It’s interesting to see the increasing trend of luxury hotel groups launching cruise lines, or perhaps more accurately, licensing out their names to partner on new cruising concepts. For example, a few years back we saw the launch of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and this year, we’re supposed to see the launch of Four Seasons Yachts…
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Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
This is the first lux cruise concept I could see myself actually doing.
Yes the cost is excessive, but it’s going to offer a level of service and discretion that we all know deep in our hearts the four seasons and Ritz options are not capable or designed to bring; it’s just not their strength.
And the reason why you don’t just pick the private charter because the cost is easily a min of 50 K on a 55 -60 ft boat with absolute no certainty on the quality of service or the quality of boat you’re going to get (Photos alone don’t tell you the real story on charters). And that’s just the entry luxury level of chartered boat with crew. It’s a real crapshoot for 50 K. Imagine spending that much money, only to show up and find that the crew is not getting along or that your AC is down but “ that’s OK we’ll open the windows” is the solution you get.
- Aman will bring a reliable service experience.
It is hard to imagine the appeal of this over renting a Yacht. Outside of the Aman name, you're sacrificing an incredible amount of freedom that a yacht charter grants. Odds are that unless you're really stretching your budget, you'd be better off with a charter. Especially if you wish to travel with friends or family. For the same amount of money as two rooms, you can get a 120 foot yacht with five cabins. Not to mention the fact that for the truly wealthy, a lot of the benefits of an all-inclusive cruise disappear. Everything that needs to be handled is taken care of by assistants. Booking a yacht charter is no more work than booking a cruise.
I'll be curious to see how this does, but I have my doubts about its success. It seems like Four Seasons is a much more attractive price and quality point for those with large amounts of disposable income.
What are people getting up to on holiday that they need all this "discretion" from their hospitality providers?
I'm not doing anything on holiday that I wouldn't mind being repeated. Not sure about you lot that care so much about getting "discretion" from their hotels/cruise ships?
Not including decent wine and alcohol seems uncompetitive and nonsensical. Other than Saudi investors, what is the possible rationale? The notion of a $50K cruise tab and then spending $200/dinner on a mid bottle of wine seems pound foolish.
The top 1% population number on a global basis has expanded substantially in the last 20 years. A few sharp pencils have evaluated the risk/return and given the greenlight.
If I had the money, it wouldn't be my bag. But then i'm too old to appreciate the Instagram life. I'd be buying a small family vineyard in Europe somewhere and disappearing from life...
Just got off an Antartica cruise where I had great food, amazing scenery and got drunk every night watching penguins for 1/3 of that price.
Hey Ben, you mentioned in this article you were gonna try Ritz and FS cruises - I'm looking forward to those reviews and I have a specific request. Could you devote a short section of your reviews to the kids/family situation at whatever venue you're staying (clubs, age reqs, activities, etc)? This would be particularly useful to those of us who have toddlers at or nears Miles' age, or smaller ones like Jet, and for those of use who haven't experienced a certain categories of venues (ie cruises). I do, of course, appreciate the insights you do provide (ie Disney and Deer Valley experiences), but it'd be super helpful if there was a dedicated section. Happy Travels!
Biggest issue with this (and the other) luxury yacht cruise start-ups are the itineraries
Nothing says “expensive and private” like docking next to the “Monstrosity of the Seas” at half the ports of call (ports that you can visit on almost any cruise line)
Oh, good, I have a spare $100,000 I was thinking of burning, but I guess I can give it to them to light it on fire for me… and I say this as someone who ‘likes’ Aman.
Agreed, that's how alot of small ships pitch themselves, it's kinda crazy the itinerary shown uses so many mass-market ports.
I am on my sailboat around Palawan. A couple of days ago we saw the Ritz Carlton “Yacht” docked at El Nido during its maiden voyage in Asia. The island had prepared a huge welcome. Imagine their surprise when 15 people came off the boat. Yes, that’s right, 15. It’s now become a butt of jokes here.
As to answer your question as to whether people are going to pay these prices for a cruise.
Not including specialty dining and alcohol is crazy. The prices here are comparable to top tier suites on NCL Haven where you basically have unlimited visits to specialty restaurants.
