By invitation only and featuring a four-storey penthouse, cruises aboard Four Seasons Yachts will begin in the Caribbean from 2025. Gemma Harris reports

Luxury hotel group Four Seasons is progressing its plans to launch a fleet of cruise ships in partnership with Marc Henry Cruising Holdings and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. (Four Seasons also has its own custom private jets for round-the-world tours.)

The maiden voyage for Four Seasons Yachts is scheduled to begin in the Caribbean during the 2025-2026 winter and spring seasons, with journeys typically lasting seven days. The vessel will feature 95 suites, each equipped with terraces and residential-style interiors.Alejadron Reynal, president and CEO of Four Seasons, says: “Four Seasons Yachts represents a key pillar of our future growth and strategic vision as we look to capitalise on new opportunities and build brand differentiation through immersive luxury experiences.”

“The inaugural yacht is a manifestation of this vision, offering a world-class Four Seasons experience, at sea and on land, marked by the genuine, personalised service that our guests know and love,” he adds.The largest of the suites will be the Funnell Suite, a four-storey penthouse that is set to be the biggest found on any cruise ship. It will have over 882 sqm of private space available and will be located where the traditional “funnel” was once located.

The suite will have wraparound windows and “sea to sky” design features, a private wading pool and an area dedicated to in-suite spa treatments.

Elsewhere on the yacht, the 20-metre saltwater swimming pool will be fitted with adjustable floors with a hydraulic lift design to allow for transformation into a multi-purpose and versatile event space.

For more watersports, the yacht will have a dedicated marina granting easy access to an array of water toys. Activities such as sailing, snorkelling, and windsurfing will also be on offer, overseen by a team of marina staff. There will be tired lounging decks and platforms, al fresco seating areas and bar areas for relaxation.Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, and joint owner and operator of Four Seasons Yachts, says: “When we launched Four Seasons Yachts in Monaco this time last year, we were humbled by the tremendous response and excitement about the offering, which sparked unprecedented interest in this stunning project.”

Reservations will initially be offered on an initiation-only basis for loyal Four Seasons guests and travel partners. For others interested, they can join an online waitlist.

Aside from the experiences onboard, pre and post-hotel and overland programmes in collaboration with the yacht are currently in development and are yet to be announced.

Future plans outline that there is already a signed contract, estimated to be worth more than €400 million, for a second Four Seasons vessel expected to splash in November 2026.

Four Seasons is not the only luxury hotel group to branch into the luxury cruising world, with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection adding two new vessels to its fleet this year.

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As cruise companies court Millennial travellers with hipster catnip, industry grande dame Crystal has spent millions revamping its ships and doubling down on its luxury heritage. Olivia Palamountain hops on board the Crystal Serenity for her first taste of life at sea.

Somewhere outside Venice, the top deck of the Crystal Serenity is buzzing. DJ Viviano, fresh from a stint in Ibiza, is smashing out bangers to a pulsating crowd while a saxophonist harmonises effortlessly to the beat. The pool, strewn with glowing neon orbs, shimmers like an aquamarine under the inky sky, illuminating staff proffering champagne and caviar and a sea of delighted faces. Whatever my preconceptions were of cruising, this blows them out of the water.Yes, cruising is traditionally reserved for a more genteel generation. But Boomers and their elders know stuff. They’ve survived entire careers without ever WFH, can navigate from a to b without Google Maps (and still avoid the traffic) and the majority raised us on a hangover. Legends; us Millennials have a lot to learn from them. So, why then, when they’ve been banging on about cruising, why haven’t we listened?

It’s no secret that cruise companies have been on a mission to shift perceptions of the sector for forever (or at least the last 20 years, as confirmed by this 2003 article from The Guardian). However, finally, it appears to be working.According to data from Cruising.org, there is more interest than ever before among Millennials and Gen-X travellers to take their first cruise with 73 per cent of those who have never cruised indicating they will consider a cruise vacation.

With the “new-to-cruise” traveller (four million of them, in fact) key to meeting the increase in global cruise capacity projected from 2023 to 2025, cruise lines are dreaming up innovative ways to seduce their target market.

