Luxury cruise industry shifts to small, design-focused vessels
The luxury cruise sector is transitioning from large vessels to smaller, design-focused ships, beginning with the Seabourn Encore in 2015. By 2035, global revenue is expected to hit $23.14 billion, with ultra-premium bookings increasing by 43% annually. Wealthy travelers are prioritizing privacy and exclusivity in their spending. Upcoming ships include the Four Seasons I (March, 95 suites), the Orient Express Corinthian (launching this month, 722 feet, 54 suites), Emerald Kaia (April), and Aqua Lares (February, accommodating 30 guests). The Ritz-Carlton's Luminara offers helicopter tours, while Explora II boasts an art gallery. Regent Seven Seas' Prestige, launching in December, features an 8,794-square-foot suite priced from $25,000 per night, with contributions from designers like Patricia Urquiola and Tom Dixon.
Key facts
- Seabourn Encore launched around 2015 with all-ocean-facing suites for fewer than 800 passengers, Thomas Keller restaurant, and interiors by Adam Tihany.
- Global luxury cruise revenue projected to hit $23.14 billion by 2035.
- Ultra-premium bookings up 43% year-on-year.
- Four Seasons I launched in March with 95 suites and a 1:1 guest-staff ratio.
- Orient Express Corinthian debuts this month as world's largest sailing yacht at 722 feet with 54 suites, chef Yannick Alléno, and interiors by Maxime d'Angeac.
- Emerald Kaia launched in April, can navigate Corinth Canal; Aqua Lares launched in February with 30 guests.
- Ritz-Carlton Luminara offers helicopter excursions and vintage Hermès Birkins.
- Explora II has art gallery selling works by Hockney, Hirst, Picasso, Warhol, and watch boutiques by Panerai, Piaget, Cartier.
- Regent Seven Seas' Prestige debuts in December with 8,794 sq ft suite at $25,000/night.
- Patricia Urquiola, Tom Dixon, Kelly Hoppen, Missoni involved in ship designs.
- SINOT anchoring Aman's Amangati launch spring 2027 with Japanese-inspired spa.
- New model: yacht-ification, small design-driven vessels with curated art and retail.
Entities
Artists
- Adam Tihany
- Yannick Alléno
- Maxime d'Angeac
- David Hockney
- Damien Hirst
- Pablo Picasso
- Andy Warhol
- Patricia Urquiola
- Tom Dixon
- Kelly Hoppen
- Missoni
Institutions
- Seabourn
- Four Seasons
- Orient Express
- Emerald Cruises
- Aqua Expeditions
- Ritz-Carlton
- Explora
- Regent Seven Seas
- Windstar
- Aman
- SINOT
- Wallpaper*
- Ponant
- Silversea
- Celebrity Cruises
- Virgin Voyages
- Panerai
- Piaget
- Cartier
- Rolex
- Hermès
- Thomas Keller Restaurant
- Tillberg Design
- Martin Brudnizki
Locations
- Corinth Canal
- Bangkok
- Thames
- London
- Seine
- Paris
- Arctic
- Adriatic
- Cannes
- Monaco
- Singapore
- South-East Asia