---
title: "Luxury Hotel Brands Launch Small Upscale Ships for Exclusive Cruising Experience"
url: https://newscentral.site/luxury-hotel-brands-launch-small-upscale-ships-for-exclusive-cruising/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Style"
published: 2026-10-10T12:00:00.000Z
updated: 2026-10-10T12:34:09.301Z
id: 8a9ce300-70f8-4004-bbe6-b986468ba6a5
source: "Harper's Bazaar https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/travel-dining/a74056011/luxury-hotel-cruises/"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/luxury-hotel-brands-launch-small-upscale-ships-for-exclusive-cruising/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Luxury Hotel Brands Launch Small Upscale Ships for Exclusive Cruising Experience

The hospitality industry has seen a surge in high-end offerings with luxury hotel brands launching small upscale ships that offer an exclusive experience similar to luxury hotels.

A recent trend in the hospitality industry is turning traditional notions of cruising on their head. Luxury hotel brands such as Four Seasons, Aman, and Orient Express have launched small upscale ships, challenging the notion that cruising is only for older travelers.

These new vessels offer an exclusive experience similar to luxury hotels, but with the added advantage of being able to anchor at ports inaccessible to larger ships. The result is a unique blend of sea and land travel. Onboard amenities such as restaurants and pools are designed to rival those found in top hotels on dry land.

The Pool House, part of one such ship, was abuzz on an early-summer evening with music and conversation spilling out onto its sun-drenched terrace with stunning sea views.

The luxury cruise industry has seen a surge in high-end offerings in recent years, with several hotel brands launching their own vessels. The Ritz-Carlton was among the first to enter this market, introducing its 298-passenger ship, Evrima, in fall 2022.

This trend continued with the launch of Ilma in 2024 and Luminara in 2025, further expanding options for travelers seeking a luxurious cruise experience. Fashion designer Johanna Ortiz, who collaborated on the design of Ilma, was initially unfamiliar with cruising but has since become an advocate for it.

Ortiz praises the quality of food and amenities available on these luxury vessels, as well as the ability to find peaceful spaces onboard to watch the sunset over the sea.

The Corinthian, christened in April by Orient Express, boasts an impressive array of amenities and accommodations. With 54 suites and five restaurants on board, it is a luxurious retreat that offers its guests unparalleled comfort and convenience.

These floating hotels have disrupted the traditional concept of luxury travel, offering access to remote destinations that were previously inaccessible to high-end travelers. The Corinthian's elaborate wellness options, including private yoga classes and state-of-the-art facial treatments, further enhance its appeal as a tranquil getaway from the stresses of everyday life.

---
Source: [Harper's Bazaar](https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/travel-dining/a74056011/luxury-hotel-cruises/)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/luxury-hotel-brands-launch-small-upscale-ships-for-exclusive-cruising/