Most of them such as Virgin Voyages and U by Uniworld, are luring us with Millennial catnip – think onboard tattoo parlours, vinyl record stores, and in-suite DJ set-ups, private hot tubs and silent discos.

Others are teaming up with celebrities, pioneering immersive, theatrical programming and hosting themed cruises – EDM on sea, anyone?

Crystal, meanwhile, has eschewed sticky fads and has doubled down on its luxury heritage. Relaunched this year under the new guardianship of A&K Travel Group as Crystal – Exceptional at Sea, the brand has poured millions into makeovers of its two beloved sister ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in a bid to win over a new sector without alienating its loyal and adoring fanbase (rumour has it one guest left an US$100k tip). It will add four more ships by 2029. But is all-out grandeur enough to seduce a new-to-cruise Millennial aboard the Serenity, on a journey from Venice to Athens?

Money talks, wealth whispers, as they say, and Serenity’s refurbed no expense spared décor is refined rather than flashy, and the ship retains a heritage glamour. I’ll take this over pastiche hipster accents any day.Staterooms have been enlarged for 2023 and updated in expensive shades of oat and cream, giving de rigeur five-star hotel vibes. There’s a sofa but no separate living area (these are reserved for the Aquamarine suites and penthouse), and a roomy verandah for drinking in the deep blue beyond.Sumptuous touches such as Italian marble bathrooms, superlative cotton linens and Ortigia amenities add another layer of luxe – as does a butler service. Right on cue, the door bell rings.

My butler, Alina, is poised to take my preference for two complimentary litres of premium spirits of my choice for the minbar, a hint of the excess to come.It’s a luxury to be looked after (with an industry leading staff to guest ratio of almost 1:1, this theme continues throughout), but the only thing I really need is my silks pressed. This is something Alina says will take days to happen, if at all – not ideal if you have a particular outfit in mind or want some spontaneity in your wardrobe.

I’m also not sold on the butler get-up: the baggy black tie and tailcoat combo feels aspirational. That said, there are no complaints when a dainty selection of canapés appears, as if by magic, in my cabin each afternoon.

Forget sardines, Serenity is spacious. The revamp has upped the ante on style, while reducing capacity to 740 from 1,040. There’s masses of freedom to roam or find a quiet spot, and getting accustomed with the layout is like a treasure hunt, with fresh delight around every corner.I adore the Art Deco atmosphere in Palm Court, with its airy sky lights, floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree forward view, and the calm of the wood-panelled library. You can even shop for vintage Chanel and Prada at duty free prices in the boutique – how fab is that?For active days, tee up your golf-game with a qualified PGA pro or check out the two full-sized paddle tennis and pickle ball courts and the massive fitness centre. If you can’t find the motivation to workout solo, try a yoga, pilates or spinning class or just soak up the rays on the epic sundeck, where staff flit around efficiently, serving ice cold drinks and classic poolside bites.This epic space connects the aft and forward of the ship, which is where to find the bulk of the ship’s nine restaurants, six bars and multiple entertainment spaces.

Dining aboard Serenity is a journey in itself and service never fails to be sophisticated, informed and warm. The imagination, diversity and quality of every onboard restaurant is outrageous and would impress any snooty urban foodie. It’s no surprise that the owners of the group are Italian (try the gelato at Scoops Ice Cream Bar if you need convincing).

From excellent street-food sharing plates at Tastes (I ordered the Asian chicken salad on repeat) and diner favourites at Trident to charcuterie, cheeseboards, pâté and pickles with a sea view at The Bistro, you have as much as you like, whenever you like, wherever you want. “Cruise calories” are a thing, so  forget the lifts and take the stairs.

Casual buffet Marketplace offers a vast choice of superb salads, vegetarian options and fresh pasta, plus a carvery and more. Some dishes are a nod to the ship’s location at any given moment – think Greek courgette and feta fritters when we anchor in Kataklon.

Guests receive one booking per sailing at Serenity’s two “hero” restaurants. Osteria d’Ovidio is a hymn to northern Italian flavours – think hearty ragù and tortelloni – while Umi Uma (a collab with celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and the only example at sea) serves chic Japanese-Peruvian fusion fare. The latter offers dishes that made the maestro famous, including yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, wagyu beef and miso black cod.

