Luxury Travel Report by EliteVoyage, 2025 (ENG) - Report - Page 27
by EliteVoyage
Client Demands
Expedition Voyages
At sea, clients expect generous space and most
of our charters are in the superyacht category,
with the average size being 36 metres and the
largest being 52 metres. Zero Speed Stabilisers
are frequently requested, which prevent the
vessel from rocking while anchored. A private
chef is always included and we communicate
guests’ meal preferences before departure. This
also includes the alcohol to stock, often down
to specific vintages of wine, and continues with
very detailed information about all aspects of
their stay. During the voyage, the menu evolves
daily according to the clients’ wishes.
Specialist operators Quark Expeditions and
Scenic Luxury Cruises have invested in our
market for many years. Their ice-breaking
vessels make voyages to Antarctica and
the Arctic Circle, for 200 - 400 passengers.
However there is still no significant or
sustained interest in these products. While
the vessels do provide a good level of
comfort, clients primarily seek flexible
schedules and privacy. They’re more likely to
explore these remote regions on a private
charter, like the HMS Gasten.
A Relationship Business
New High-end Resorts on the Sea
While the range of luxury cruises continues
to expand, success in this field still depends
on personal expertise and trust. “I’m not
worried that digital technology will replace
brokers. Online platforms and AI tools
increase efficiency, but clients still choose
people, not platforms,” says Anders Kurtén of
Fraser Yachts.
High-end hospitality brands are launching their
own superyachts accommodating 200–300
guests on shared itineraries. The Four Seasons
I yacht launches January 2026 and Nils
Lindstad, Vice President of Four Seasons Yachts
explains: “We’re not a luxury cruise line. Instead,
we’re creating this luxury yachting lifestyle, to
offer the Four Seasons experience on board
a yacht throughout destinations where Four
Seasons doesn’t have a hotel or footprint. We
are the first to introduce a transverse marina
opening from the sides of the vessel. When we
anchor, our guests can swim directly in the sea,
something possible on a yacht, but certainly not
on a conventional cruise ship.”
We have been selling yacht experiences for
a long time and enjoy introducing our clients
to the possibilities and innovations in the
sector. Trips by yacht enjoy universally good
feedback from clients. In our experience,
it only takes one trip for clients to become
repeaters of this type of holiday. New
options by major hospitality brands will
bring increased visibility to yacht holidays.
We therefore expect more clients to book
yacht holidays in the coming year, as either
a private charter or trying non-private
vessels by hotel brands.
The world’s largest sailing superyacht, the Orient
Express Corinthian, will launch in June 2026.
It’s 220 metres in length with only 54 suites. The
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection now operates
three superyachts: Evrima, Ilma and Luminara.
Like Four Seasons, the itineraries give clients
a new way to explore a region and wouldn’t be
possible on a larger ship. Jim Murren, CEO of
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection defines it
as “access to remote destinations and natural
wonders with ultra-luxury accommodation and
personalised service.”
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