It’s interesting to see the increasing trend of luxury hotel groups launching cruise lines, or perhaps more accurately, licensing out their names to partner on new cruising concepts. For example, a few years back we saw the launch of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and in 2026, we’re supposed to see the launch of Four Seasons Yachts.
We’re now potentially just 18 or so months from the launch of yet another interesting uber-luxury cruise line. The details of this were first announced in 2023, but this is closer to becoming a reality, so we’ve also learned more details.
Luxury hotel group Aman getting into cruising industry
Amangati (“peaceful motion” in Sanskrit) is expected to set sail in the spring of 2027, as Aman’s first superyacht. Yes, this marks the Aman brand getting into the luxury cruising industry, on a ship that’s being described as a “floating sanctuary.”
The 600-foot ship will weigh around 23,000 gross tons, and will have a hybrid propulsion system, using battery power to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. It’s currently being built in Italy’s T. Mariotti shipyard, and it will be delivered to Neptune Co., which is a joint venture between hotel group Aman and Cruise Saudi.
The ship is expected to feature a total of 47 suites, each with a balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows. The suites will be among the largest at sea.
When it comes to amenities, the ship will have four restaurants, a jazz club, a 52-foot pool, a beach club and marina, a spa with a Japanese garden, two helipads, and much more. Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design is behind the design, and the intent is to take cues from traditional ryokan architecture.
For those not familiar, Cruise Saudi is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and is intended to promote the cruise and tourism industry in Saudi Arabia. It remains to be seen to what extent Amangati will be cruising in Saudi Arabia, or if it’s just part of the country’s larger investment in the industry.
Initial sailings are expected in the spring of 2027, with the Mediterranean being the first destination. The ship will also be available for private charter. Here’s how Aman CEO Vlad Doronin describes the idea behind the ship:
“The vessel will embody the very essence of our brand’s DNA, providing exceptional privacy, best-in-class amenities, now synonymous with Aman, and our signature unparalleled service not yet experienced on the water. As construction progresses behind the scenes, our vision remains clear: to create a vessel that not only represents the highest standards of maritime engineering and design but that mirrors the tranquility of our land-based sanctuaries.”
Is the demand there for this amount of luxury cruising?
Obviously the concept of luxury cruising is nothing new. However, there’s no denying that the industry is evolving a bit:
- We’re seeing luxury pushed to new levels in terms of the exclusivity of ships, the pricing, etc.
- We’re seeing cruising positioned differently; these luxury cruise lines are no longer just for rich retirees, but these cruise lines are also now targeting a younger crowd that might not typically consider cruising
In recent years, we saw Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launch, and based on what we know, the financial performance has left a bit to be desired. And that was before the cruise line expanded to three ships, and it’s before Four Seasons and Aman also get into the industry.
Ultimately the success of these ventures will come down to whether they can convince people that cruising is “cool.” I don’t think these cruise lines will be cannibalizing brands like Silversea, but instead, I think they’re going after those who would otherwise vacation on land.
The other thing worth keeping in mind is that at some point, these cruise lines are competing with the concept of just chartering a yacht, which is a concept that will have more appeal for many people.
I’m curious to see if Aman goes the traditional cruise direction and includes most things with the cruise cost (like Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection), or if it goes the Four Seasons Yachts direction, and makes it more a la carte, not including lunch, dinner, and alcoholic drinks.
I haven’t taken a cruise in around 20 years, but that will be changing in 2026. I have journeys booked for next year on both Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Four Seasons Yachts, and I’m curious to see how they go. I’m curious how the experiences compare, and what my overall takeaway is from cruising in general. Eventually I’d also like to do some more adventure-oriented cruises, to destinations that can’t easily be reached by land. But I couldn’t help but get back into cruising with some lines that have hotel connections.
Bottom line
Aman will be getting into the luxury cruising space in 2027, with the launch of its 600-foot Amangati superyacht. The ship looks incredible, and it seems like we’re seeing the luxury hotel groups all one-up each other. It’s going to be fascinating to see what pricing is like, because I imagine this will even make Four Seasons Yachts look affordable, by comparison.
What do you make of Aman getting into the luxury cruise industry?