My favourite is Waterside, a buzzy brasserie that showcases two exquisite menus every evening, both Crystal classics and innovative contemporary cuisine, with excellent paired wines. If, like me you are torn between the likes of grilled veal with mustard gnocchi and morels and lobster with leek and truffle risotto, just ask for half portions.

If choosing where to eat doesn’t give you fomo, wondering where to party will. As the sun sets, it’s time to plot the night’s revelry – with a margarita and a cigar in the plush and moody Connoisseur Club, naturally.

A jovial piano sing along from is underway in the atmospheric Avenue Saloon, the Galaxy Lounge bar pumps out perfect serve after perfect serve, there’s talk of an afterparty in Jade nightclub and in the Hollywood Theatre, a convincing Elton John tribute act belts out the hits, complete with immersive video displays and guest performers.

We visited a charming family farmstead outside Dubrovnik for a painless introduction to traditional olive oil production methods, followed by a splendid homemade breakfast of ham, bread, cheeses and jam, washed down with a glass of wine. Next up, a boutique oyster farm and tasting followed by an alfresco lunch of local specialities at a divine waterside tavern, under the shade of a grapevine dripping in ripe fruit.

The contrast of land and sea offerings keeps both elements of the cruise experience seamless and fresh (I couldn’t wait to get back on to the Serenity after a day out), you get to see so much more than on a “regular” holiday and all you have to do is turn up: bliss.

With a former Soho House brand manager now part of the team, Crystal guests can look forward to ever more imaginative programming. I’d like to see some arts experiences, terrarium-making or a pottery studio? Maybe it’s the hypnotic lull of being at sea but Serenity casts a spell. I was fully prepared to cringe at life on the water, but it’s just so seductive. Charging through the ocean and docking at new destinations every few days has a timeless allure and even after a week of full throttle on-ship merriment, I still haven’t seen or done it all.

What about the other people? While Crystal’s fanbase is evolving, most of its clientele are aged 65+, but so what? Anyone who can’t get down with an older generation is missing out. My fellow passengers are an elegant, exuberant bunch that are pumped to share the joys of cruising with a newbie. First up and last to bed, they’re full of joie de vivre and put me to shame on the dance floor. I told you, we’ve got a lot to learn.

Travel’s biggest un-secret has been sailing under my radar for way too long, but whether I’m late to the party or – at nudging 40 years years old – bang on time, I’ve finally arrived. New to cruise? Not anymore.

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Tapping into the growing market for queer travel, Variety Cruises is launching its first LGBTQ+ cruise in the Seychelles in autumn 2023. Jenny Southan reports

Departing on October 28, 2023, Variety Cruises will launch its first LGBTQ+ cruise to the Seychelles archipelago, with an array of onboard entertainment and offshore excursions.

Setting sail on the Pegasos, the 44-person cruise will start and finish in Mahe on St Anne Island. Every night there will be entertainment either from local dancers or musicians, and an Off Broadway Musical at Sea.

Stops will include: Curieuse island, which has giant tortoises; Cousin island, for a visit to the local bird sanctuary; and Praslin island for sightings of rare black parrots and “coco de mer” double coconuts.LGBTQ+ activist Constantine Venetopoulos, part of the family that founded Variety Cruises, will join the “straight-friendly” seven-day adventure. During the trip, guests will be able to connect with the LGBTQ+ community, explore the destination’s gender history, and enjoy “signature activities”.

Constantine is a leader in gender equality, a volunteer counselor for The Trevor Project, and the director of the film Draw With Me, which was presented at the United Nations during the 50th anniversary of the Stone Wall riots. Edward Chlerich, a model and actor, will also be joining and leading the cruise.Prices start from £2,026 per person and include accommodation in an air conditioned double or twin en suite cabin; full board catering (buffet breakfast and two meals daily); a welcome cocktail; theme night party; captain’s dinner; coffee, tea and water; use of snorkelling equipment; and an English-speaking cruise director.

Not included are port charges per person, soft drinks and alcohol, shore excursions, crew tips and wifi.The Seychelles is one of the few African nations with laws protecting LGBTQ+ employees from workplace discrimination. Homosexuality is legal in the destination but gay marriage is not.

