Aman at Sea voyages are best booked through travel advisors, who can get you the best price possible, while adding extra perks. Ford and his team are happy to help with any requests, and can be reached at [email protected].
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 and Orient Express Sailing Yachts.
We’re now just over a year from the launch of yet another interesting uber-luxury cruise line, and voyages have finally become bookable. If you think the recent entrants into the market are expensive, wait until you learn the details of this one…
In this post:
Luxury hotel group Aman getting into cruising industry
Amangati (“peaceful motion” in Sanskrit) is expected to set sail in the spring of 2027, as Aman’s first superyacht. Yes, this marks the Aman brand getting into the luxury cruising industry, on a ship that’s being described as a “floating sanctuary.”
The 600-foot ship will weigh around 23,000 gross tons, and will have a hybrid propulsion system, using battery power to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. It’s currently being built in Italy’s T. Mariotti shipyard, and it will be delivered to Neptune Co., which is a joint venture between hotel group Aman and Cruise Saudi.
The ship is expected to feature a total of 47 suites, each with a balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows. The suites will be among the largest at sea.
When it comes to amenities, the ship will have four restaurants, a jazz club, a 52-foot pool, a beach club and marina, a spa with a Japanese garden, two helipads, and much more. Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design is behind the design, and the intent is to take cues from traditional ryokan architecture.
For those not familiar, Cruise Saudi is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and is intended to promote the cruise and tourism industry in Saudi Arabia. However, it doesn’t appear that the plan is actually for the ship to cruise in Saudi Arabia, at least for the foreseeable future. So it seems to primarily be part of the country’s larger investment in the cruising industry.
Here’s how Aman CEO Vlad Doronin describes the idea behind the ship:
“The vessel will embody the very essence of our brand’s DNA, providing exceptional privacy, best-in-class amenities, now synonymous with Aman, and our signature unparalleled service not yet experienced on the water. As construction progresses behind the scenes, our vision remains clear: to create a vessel that not only represents the highest standards of maritime engineering and design but that mirrors the tranquility of our land-based sanctuaries.”
Aman at Sea itineraries & destinations
Aman has now published the inaugural voyages for Amangati, for sailings between May 7 and October 10, 2027. I would assume the ship will then head to the Caribbean for the winter season, but those sailings aren’t yet bookable as of now.
For the summer season, the ship will be completing five to eight night itineraries, and they’re roughly what you’d expect — there’s a lot of Mediterranean sailing in there. You can either book directly through Aman at Sea, or through a travel advisor.
A travel advisor will generally be able to add some perks when booking through them, without it costing you extra. Ford and his team are happy to help and can offer extra perks, and can be reached at [email protected].
Aman at Sea voyage inclusions
Before we talk about the pricing for Aman at Sea, what’s included with journeys? It’s an interesting topic, because historically ultra luxury cruises have been all-inclusive. However, Four Seasons Yachts is reversing that trend, by not including lunch, dinner, or alcoholic drinks.
With that in mind, Aman at Sea will include the following with the cost of sailings:
- Luxury suite accommodation
- In-suite breakfast
- On-demand Suite Host
- Unpacking and packing assistance
- Daily laundry and pressing
- Twice daily housekeeping
- All-day dining at Alira
- Light bites available throughout yacht
- Gelato Bar
- Soft drinks, coffees, and beer
- Fitness Studio access
- Marina platform and water sports
- Pools, sun loungers and cabanas
- Onboard entertainment and enrichment programming
- Cinema
- Youth Lounge
- Starlink Wi-Fi for reliable connectivity
- All onboard gratuities
As you can see, Aman is sort of taking a middle ground approach here. Alcohol aside from beer isn’t included, and neither is dining at the specialty restaurants.
Aman at Sea per-suite pricing
How much are Aman at Sea rates? Pricing is per suite rather than per guest. As it currently stands, I see five-night journeys starting at $38,500, while I see seven-night journeys priced as high as $54,600. So we’re looking at somewhere around $7,000-8,000 per night for an entry level suite.