Pfft. Maybe we will all be billionaires someday, but I still won't be spending (burning) my bucks like this.
If my net worth ever hits 9 figures... maybe I'd think about it. But I can think of more exciting ways to spend $50K.
Amen! Take me to places that I can't get to otherwise and I'd be a lot more interested.
I have a friend who had an absolute nightmare experience with a charter. Good point.
Haven pricing is more in the $2000-3000/night per room neighborhood last I checked.
Some years back my family (4 people, all adults) did a 15-night cruise in The Haven for about $20,000, so $5,000pp and ~$333/night. We didn’t spend a dime on anything but additional tips and a couple excursions and really had the best time ever. Fantastic service across the ship, but especially attentive in The Haven. Expensive but absolutely worth the price. I can’t imagine for $7k a night it would be THAT over the top good.
At those prices people who are sensible aren’t going to cop paying for alcohol and any surcharge for a “specialty” restaurant , there’s just too many choices these days but good luck, I found Ritz Carlton fell well short of what I was expecting and it was all inclusive
Definition of Amangati …. A floating vessel (without) culture in which the nuevo riche parasite influencers can be taken for a ride.
If I had to choose between taking a cruise or eating a bowl of crushed glass laced with strychnine, I'd take my chances with the bowl of glass.
Billionaires have their own boats, which are often large & vulgar. If I was that rich, it'd be the Global 8000 for me all the way.
Doubtful. Those influencers are mostly at Amangiri. Much of the Amans in SE Asia are still relatively chill.
Those trips to Antarctica are less of a ‘cruise’ and more of an expedition! How was the Drake?
I was merely expressing my contempt for cruise ships and all who sail on them.
The Dassault Falcon 10X would be my ‘toy’ of choice Pete.
A lower acquisition and maintenance costs, with the most luxurious, spacious cabin. What’s not to like about it? …. 🙂
Some of us have taken several ‘Arctic cruises’ courtesy of the Royal Navy and the British Tax Payers. Highly recommended for those who possess a sense of adventure, combined with a very different school day.
Even took a trip, a few decades ago for a ‘punch up’ with some squatters. It did not end well for the squatters! Looking back, one learned a lot about flying a single rotor and deck landings in a whiteout.
Hard pass. Having done yacht cruises on a branded line before, at this price point, charters are far more attractive.
Aero, we were talking Antarctic, not Artic.
You know, Falklands, South Georgia, South Shetland, etc.
…. actually so was I posting about the Antarctic too, do get with the program, yes 1990?
I know that you are probably too young to know anything about those Argentinian ‘squatters’ who took a beating from a few Brits, wearing green and maroon berets …. 🙂
Draw up your sandbag anytime for a history lesson.
I can't speak to the FS in Palau, but I did do a diving liveaboard a few years back on the Palau Siren - that was pretty fantastic. Not as posh as an FS offering but more affordable and VERY spacious in terms of cabins, indoor and outdoor areas - crew was great, and because there are much fewer cabins than other liveaboards and a relatively high crew to guest ratio, we had lots of flexibility in terms of itinerary, activities, food, etc.
Hey guys, long-time reader here… over the years I’ve been noticing something that keeps making me curious. A lot of the hotels featured on OMAAT cost, like, $1,000–$2,000 a night. As a European, I usually spend €100–€200 for a nice hotel anywhere in the world, sometimes even less in Asia.
So I have to ask… is it actually common to spend $1,000 or $2,000 for just one night? It just blows my mind that people in the US often pay as much for one night as I would for a whole week of vacation and accommodation.
Is this normal for you guys, or is this blog mostly showing the top 0.1%?
Why get off and go into dumpy El Nido town when you can stay on the Ritz Carlton Yacht.
"and for most of us, that’s not only completely out of budget, but seems ridiculous."
I'm not convinced your use of "us" was more appropriate than using "you".
It is actually not new. The FS explorer used to do the Maldives. Very much geared towards diving and snokeling. I have been on it 3 times and I must say it was excellent. Nice boat, few cabins and great staff.
