Four Seasons, Orient Express and Regent launch new luxury cruise ships with superyacht-style suites

Luxury cruising is shifting toward intimate, yacht-like vessels as Four Seasons, Orient Express, Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas launch new ships in 2026. The vessels offer more space, privacy and personalised experiences, with fares starting from US$4,340 per person for seven nights.

Luxury cruising is shifting toward highly personalised travel, with a new generation of ships offering more space, privacy and tailored experiences. Four Seasons, Orient Express, Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have launched or are preparing to launch vessels designed to emulate superyachts or luxury floating hotels.

Four Seasons became the second luxury hotel group to enter the cruise market in March, launching the Four Seasons I. The 679 ft vessel accommodates 222 guests in 95 residential-style suites, with 11 dining venues, four pools, a spa, a gym and a marina deck. The top of the ship features the 9,974 sq ft Funnel Suite, spanning four floors with a plunge pool, gym, spa and floor-to-ceiling wraparound glass. The suite has sold for more than US$300,000 (S$383,853) on past sailings. Fares start at US$31,000 for seven nights (meals not included, except breakfast).

In April, Orient Express unveiled the Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht at 721 ft. The 110-passenger vessel has 54 ocean-facing suites designed by architect Maxime d'Angeac, ranging from 45 to 230 sq m (about 484 to 2,475 sq ft). The Penthouse on Deck 7 offers six outward-facing residences with private terraces, outdoor plunge pools and unobstructed ocean views. The ship has five restaurants, eight bars, private dining rooms run by chef Yannick Alleno, a spa, two swimming pools and a marina deck. Fares start at US$19,500 for three nights (all-inclusive).

Explora Journeys launched its third and largest ship, the Explora III, in July. At 879 ft, the vessel uses extra space to expand public areas rather than passenger capacity. It features 461 ocean-facing suites, including 109 penthouses and 39 ocean residences, with five heated pools, six restaurants, a gym, a running track and wellness facilities of more than 7,500 sq ft. Rates start at US$4,340 per person for seven nights (all-inclusive).

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is preparing to launch the Seven Seas Prestige in December, its first new ship class in more than a decade. At 735 ft, the vessel carries around 800 guests in 411 ocean-facing suites, including the 9,000 sq ft Skyview Regent Suite with a private dining room, spa, gym and wraparound terrace. The ship has 11 dining venues, a sports and pool deck, and the cruise line's largest spa and gym. All dining is included in the fare.