Ritz-Carlton Yacht vs. Four Seasons Yacht vs. Aman at Sea
Which Ultra-Luxury Yacht Experience Is Actually Right for You?
Luxury travelers are TAKING TO THE SEAS!
and what a world we are living in where this is the choice…
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Four Seasons Yachts
Aman at Sea (the most whispered-about launch in luxury travel)
Enter the new era of ultra-luxury yachting : intimate ships, wildly beautiful itineraries, hotel-level service, and just enough polish to feel special without feeling stuffy.
They may all float, but trust me — they are not the same experience.
Here’s the breakdown, minus the fluff and plus the honest differences that actually matter when picking the right yacht for your next trip.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Best for: “Luxury hotel people who want to try the sea”
If you love The Ritz-Carlton on land, this will feel instantly familiar — but lighter, breezier, and far more relaxed… maybe it’s the ocean, maybe it’s the brand.
The Vibe
Polished but social. Elegant without being precious. Think champagne on deck, not black-tie formal nights.
What You’ll Love
Ships carrying roughly 190–300 guests (small by cruise standards, spacious by yacht standards)
All-suite accommodations, most with private terraces
Beautiful modern design with a “floating boutique hotel” feel
Destinations like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, and transatlantic crossings
Onboard Experience
Multiple dining venues with globally inspired menus
A relaxed daily rhythm — no loud announcements, no forced schedules
Spa, fitness center, stylish lounges, and sun decks that never feel crowded
Who It’s Perfect For
Couples, empty nesters, sophisticated travelers
First-time yacht travelers
Anyone who wants luxury without intensity
✨ If Four Seasons is quiet perfection, Ritz-Carlton is the effortlessly chic dinner party.
Four Seasons Yachts
Best for: “I notice everything, and I want it perfect” travelers
Four Seasons didn’t enter the yacht space to play — they entered to set a new standard. This is the most hotel-forward experience of the three.
The Vibe
Impeccable. Seamless. Calmly luxurious in the way that makes everything feel easier.
What Sets It Apart
Smaller ships — typically 100–200 guests
A strong emphasis on personalization (the Four Seasons superpower)
Timeless, maritime-inspired interiors that feel elegant without being trendy
Onboard Experience
Michelin-level dining influences
Deep wellness programming (spa, fitness, curated experiences)
Thoughtfully designed shore excursions with strong local partnerships
Exceptional crew-to-guest ratio — service is intuitive, not scripted
Who It’s Perfect For
Luxury hotel loyalists
Travelers who care deeply about service and detail
Guests who want their preferences remembered without asking twice
✨ If Ritz-Carlton feels like a chic hotel opening, Four Seasons feels like your favorite suite — everywhere.
Aman at Sea
Best for: “I don’t want a cruise — I want an experience” travelers
Aman entering the yacht world is… significant. Quietly. Powerfully. And exactly what you’d expect if you’ve ever stayed at an Aman resort and thought, “Yes. This.”
The Vibe
Serene. Minimal. Almost spiritual. This is not a party yacht — it’s a floating sanctuary.
What Makes It Different
Ultra-small guest count (often under 100)
Design rooted in Aman’s signature aesthetic: natural materials, calming palettes, nothing unnecessary
A focus on wellness, culture, and stillness
Onboard Experience
Wellness programs that rival land-based retreats
Immersive shore experiences with historians, guides, and cultural experts
Quiet lounges, open decks, and deeply intentional spaces
Destinations that lean toward hidden coves, lesser-visited ports, and meaningful exploration
Who It’s Perfect For
Aman devotees (you already know who you are)
Wellness-focused travelers
Guests who want intimacy, quiet, and depth
✨ This is the yacht you book when you want fewer people, fewer distractions, and more meaning.
How to Choose (My Honest Take)
Choose Ritz-Carlton Yacht if:
You want luxury that feels easy and social
You’re new to yacht travel
You love beautiful spaces and flexible days
Choose Four Seasons Yachts if:
Service is everything to you
You want hotel-level consistency at sea
You appreciate thoughtful details and polished experiences
Choose Aman at Sea if:
You crave serenity, wellness, and cultural depth
You want the smallest, most intimate experience possible
You believe luxury is about how something makes you feel
THE TLDR on inclusions :
RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION
Overall: Mostly all-inclusive
Included
All suite accommodations
All meals at multiple onboard restaurants (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and casual options
Beverages including premium wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks
24-hour in-suite dining service
Onboard entertainment and enrichment programs
Wi-Fi and gratuities
Marina access and non-motorized watersports on many itineraries
✗ Not Included (Extras)
Specialty dining experiences (e.g., curated tasting menus)
Premium spa treatments and wellness programs
Select shore excursions and private excursions
Certain water sports and equipment rentals
Transfers, airfare, and pre/post charter hotels
Summary:
Nearly all meals, drinks, suites, and service are included in your fare, making it feel very close to all-inclusive luxury at sea — with only premium experiences and optional upgrades extra.
FOUR SEASONS YACHTS
Overall: Hotel-style pricing with add-ons — not all-inclusive
Included
Suite accommodations (priced per suite instead of per person)
Daily breakfast only
Select non-alcoholic beverages & light snacks
Wi-Fi, gratuities, and select onboard programming
Water sports access and some group activities
✗ Not Included
Lunch and dinner (à la carte pricing)
Alcoholic beverages (must be purchased or part of a drink package)
In-suite dining may be a la carte or additional depending on package
Specialty shore excursions and private guides
Spa treatments and personalized wellness services
Airport/port transfers, flights, and hotels
Summary:
Breakfast and non-alcoholic drinks are included; everything else (lunch, dinner, alcohol) is pay-as-you-go. This is more like a hotel at sea with à la carte dining, reflecting Four Seasons’ land-based pricing model.
AMAN AT SEA (Aman Yacht)
Overall: Curated, intimate & immersive — inclusions are designed to be experience first
Typically Included
All suite accommodations
Many itineraries include most meals (especially dinner and local/shore-centric culinary experiences) — similar to Aman’s land portfolio (varies by itinerary)
Wellness programs, curated shore experiences, and cultural excursions
Select beverages (often non-alcoholic, with premium upgrades available)
✗ Not Typically Included
Premium spirits or special liquor packages
Additional bespoke land transfers or private jets
Certain private guides/experiences beyond the curated list
(Exact inclusions will vary depending on the specific Aman yacht itinerary, but their ethos aligns with high inclusion and experiential programming.)
my Final Thoughts
This isn’t about which yacht is “best”, they are all incredible — but it’s about which one is best for you.
