seasons’ and Ritz-Carlton’s.
The hospitality company acquired its ship in 2017.
Grupo Vidanta
Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are building their ships from the ground up.
VidantaWorld instead opted to acquire and refurbish a 34-year-old ship in 2017. The vessel, then named Vidanta Elegant, was initially scheduled to debut in 2019.
However, Suarez told BI the launch was delayed when the company decided to strip the ship down to its “original structure” and rebuild it.
The refurbished ship now has larger common spaces and fewer cabins than its original iteration.
VidantaWorld Elegant has 13 bars and restaurants.
Grupo Vidanta
These amenities are absent from VidantaWorld’s upcoming ship.
Instead, its travelers would have typical cruise amenities, such as a spa, buffet, several pools, and on-board entertainment.
For days at sea, VidantaWorld’s programming would include lectures and cooking classes.
VidantaWorld Elegant’s seven-night voyages start at $12,500 per person.
Grupo Vidanta
If the cooking class wasn’t satiating enough, visit one of the 13 food and beverage options, including Asian, Mexican, and Mediterranean restaurants.
Or, if you’d rather unwind with a drink, head to the three-floor Lobby Bar for Champagne or the Amura Lounge for libations with live entertainment.
Just be wary of upcharges. The cruise may start at $1,785 per night, but the buffet is the only complimentary venue.
