One of the most exciting evolutions in luxury travel right now is the move of iconic hotel brands into the cruise market. From The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons Yachts, Aman at Sea, and Orient Express' Orient Silenseas – we’re seeing the world’s most renowned hoteliers bring their signature service, design, and lifestyle ethos to the seas.
Why is this happening?
Because luxury cruising is no longer a niche – it’s one of the fastest-growing segments in global travel, attracting a new generation of high-net-worth travellers who want the same level of curation, comfort, and storytelling they expect on land. Aman's move with Amangati signals how seriously this space is being taken: expect high standards, unmistakable design, and deeply personalised service.
For hotel brands, this is a natural extension – offering loyal guests new ways to engage with their world, while capitalising on a segment predicted to double in size over the next decade. The global luxury cruise tourism market is now valued at around USD 7.7 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow to USD 24.3 billion by 2033.
For the cruise industry, it raises the bar on design, service, and experience in ways that reshape expectations.
The question isn’t why are luxury hotels moving into cruising? – it’s who will be next?
