In recent years, we’ve seen luxury hospitality companies increasingly getting into the cruising industry (though profitability has been a challenge). For example, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was among the first, then we recently saw the launch of Four Seasons Yachts, and then in 2027 we’re supposed to see the launch of Aman at Sea.
Continue reading: New Orient Express Sailing Yachts Sets Sail: Ship, Pricing, Itineraries, Inclusions
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Recent reports on Ritz-Carlton yacht not doin so hot financially? So... more supply!
Interesting if it is a luxury all-inclusive that you would then need on board credit. I get it that some special things are extra but still an oxymoron.
@ Andrew -- I can't think of a single all-inclusive hotel or cruise experience in the world that doesn't actually have anything you can buy up to (though I'm sure I'm missing something). For example, spa treatments cost extra, I believe one restaurant has some add-ons, and I imagine they have an even more premium wine selection, beyond the excellent one that's already included.
All these PE and asset management companies who manages these brands are severely overestimating the luxury market and they are pushing the cost to such extend, sooner or later it is gonna crash alongside the wider market and many of these ventures will definitely end up as paperwork
Considering the cost of an Orient Express Paris Istanbul for a single traveling is about $35,000. So a cruise adventure seems priced accordingly and I would expect luxury.
Actually this is much less since it's per suite. The Orient Express is per person with a 100% single supplement. That 35k rate would be the intro "historic cabin rate with a shared bathroom." If you want a private suite with ensuite private bathroom, it's a lot more.
Completely off-topic, but Philippine Airlines has received an invitation to join oneworld.
Ben - as commenters have suggested in some of your RC Yacht posts, I hope you'll consider a "legacy luxury" cruise (not affiliated with a hotel group) priced below the RC cruises for comparison. While I'm sure these new "yacht" entrants are hoping to book non-cruisers who compare their experience (especially price) to luxury hotels, the better comparison seems to be existing "luxury" cruises on ships slightly bigger than RC, for significantly less cash.
@Ben: Just to give you a sense of how high end the experience is, the house champagne is Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015, which retails for $150-200 per bottle."
At least you can get the same champagne on LH FC.
@Ben - I’m confused by who operates this. The Venice-Simplon Orient Express is part of Belmond Hotels but this says it is part of Accor. And the website for the cruise shows a bunch of other hotels branded “Orient Express” that I’ve never heard of.
Recent reports on Ritz-Carlton yacht not doin so hot financially? So... more supply!
Interesting if it is a luxury all-inclusive that you would then need on board credit. I get it that some special things are extra but still an oxymoron.
@ Andrew -- I can't think of a single all-inclusive hotel or cruise experience in the world that doesn't actually have anything you can buy up to (though I'm sure I'm missing something). For example, spa treatments cost extra, I believe one restaurant has some add-ons, and I imagine they have an even more premium wine selection, beyond the excellent one that's already included.
All these PE and asset management companies who manages these brands are severely overestimating the luxury market and they are pushing the cost to such extend, sooner or later it is gonna crash alongside the wider market and many of these ventures will definitely end up as paperwork
Considering the cost of an Orient Express Paris Istanbul for a single traveling is about $35,000. So a cruise adventure seems priced accordingly and I would expect luxury.
Actually this is much less since it's per suite. The Orient Express is per person with a 100% single supplement. That 35k rate would be the intro "historic cabin rate with a shared bathroom." If you want a private suite with ensuite private bathroom, it's a lot more.
Completely off-topic, but Philippine Airlines has received an invitation to join oneworld.
Ben - as commenters have suggested in some of your RC Yacht posts, I hope you'll consider a "legacy luxury" cruise (not affiliated with a hotel group) priced below the RC cruises for comparison. While I'm sure these new "yacht" entrants are hoping to book non-cruisers who compare their experience (especially price) to luxury hotels, the better comparison seems to be existing "luxury" cruises on ships slightly bigger than RC, for significantly less cash.
@Ben: Just to give you a sense of how high end the experience is, the house champagne is Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015, which retails for $150-200 per bottle."
At least you can get the same champagne on LH FC.
@Ben - I’m confused by who operates this. The Venice-Simplon Orient Express is part of Belmond Hotels but this says it is part of Accor. And the website for the cruise shows a bunch of other hotels branded “Orient Express” that I’ve never heard of.