Variety Cruises states on its website: “As a tourist in Seychelles, your gender identity and sexual preferences are personal and should not be a concern to anyone else. Unless your behaviour is deemed unacceptable, there have been no reported issues related to travellers’ sexuality.”

Variety Cruises is a specialist in small ship cruises, and serves destinations including Greece, Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia, the Red Sea, West Africa and Cape Verde.

Download Globetrender’s Future of Queer Travel report to learn more about emerging LGBTQ+ travel trends.

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Setting sail in September 2023, Vivamayr is taking its renowned health tourism clinic to the seas with a cutting-edge wellness cruise around Turkey. Jenny Southan reports

“Vivamayr at Sea” brings the clinic’s famous medical care and health approach into a completely new setting, where cultural discovery of the Aegean’s port towns and landscapes comes together with the world-class medical care of Vivamayr’s chief physicians.

Onboard the M/Y Halas, a historic motor yacht that has hosted the likes of the British royal family and American presidents, 22 guests will set sail through the turquoise waters from Göcek to Bodrum from September 16 to 23.

Daily treatments, exercise training, massages and morning yoga practices will keep guests active whilst sailing, along with regular pit-stops in Turkish ports and locations of outstanding natural beauty for guided walks and hikes.

The seafaring group will also be accompanied by chef Emanuela Fischer, head chef at Vivamayr Maria Wörth’s restaurant. Fischer will source fresh produce in the local markets every day and create an onboard menu that reflects Vivamayr’s principles whilst making the most of local ingredients.

Medical treatments are included in the tour, from an initial and final examination, to Functional Myodiagnosis, and daily manual abdominal treatments. Guests can expect to get to know the doctor and his team, who will be on hand for informative talks and join the group for dinners throughout the trip.

The wellness voyage is suitable for friends travelling together, couples and solo travellers, with the week-long tour starting from €5,800 based on double occupancy, or €9,200 based on single occupancy.The all-inclusive rate includes all Vivamayr treatments and experiences, cabin and boat amenities and transfers from Dalaman International airport and to Bodrum International airport.

All cabins on the M/Y Halas feature exterior windows looking out to sea, private bathrooms with showers, air conditioning, free wifi and linens and towels. Guests can also make use of the boat’s wider amenities, including a sauna, sunbathing deck, a spacious lounge and library, and water sports (on demand).

The Vivamayr health centre at Maria Wörth claims to be the “birthplace of modern Mayr medicine”, a life-empowering philosophy and approach to health built upon the fundamental principles of healing, resting and cleansing the body, starting from the digestive system and microbiome.

With every stay completely tailored to each guest, a visit to Vivamayr can help prevent disease, support weight loss, or simply help people recharge.

Located on the picturesque peninsula of Lake Wörthersee in the south of Austria, the resort encompasses the world-class health clinic, 46 well-appointed rooms and suites, all with either a lake or mountain view, a fully-equipped gym overlooking the lake, and an indoor swimming pool.

For daily wellness and detoxing treatments, there are a selection of saunas, including a laconium, sanarium, biosauna and Finnish sauna, a garden sauna with direct access to the lake, as well as infrared cabins and loungers.

Led by medical director Dr Werner Zancolo, treatments include: functional myodiagnostics; medical manual abdominal therapy; heart rate variability Tests; ultrasounds; stress tests; sleep lab; emotional detox; and cryotherapy.

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Virgin Voyages has turned its brand ambassador Jennifer Lopez into an AI deepfake that can be programmed to send bespoke video invitations to friends and family. Jenny Southan reports

Always ahead of the curve, Virgin Voyages has come up with a clever new marketing gimmick to motivate fun-loving travellers to book its cruises.

Jen AI, as it’s called, has harnessed the likeness of the singer-dancer-actress to create a highly realistic version (aka a “deepfake) of J-Lo, who will personally read out customised invitations to set sail via a “highly-personalised video”. Because who can say no to J-Lo?

The Drum writes: “The spot opens with a reclining J-Lo, who in a seductive voice introduces herself as Virgin Voyages’ chief celebration officer and invites people to board the ship. Suddenly, due to a glitch, her true identity is revealed: she‘s actually a man named Kyle.

