Explore Our Editor’s Favourite June News Exclusive / The Ultra-Luxe Small Ships Changing Life At Sea / By Kate Symons

From ice-class expedition yachts to hotel-branded vessels and French sailing icons, these small ships show how luxury cruising is moving into a more spacious, design-led and highly personalised phase

When luxury small-ship cruising joined the market as an alternative to the bolshy mega-liner in the 1970s, it was a novel sell. An experiment, even. Moving away from onboard bells and whistles, a few brave operators instead presented downsized vessels and destination-led itineraries.

As they say, fortune favours the brave.

No longer a niche market, small-ship cruising has grown through various phases since then, with old-world luxury, the all-inclusive model, immersive excursions and expedition voyages all having a turn as the ‘next thing’ driving progress.

Now, the next next thing is elevating the small-ship experience even further. New builds are dramatically increasing space-per-guest ratios, recognising that breathing room is a coveted luxury. Suite design is getting an overhaul, too, with many operators presenting residential-style spaces, walk-in wardrobes, full terraces and, in some cases, separate living and dining zones. Meanwhile, maritime-forward interiors are being phased out in favour of a high-end, contemporary aesthetic.

Service, too, is being reshaped. Guest-to-crew ratios are drawing closer, with some of the best operators already playing one-on-one. The result is an intuitive level of care and attention.

For a look at those ships leading their field in the ultra-luxury category, read on.

Ponant Yachting | Lagoon

Expedition, reimagined

Scenic Eclipse II

Scenic will take you places.

Truly incredible, utterly remote places, if that’s what you’re after.

The Australian-founded operator ventured into expedition cruising with Scenic Eclipse in 2019, setting a new benchmark for combining true ice-class capability with superyacht-level luxury.

Launched in 2023, Scenic Eclipse II has further refined the offering. As well as an all-suite private butler service, exceptional dining options and a 550-square-metre spa, the all-inclusive ship features the state-of-the-art gear required for access to the most remote, most extreme locations.

Two helicopters, one submersible, four SEABOBs (underwater sea scooters) and a fleet of Zodiacs – oh my! The ship’s Antarctic voyages carry a maximum of 200 guests (an almost one-to-one passenger-to-crew ratio) as well as an expert team of marine biologists, historians, geologists and naturalists.

scenic.cruises

Scenic Eclipse II

Silver Endeavour

Silver by name, gold by nature. Silver Endeavour is another best-in-class vessel. Custom-built for the extremes of the Arctic and Antarctic, the Endeavour carries one of the highest ice-class ratings in expedition cruising, allowing safe (yet stylish) access to some of the most remote regions on Earth.

Remarkable operational metrics (Endeavour is the market leader for crew-to-passenger, Zodiac-to-passenger and expert-to-passenger ratios) ensure a highly personalised and immersive experience while the all-suite vessel embodies elegance bow to stern.

silversea.com

Silversea

Yacht life

SeaDream

SeaDream Yacht Club has not one, but two identical ultra-luxe yachts, both of which embody the effortless sophistication of life at sea. Each vessel – SeaDream I and SeaDream II – carries no more than 112 guests, creating an intimate, personalised experience that feels more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship, as is the brand promise.

Step off the retractable marina platform and straight into the pristine water, where you can enjoy the full complement of water toys – think sailboats, catamarans, kayaks, paddleboards, wakeboards, banana boats, floating islands, snorkelling gear.

SeaDream voyages prioritise smaller harbours and slow days, with numerous ports across the Caribbean and Europe. Visit favourites such as St Barths, Barbados, St Tropez or the Norwegian fjords, all while living your best yacht life.

seadream.com

Le Ponant

Le Ponant is a timeless symbol of French yachting luxury. A three-masted sailing yacht, her sleek lines and teak decks evoke tall-ship romance, while the modern suites and refined dining options uphold a quintessential French elegance.

Hosting just 67 guests, Le Ponant’s size allows access to secluded harbours and hidden coves unreachable by larger vessels, plus a level of privacy and personalised service that feels utterly exclusive. Side note: Ponant’s luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot would hold its own in our expedition category.

ponant.com

Le Ponant. Image credit: Tamar Sarkissian / Ponant

Hotel brands at sea

Evrima, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Evrima redefines small-ship luxury by translating the legendary Ritz-Carlton hotel experience to sea. The brand’s debut in the luxury yacht market, the 149-suite Evrima first set sail in 2022 and has since been joined in the Ritz-Carlton fleet by Ilma and Luminara. All have their particular strengths, but it’s hard to go past the original for intimacy.

With just under 300 guests, all-suite accommodations and private terraces, the yacht never feels crowded. Dining is a signature drawcard of the Evrima experience, thanks to Michelin-starred pedigree, while the ship’s marina and marina terrace glisten in readiness for watersports and leisurely port stays.

ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Luminara | View Suite

Amangati, Aman

Slated to set sail in 2027, the 47-suite Amangati will be Aman’s incredibly sleek entry into ocean cruising. Across nine decks, the yacht-style vessel will replicate the luxury of Aman’s property portfolio, embracing interiors that are at once simple and refined.

In each suite, a private terrace, high ceilings and floor-to-ceilings windows celebrate the vista; the spa (complete with advanced aesthetics) is as opulent as anything you’ll find on terra firma; and the roll call of restaurants and bars includes the glamorous Beach Club, where passengers have direct ocean access from the yacht’s stern. 

Amangati’s inaugural season is packed with dreamy European voyages, including the French Riviera, the Greek Islands and the Dalmatian Coast.

amanatsea.com

Amangati, Aman at Sea – Selora Marina, Lounge. Photo Credit: SINOT