"It just blows my mind that people in the US often pay as much for one night as I would for a whole week of vacation and accommodation"
Prices are definitely on the higher side in the US (as well as cost of living) compared to most countries, but "often" is not the case. The vast majority of fiscally responsible people will not spend this kind of money on vacation
@BC - I think you hit the nail right on the head. I think for those that can afford these cruises the cost of alcohol doesn't matter though the hassle of signing a check every time you're at a bar or restaurant isn't really the height of luxury. For those that don't drink for whatever reason, including a religious or cultural one, they don't have to pay for something they don't want and would probably prefer their fellow guests weren't partaking in anyway.
I am a millennial and don't appreciate the Instagram life either. I'm with you on the small vineyard in Europe
There are 3.5 million US households with a net worth of 5M+, so this article is relèvent to a lot of people
Probably never been on a cruise...
There are different cruises for different kind of people. And this one will be very, very special.
Tevdten, as someone who resides on the right side of the pond too, you might well be interested in my response to your comment. I’m speaking generally here, there are arguably many who might choose to disagree ….
Most U.S. travellers are only one nighters. They tend to arrive at a destination, wizzing around like demented demons, spend one night in any given location and then move on the next day. I come across this ‘thick list tourist’ all over the world.
Another thing to note is that the vast majority appear to be points and status obsessed. In so much that their domestic spending, etc, is geared to collecting points which can be exchanged for hotel accommodation, etc. This obsession can lead to much reduced flights, accommodation and restaurant bills, etc. Therefore, your $1000/night room will be cash charged at a much lower rate when points are exchanged. Alternatively, or, as well as, status earned ‘free’ upgrades come into play too.
You may have noticed that there are constant reminders of the airlines and hotel fanboy rivalry. This being from those who become locked into points for credit card use customers. It is my opinion that some limit themselves to some of most uninteresting holiday scenarios by being tied to their credit card points programs. These dictate which airline to travel on, which hotel to stay in and so no …. sad!
Jamie, your post is so typical of the mindset projected by so many tourists. Travel should broaden your mind, even El Nido has something to offer the thinking person.
The author's husband is a luxury travel agent. So some of the stays at high-end hotels, like Four Seasons, are reduced rate or even free because the hotels want travel agents to experience the property and bring their clients there. Some chains, like Park Hyatt or St. Regis, are bookable with points. A lot of the blog's readership and target audience probably come from a narrow and affluent group of professions, like law, finance, tech, and consulting, which can have high salaries and generous travel policies. Most Americans though are booking Hampton Inns, Best Westerns, Airbnbs etc and flying coach and budget airlines like Southwest and Spirit when they travel.
For €100 to €200 per night, you certainly won't get a nice hotel in Europe, and even in many Asian cities, you won't get a halfway decent hotel for that price.
@Jamie. Fair enough, it is overrun. As is Coron Town and Boracay (another stop it had). But why stop at any of those in the first place? If you are imagining yourself as exclusive and providing a true yachting experience there are literally dozens of amazing islands that are still pristine and make the Palawan region so astoundingly beautiful.
My point was that you can pretty much discern from 15 people coming off the boat in El Nido that there were not that many people on the boat to begin with. Secondly, that if these "Luxury Yacht Experiences" are going to charge as much as they do they might work harder to find better and more exclusive islands for excursions.
If you want an experience just charter a sailboat for a quarter of the cost and sail around the countless islands in the world that are off the beaten track. No, your cabin will not have high thread count sheets or world class dining. But the boat is yours and it will access the last pristine places left in the world. I know, I am now sitting at Seco Island in the Sulu sea kitesurfing off a truly uninhabited island.
Does anyone have $10k I can borrow?
This is the first lux cruise concept I could see myself actually doing.
Yes the cost is excessive, but it’s going to offer a level of service and discretion that we all know deep in our hearts the four seasons and Ritz options are not capable or designed to bring; it’s just not their strength.
And the reason why you don’t just pick the private charter because the cost is easily a min of 50 K on a 55 -60 ft boat with absolute no certainty on the quality of service or the quality of boat you’re going to get (Photos alone don’t tell you the real story on charters). And that’s just the entry luxury level of chartered boat with crew. It’s a real crapshoot for 50 K. Imagine spending that much money, only to show up and find that the crew is not getting along or that your AC is down but “ that’s OK we’ll open the windows” is the solution you get.