“The viewer then learns that the real J-Lo is nowhere to be found and the woman in frame is indeed Jen AI, a play on words for ’generative AI’ – the burgeoning class of tools that produce content in response to user inputs. Another woman from the backend takes on Kyle’s duties, suggesting that Jen AI needs an upgrade or two before the technology is perfected.”

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Intrepid luxury cruise itineraries from Scenic will open up areas of East Antartica that were previously visited by legendary explorers. Rose Dykins reports

Ultra-luxury cruise operator Scenic has announced three all-inclusive new voyages in the East Antarctic and Ross Sea regions for 2024 and 2025.

Served by the cruise company’s Scenic Eclipse II vessel, the three new itineraries will give guests the chance to walk in the footsteps of legendary explorers including Dr Douglas Mawson, Robert Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Scenic’s new itineraries will welcome a limited number of guests per sesason, and passengers will be among a select few people who travel so far south each year.

They’ll be immersed in wild landscapes populated by species of seabirds, penguins, whales and seals, in regions that are traditionally unexplored and unavailable to exploration cruise lines.

The 28-day “Mawson’s Hut & Commonwealth Bay, Australia’s Antarctic” expedition will set sail from the spectacular Milford Sound fjord in New Zealand South Island to Hobart, Tasmania.

Highlights include a visit to the Mawson’s Huts complex at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, in the far eastern sector of the Australian Antarctic Territory.

Passengers will encounter buildings built and occupied by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-14, led by geologist and explorer Dr Douglas Mawson, a close friend and contemporary of Sir Ernest Shackleton. The site is one of just six still surviving from the so-called “heroic era” of Antarctic exploration.

Scenic Eclipse II will make a landing on Macquarie Island (subject to permits), one of the most wildlife-rich places in the world, where guests will have the chance to see endemic royal penguins. Balleny Islands are windswept and remote islands, heavily glaciated and have received few human visitors since 1839.

The rich waters surrounding result in diverse wildlife including humpback, fin and minke whales along with crabeater, Weddell, elephant and leopard seals. Prices for the itinerary start from £28,380 per person based with economy flights departing on December 13, 2024.

The other new itineraries from Scenic are the 28-day “Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice and Wildlife” sailing from Hobart, Australia to Dunedin, New Zealand and the 23-day “Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife” round-trip sailing from Dunedin.

Both of these itineraries include a visit to Ross Island (weather permitting), coined the ultimate Antarctic experience. On a clear day, it’s possible to see Mount Erebus – the southernmost active volcano on Earth – and visit the historical hut of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The Ross Sea Ice Shelf is the largest floating body of ice on the planet – estimated to be the size of France – with 50-metre-high cliffs and ice extending across 800km.

Also on these itineraries is a stop at Cape Adare, where guests can travel by Zodiac boat to enjoy the largest Adélie penguin rookery in Antarctica. A stop at Franklin Island presents another opportunity to explore the Adélie penguins and the otherworldly landscapes of the region such as the Mars-like Dry Valley, which only accessible by helicopter. Prices start from £28,380 per person with economy flights, departing on January 5, 2025.

Claudius Docekal, vice-president of Scenic Ocean Deployment, says: “We have introduced these new voyages in response to travellers’ demand for exclusive destinations combined with ultra-luxury experiences.

“Scenic Eclipse II will be the newest and most modern luxury expedition ship operating in remote East Antarctica and the Ross Sea region, setting the benchmark in providing once-in-a-lifetime journeys for our guests. As we remain the only ships to offer an abundance of exploration on Zodiac, helicopter, submarine, kayak and stand-up paddleboard, guests will enjoy exclusive experiences such as exploring the McMurdo Dry Valleys, a landscape that has been compared to the surface of Mars and is only accessible by helicopter.”

With capacity for up to 200 guests, Scenic Eclipse offer an ultra-luxury cruise experience, with the opportunity for guests to take part in multiple landings each day. The 20 members of the Discovery Team on board Scenic Eclipse comprise naturalists, marine biologists and glaciologists to bring their expertise to site visits.

There are several low-impact ways to explore once off the vessel, including Zodiac boats, stand-up paddleboard and kayak excursions. Guests can also travel in one of the ship’s two helicopters or its custom-build submersible, for an incomparable adventure below the ocean’s surface.

