The global ultra-luxury cruise market is forecast to experience exponential growth in the next decade, fuelled by the entry of more ultra-luxury hospitality brands in 2026 and 2027.
The industry is expected to be worth US$18.7 billion by 2033, up from US$8.1 billion in 2024 due to a compound annual growth rate of 9.6 per cent, as per a report by research provider Market Intelo.
This development builds on a tripling of the luxury cruise market between 2010 and 2025, according to Cruise Lines International Association, which estimates that by 2028, 1.5 million cruise travellers will choose a luxury cruise experience.
“With a number of luxury hotel brands coming online in the luxury yachting space, you’ll see a conversion of non-cruisers into cruisers,” J D O’Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, told attendees of the inaugural Tourise Summit in Saudi Arabia, pointing out that this trend will lead to growth in the entire cruise sector.
New offerings from ultra-luxury brands include Four Seasons I, a 95-suite, 11 F&B-outlet ship that will debut in March 2026 in the Mediterranean. The inaugural sailing of Four Seasons II is planned for 2028.
The Orient Express Corinthian, a sailing yacht with 54 suites, is scheduled to depart Marseille, France, charting a course through the French and Italian Rivieras, in June 2026.
The Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience, a five-deck vessel comprising 29 suites, will make its inaugural journey through Egypt’s Luxor and Aswan areas in late 2026, while Aman at Sea’s first ship, Amangati, will begin sailing in 2027 and will feature 47 suites and four dining venues across nine decks.