Admittedly these suites are massive by ship standards, but that’s definitely on the very high end of the market, and easily 50%+ more than Four Seasons Yachts is charging (though with some more inclusions).
Is the demand there for this amount of luxury cruising?
The concept of luxury cruising is nothing new. However, there’s no denying that the industry is evolving a bit:
- We’re seeing luxury pushed to new levels in terms of the exclusivity of ships, the pricing, etc.
- We’re seeing cruising positioned differently; these luxury cruise lines are no longer just for rich retirees, but these cruise lines are also now targeting a younger crowd that might not typically consider cruising
In recent years, we saw Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launch, and based on what we know, the financial performance has left a bit to be desired. And that was before the cruise line expanded to three ships, and it’s before Four Seasons and Aman also get into the industry.
Ultimately the success of these ventures will come down to whether they can convince people that cruising is “cool.” I don’t think these cruise lines will be cannibalizing brands like Silversea, but instead, I think they’re going after those who would otherwise vacation on land.
The other thing worth keeping in mind is that at some point, these cruise lines are competing with the concept of just chartering a yacht, which is a concept that will have more appeal for many people.
Obviously $7K+ per night is a massive amount to spend on a cruise, and for most of us, that’s not only completely out of budget, but seems ridiculous. But the reality is that people easily pay that kind of money for suites in places like Saint-Tropez. Can these hotel-branded cruise lines convince people who want to “see and be seen” that it’s as cool to be on a ship as it is to be in the South of France? It seems like a tall order, and I’m a bit skeptical, but who knows…
I haven’t taken a cruise in around 20 years, but that will be changing this year. I have journeys booked in the coming months on both Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Four Seasons Yachts, and I’m curious to see how they go.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the experiences compare, and what my overall takeaway is from cruising. I don’t think I’ll be booking Aman at Sea for now, because the pricing is really next level. Eventually I’d also like to do some more adventure-oriented cruises, to destinations that can’t easily be reached by land. But I couldn’t help but get back into cruising with some cruise lines that have hotel connections.
Bottom line
Aman will be getting into the luxury cruising space in the spring of 2027, with the launch of its 600-foot Amangati superyacht. The ship looks incredible, and it seems like we’re seeing the luxury hotel groups all one-up each other.
The pricing is at the very top end of the market, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Will there be enough people willing to pay $7K+ per night for Aman’s cruising concept to keep these ships full, especially without most alcohol included? Only time will tell.
What do you make of Aman getting into the luxury cruise industry?
Are you getting comped on Ritz and FS or a very good discount?
He’s Ford’s +1
"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".
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...
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%?
Not the top .1%, but certainly the top 5-10%
"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
There are 3.5 million US households with a net worth of 5M+, so this article is relèvent to a lot of people
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...
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!
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,...
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.
Hard pass. Having done yacht cruises on a branded line before, at this price point, charters are far more attractive.
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.
Nice hyperbole you got there.
I was merely expressing my contempt for cruise ships and all who sail on them.
…. and who could possibly disagree Pete!
Probably never been on a cruise...
There are different cruises for different kind of people. And this one will be very, very special.
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.
...which is such a sad testament to who we have become as human beings.
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
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.
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? …. :-)
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...
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.
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...
@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.
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.
Amanyati?
Amanyachti!
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.
Amen! Take me to places that I can't get to otherwise and I'd be a lot more interested.
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...
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!
Speaking of FS cruises, has anyone tried the new-ish one in Palau yet?
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.
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.
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...
This is not top 1% pricing, this is top 0.1% pricing
I am a millennial and don't appreciate the Instagram life either. I'm with you on the small vineyard in Europe
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.
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....
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.
Speaking of Aman properties, How about checking out Amanpulo or Amangiri?!
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...
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.
Does anyone have $10k I can borrow?
That'll get you like 30 hours
I don't think they're targeting the "rooms-by-the-hour" crowd . . .