Demand for travel to Antarctica is growing rapidly, in part fuelled by people’s desire for bucket list travel experiences following the pandemic – with some concerns that the remote corner of the planet could even be at risk of overtourism.

According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators  (IAATO) a record of approximately 106,000 tourists sailed to the region on 86 ships this season, up from 73,670 on 62 vessels from 2019-2020.

As the region becomes more visited for luxury expeditions, it follows that this also increases the odds for accidents and human error, and there have been recent fatalities during Antarctic adventure expedition holidays.

As Antarctica isn’t governed by a single country or region,  there is no central, public database of safety records for individual tourism companies and operators. However, IAATO sets safety and environmental rules for its member cruise lines and tour operators – one of which is Scenic.

These include minimum expedition team member requirements and passenger-to-crew ratios and the tracking of all major incidents involving humans and wildlife to “ensure risks are understood and appropriate lessons are learned for all Antarctic operators.”

When picking a cruise line or tour operator, it is advisable to research the companies and their individual safety records carefully and seek out ships and companies with proven experience in the region.

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Lighthouse Point, a family beach retreat in the Bahamas from Disney Cruise Line, will welcome guests in Summer 2024. Rose Dykins reports

Disney Cruise Line has announced dates and itineraries for its new island destination in the Bahamas, Lighthouse Point, bookable from summer 2024.

In June 2024, Disney Cruise Line will launch its Bahamian beach retreat on the island of Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point, designed specifically for families to bring “the colour and energy of Bahamian artistry…developed with a commitment to conservation at its core”.

Situated on the southernmost tip of Eleuthera, Lighthouse Point is designed to pay tribute to the natural beauty of the Bahamas – just as the island’s architecture is influenced by the curvy shapes and vibrant colours of its plants, shells and local wildlife.

Disney has partnered with Bahamian artists, historians and cultural ambassadors to create Lighthouse Point. At the resort’s centre is an arts and cultural pavilion, intended to be a gathering spot to honour the “soul of Bahamian culture” by showcasing creators and performers from the Bahamas.

Guests at Lighthouse Point have access to amenities tailored for relaxing at the resort’s beaches, including towels, lounge chairs, sun umbrellas, dining options and “a pinch of pixie dust” thanks to Disney-designed touches. The resort’s facilities will include a family beach, a peaceful adults-only beach escape and an island-inspired play land for children.

On June 6, 2024, a three-night preview cruise on Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will offer a first look of Lighthouse Point, with limited access to some areas of the resort.

On June 8, the inaugural seven-night sailing on board Disney Fantasy cruise ship will depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, carrying some of the first guests to step foot inside Lighthouse Point.

“We are delighted to take families to new places during the Summer 2024 season, including our newest island destination at Lighthouse Point in The Bahamas,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line.

“We’re also thrilled to return to Europe with new ports of call and offer exciting adventures to Alaska and the Caribbean. All of these Disney Cruise Line sailings provide the unique experiences that our guests have come to expect from Disney, the world-class dining and dazzling entertainment to character encounters and legendary guest service.”

Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board have also agreed to homeport a new Disney cruise ship exclusively in Singapore for at least five years beginning in 2025. More details about the maiden voyage, itineraries and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.

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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will add two new all-inclusive, luxury vessels to its fleet, which will sail around the Mediterranean and Caribbean in 2024 and 2025. Olivia Palamountain reports

Ritz-Carlton has announced the debut of two new ships for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – Ilma and Luminara – that will join Evrima, which launched on October 15, 2022.

Slated to set sail in 2024 and 2025, these new super yachts will offer the type of luxury stay for which the hotel brand is renowned, combined with the freedom of a yachting holiday with all-inclusive itineraries ranging from seven to ten nights cruising the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Reservations for the 2024 season will open to the public this autumn, however, all three yachts are also available for private charter.

The exterior design of the new-builds is by Finland-based yacht stylist, Aivan, while striking interiors are courtesy of London-based architect and design firm, AD Associates and award-winning lighting designer, DPA.