- Aman will bring a reliable service experience.
What are people getting up to on holiday that they need all this "discretion" from their hospitality providers?
I'm not doing anything on holiday that I wouldn't mind being repeated. Not sure about you lot that care so much about getting "discretion" from their hotels/cruise ships?
I have a friend who had an absolute nightmare experience with a charter. Good point.
Speaking of Aman properties, How about checking out Amanpulo or Amangiri?!
It is hard to imagine the appeal of this over renting a Yacht. Outside of the Aman name, you're sacrificing an incredible amount of freedom that a yacht charter grants. Odds are that unless you're really stretching your budget, you'd be better off with a charter. Especially if you wish to travel with friends or family. For the same amount of money as two rooms, you can get a 120 foot yacht with five cabins. Not to mention the fact that for the truly wealthy, a lot of the benefits of an all-inclusive cruise disappear. Everything that needs to be handled is taken care of by assistants. Booking a yacht charter is no more work than booking a cruise.
I'll be curious to see how this does, but I have my doubts about its success. It seems like Four Seasons is a much more attractive price and quality point for those with large amounts of disposable income.
Not including decent wine and alcohol seems uncompetitive and nonsensical. Other than Saudi investors, what is the possible rationale? The notion of a $50K cruise tab and then spending $200/dinner on a mid bottle of wine seems pound foolish.
@BC - I think you hit the nail right on the head. I think for those that can afford these cruises the cost of alcohol doesn't matter though the hassle of signing a check every time you're at a bar or restaurant isn't really the height of luxury. For those that don't drink for whatever reason, including a religious or cultural one, they don't have to pay for something they don't want and would probably prefer their fellow guests weren't partaking in anyway.
The top 1% population number on a global basis has expanded substantially in the last 20 years. A few sharp pencils have evaluated the risk/return and given the greenlight.
If I had the money, it wouldn't be my bag. But then i'm too old to appreciate the Instagram life. I'd be buying a small family vineyard in Europe somewhere and disappearing from life...
I am a millennial and don't appreciate the Instagram life either. I'm with you on the small vineyard in Europe
I am a millennial and don't appreciate the Instagram life either. I'm with you on the small vineyard in Europe
Just got off an Antartica cruise where I had great food, amazing scenery and got drunk every night watching penguins for 1/3 of that price.
Those trips to Antarctica are less of a ‘cruise’ and more of an expedition! How was the Drake?
Some of us have taken several ‘Arctic cruises’ courtesy of the Royal Navy and the British Tax Payers. Highly recommended for those who possess a sense of adventure, combined with a very different school day.
Even took a trip, a few decades ago for a ‘punch up’ with some squatters. It did not end well for the squatters! Looking back, one learned a lot about flying a single rotor and deck landings in a whiteout.
Aero, we were talking Antarctic, not Artic.
You know, Falklands, South Georgia, South Shetland, etc.
…. actually so was I posting about the Antarctic too, do get with the program, yes 1990?
I know that you are probably too young to know anything about those Argentinian ‘squatters’ who took a beating from a few Brits, wearing green and maroon berets …. 🙂
Draw up your sandbag anytime for a history lesson.
Hey Ben, you mentioned in this article you were gonna try Ritz and FS cruises - I'm looking forward to those reviews and I have a specific request. Could you devote a short section of your reviews to the kids/family situation at whatever venue you're staying (clubs, age reqs, activities, etc)? This would be particularly useful to those of us who have toddlers at or nears Miles' age, or smaller ones like Jet, and for those of use who haven't experienced a certain categories of venues (ie cruises). I do, of course, appreciate the insights you do provide (ie Disney and Deer Valley experiences), but it'd be super helpful if there was a dedicated section. Happy Travels!
I can't speak to the FS in Palau, but I did do a diving liveaboard a few years back on the Palau Siren - that was pretty fantastic. Not as posh as an FS offering but more affordable and VERY spacious in terms of cabins, indoor and outdoor areas - crew was great, and because there are much fewer cabins than other liveaboards and a relatively high crew to guest ratio, we had lots of flexibility in terms of itinerary, activities, food, etc.