Both vessels will feature 228 suites in cabins measuring up to 100 sqm – each with its own private terrace – and will offer a high percentage of larger suites, with two new, extra-spacious upper suites. In addition to the scaled up accommodations, both Ilma and Luminara will have five restaurants, six bars and a wine vault, plus many of the spaces found on Evrima such as an expanded marina with a new mezzanine feature, a Ritz-Carlton spa and a dedicated Ritz Kids club.

The onboard experience will reflect the comfort and service for which the Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned, with Ilma and Luminara providing nearly one staff member for every guest – one of the highest staff and space ratios at sea.

What can people expect from the voyages? Let’s look to Evrima for inspiration, which showcases ultra-tailored itineraries and immersive experiences, both at sea and on land.

In each destination, passengers can choose from a selection of unique experiences within the Shore Collection that align with their interests or utilise the services of the Concierge Ashore to customise their own private tours.

Experiences onshore range from a guided tour in a world-class museum with its curator, visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site, to yoga on a private beach, zip-lining through a rainforest and truffle hunting.

On select itineraries, guests can deepen their experience mid-voyage through an overnight tour, promising an unforgettable and uniquely immersive cultural experience before rejoining the yacht at their next destination.

Douglas Prothero, CEO for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, says: “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is revolutionising the luxury cruising industry, creating an entirely unique category designed for those in search of unmatched getaways, highly curated itineraries, insider access and a level of personalisation previously unseen in the space.

“Every element of the luxury yachting experience was considered when designing and creating Evrima, and we are excited to deliver unforgettable journeys for both longtime cruisers and those who are new to the industry.”

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With mirrored solar wings, the zero-emission Pegasus super yacht can blend in with the ocean and has an onboard Zen garden. Rose Dykins reports

International designer Jozeph Forakis has unveiled plans for Pegasus, the world’s first 3D-printed yacht that is designed to be “virtually invisible” – both visually and environmentally.

Set to launch by 2030, the 88-metre superyacht’s construction uses robotic 3D printing to create a mesh framework integrating both hull and superstructure. Its strong, lightweight structure can be produced using less energy, material, waste, space, and time compared to conventional construction.

The futuristic yacht was conceived on a beach in Koufonissi island, Greece. “I was inspired to create a yacht as close to the sea and nature as possible, made of clouds floating above the waterline,” Forakis says, “I wanted to honour nature by blending into it, becoming virtually invisible.”This desire for “invisibility” drove Forakis and his team to develop a true zero emissions yacht incorporating a range of advanced technologies – some existing and some currently in development – that promises new levels of sustainability, range and structural integrity.

Pegasus has a low, linear hull with a plumb bow and silvery, metallic finish that blends with the  ocean’s reflective surface and colours. The yacht’s exterior features multi-tiered wings structure with mirrored glass reflects the sky, clouds and surrounding environment. The lattice framework of Pegasus’s 3D-printed structure becomes visible through the reflective glass at certain angles and lighting conditions. The triangulated structure lets light penetrate all levels of the interior, while framing the ocean views in all directions.

The glass also incorporates transparent solar panels to power electrolyzers that extract hydrogen from seawater. This hydrogen is converted to electricity and stored in Li-on batteries for powering azimuth pods and the ship’s operating systems. This green technology allows the ship to produce zero emissions and have a virtually unlimited range.Forakis says: “Now is the time for courageous leaps towards our collective sustainable future. Pegasus is a bold but achievable vision for the near future of the superyacht industry, where man and machine live in harmony with nature rather than competing or compromising it.

The centrepiece of Pegasus’s interior design is the multi-level “Tree of Life”, a hydroponic garden that provides fresh food and purifies the surrounding air. The base of the tree emerges from a reflecting pool on the ship’s lower deck and is surrounded by the hydroponic and meditation Zen garden. The tree extends vertically through all four levels accompanied by a sculptural spiral staircase. The ship’s spacious guest lounges combine minimalist design and greenery, offering uninterrupted views in all directions and copious natural light.

The top level is exclusive to the owner, with forward-facing master-suite that has a large private terrace. 

The  pool club has an aquarium-style lap pool and expansive horizontal windows that transform into open balconies on both port and starboard. When closed, the pool cover functions as the helipad. At the aft of the ship, the open beach club has an oversized spa bath and fold-down balconies that transform into an enclosed solarium with sliding glass panels.

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