It is actually not new. The FS explorer used to do the Maldives. Very much geared towards diving and snokeling. I have been on it 3 times and I must say it was excellent. Nice boat, few cabins and great staff.
Biggest issue with this (and the other) luxury yacht cruise start-ups are the itineraries
Nothing says “expensive and private” like docking next to the “Monstrosity of the Seas” at half the ports of call (ports that you can visit on almost any cruise line)
Agreed, that's how alot of small ships pitch themselves, it's kinda crazy the itinerary shown uses so many mass-market ports.
Amanyati?
Oh, good, I have a spare $100,000 I was thinking of burning, but I guess I can give it to them to light it on fire for me… and I say this as someone who ‘likes’ Aman.
I am on my sailboat around Palawan. A couple of days ago we saw the Ritz Carlton “Yacht” docked at El Nido during its maiden voyage in Asia. The island had prepared a huge welcome. Imagine their surprise when 15 people came off the boat. Yes, that’s right, 15. It’s now become a butt of jokes here.
As to answer your question as to whether people are going to pay these prices for a cruise.
Why get off and go into dumpy El Nido town when you can stay on the Ritz Carlton Yacht.
Jamie, your post is so typical of the mindset projected by so many tourists. Travel should broaden your mind, even El Nido has something to offer the thinking person.
@Jamie. Fair enough, it is overrun. As is Coron Town and Boracay (another stop it had). But why stop at any of those in the first place? If you are imagining yourself as exclusive and providing a true yachting experience there are literally dozens of amazing islands that are still pristine and make the Palawan region so astoundingly beautiful.
My point was that you can pretty much discern from 15 people coming off the boat in El Nido that there were not that many people on the boat to begin with. Secondly, that if these "Luxury Yacht Experiences" are going to charge as much as they do they might work harder to find better and more exclusive islands for excursions.
If you want an experience just charter a sailboat for a quarter of the cost and sail around the countless islands in the world that are off the beaten track. No, your cabin will not have high thread count sheets or world class dining. But the boat is yours and it will access the last pristine places left in the world. I know, I am now sitting at Seco Island in the Sulu sea kitesurfing off a truly uninhabited island.
Not including specialty dining and alcohol is crazy. The prices here are comparable to top tier suites on NCL Haven where you basically have unlimited visits to specialty restaurants.
Haven pricing is more in the $2000-3000/night per room neighborhood last I checked.
Some years back my family (4 people, all adults) did a 15-night cruise in The Haven for about $20,000, so $5,000pp and ~$333/night. We didn’t spend a dime on anything but additional tips and a couple excursions and really had the best time ever. Fantastic service across the ship, but especially attentive in The Haven. Expensive but absolutely worth the price. I can’t imagine for $7k a night it would be THAT over the top good.
Pfft. Maybe we will all be billionaires someday, but I still won't be spending (burning) my bucks like this.
Billionaires have their own boats, which are often large & vulgar. If I was that rich, it'd be the Global 8000 for me all the way.
The Dassault Falcon 10X would be my ‘toy’ of choice Pete.
A lower acquisition and maintenance costs, with the most luxurious, spacious cabin. What’s not to like about it? …. 🙂
If my net worth ever hits 9 figures... maybe I'd think about it. But I can think of more exciting ways to spend $50K.
At those prices people who are sensible aren’t going to cop paying for alcohol and any surcharge for a “specialty” restaurant , there’s just too many choices these days but good luck, I found Ritz Carlton fell well short of what I was expecting and it was all inclusive
Definition of Amangati …. A floating vessel (without) culture in which the nuevo riche parasite influencers can be taken for a ride.
Definition of Amangati …. A floating vessel (without) culture in which the nuevo riche parasite influencers can be taken for a ride.
Doubtful. Those influencers are mostly at Amangiri. Much of the Amans in SE Asia are still relatively chill.
If I had to choose between taking a cruise or eating a bowl of crushed glass laced with strychnine, I'd take my chances with the bowl of glass.
Probably never been on a cruise...
There are different cruises for different kind of people. And this one will be very, very special.