Cruise the World

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Since the founding and launch of Aqua Expeditions 13 years ago, Francesco Galli Zugaro's vision and mission has been to create intimate expeditions on small boutique vessels to far-flung destinations, unforgettable experiences on small exploration vessels, and to take families and friends on explorations to the Amazon River in Peru, the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, and the pristine coastal waters of eastern Indonesia.

 

The Aqua Blu is set to explore Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands and Raja Ampar on 7 and 12-day cruises. While the Aqua Mekong takes a luxurious journey through Cambodia and Vietnam, guests on board embark on an inspiring journey through local flavours with a dining experience curated by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson. Designed by innovative architect Jordi Puig, the Aria Amazon is a river cruise ship purpose-built to explore the Peruvian Amazon and the famous Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in absolute comfort and luxury, and with minimal impact on the fragile environment of the Amazon River and rainforest. Taking its design inspiration from the mystical blackwater lagoons of the Peruvian Amazon, Aqua Nera bears the hallmarks of contemporary style and lavish interiors that Aqua Expeditions' cruise ships are known for.

 

The first true superyacht in the Galapagos Islands, the 50m Aqua Mare takes an iconic once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the next level. With her enormous size, she has 30 per cent more interior space than most yachts of her size, making her the perfect respite after active days of exploring the archipelago's remote wildlife and dynamic nature.

AQUA EXPEDITIONS

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Elixir Boutique Cruises proposes immersive cultural cruises which show the real Greece, with a marked accent on wellbeing. Elixir offers an almost perfect combination for relaxation, wellbeing, discovery, learning and pleasure on board the Elysium, an elegant yacht with room for 58 passengers. 

An Elixir cruise is a voyage of discovery for the body, the mind, and the soul. By the way, the Elixir Balance Concept© is based on two ancient Greek concepts, that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body, and that balance is attained when everything is in order between the body and the mind.


These cruises let you discover pristine coves and divine beaches accessible only by yacht. Elixir also has an eye for ancient civilisations and new crafts. Or how about meditating at sunset, hiking on a volcanic hill or going fishing with the locals? You decide. The Elysium awaits you to soothe your soul and awaken your senses.

ELIXIR BOUTIQUE CRUISES

EMERALD CRUISES

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Emerald Cruises has recently entered the yacht cruising segment with two luxury superyachts, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, carefully designed to provide access to smaller ports not accessible to others. This is intimate yacht cruising at its best to explore some of the most exciting destinations in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean, and Central America.


On board these superyachts, you can enjoy a succulent dinner on the al fresco terrace to soak up the gentle ocean breeze, then drop into the Amici Lounge for a nightcap. Almost every dish and glass of wine is inspired by the local region, so you can enjoy regional flavours along with a selection of traditional favourites during your cruise. Transfers, WiFi, a selection of excursions and, from April 2024, all beverages on board are included. 


The EmeraldACTIVE shore excursions are a great way to explore the world, but the experience doesn't end there. On board the Emerald Cruises luxury yachts, you have a number of opportunities to stay active and participate in holistic wellness. Head to the Elements Spa and Wellness Centre to find rest and relaxation. Enjoy a variety of spa treatments. The state-of-the-art infrared sauna, gym, and onboard wellness team are also at everyone's disposal.

KATARINA LINE

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Katarina Line proposes small scale cruises on the breathtaking coasts of Croatia on board the yachts Deluxe Superior, Premium Superior, Traditional Ensuite, and sailboats and schooners. There are departures from Opatija, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb for 7 fantastic days of experience on the Adriatic, hopping from island to island. During the day, you will be able to swim in clear water, snorkel, and sunbathe. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner or barbecue, and entertainment.


Active cycling cruises are also available, exploring the Dalmatian coastline in a completely new way. Specific wine cruises, in turn, introduce you to local wine estates along the coastline and on the islands. This is a unique opportunity to taste wines produced from indigenous grape varieties.

PONANT

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Ponant is a French shipping company and at home in all markets. They offer yacht and sailing cruises, always with that unadulterated French touch. The 6 so-called Ponant Explorers call at exotic destinations that appeal to the imagination - just think of the Seychelles and the Persian Gulf.  They represent a new generation of yachts designed to seamlessly combine discovery and luxury.

 

The 4 sister ships Le Boréal, Le Lyrial, l'Austral and le Soléal combine luxury and serenity with inventive refinement to bring out that wonderful 'escapade' feeling. The legendary sailing yacht Le Ponant underwent a remarkable transformation and is once again ready to welcome you for an unforgettable sailing cruise experience to Australia. Another iconic destination is Polynesia, reserved exclusively for the yacht the Paul Gauguin.

SEA CLOUD CRUISES

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Sea Cloud Cruises has offered unequalled sail boat cruises for over 40 years. The company uses the wind for its sail boats to give you unforgettable cruising experiences, proving that unique sailing discoveries and good environmental balance go together. It is always an adventure in itself when the crew climb the masts to hoist the sails. Everything is still done manually, and passengers can also join in, which is a quite sensational and impressive experience.


As well as the ‘Fine Dining’ menu in the restaurant, Sea Cloud Cruises also offers the possibility of dining on the lido deck at a time of your choice, when you can take advantage of the flexible bistro menu. Recently, the Sea Cloud Spirit was added as the 3rd ship to the Sea Cloud 1 and 2, combining contemporary gadgets with the nostalgic charm of sailing. There is plenty of space when you consider that an entire deck is provided for balcony cabins, and there are also an exclusive wellness and spa area, a gym with sea views, and a bistro on deck as an evening alternative to 'fine dining' in the restaurant.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Founded as a Norwegian family-run business in 2001, SeaDream Yacht Club offers fantastic cruises with its 2 mega-yachts, the identical SeaDream I and SeaDream II, guaranteeing an informal yachting experience, exceeding guests' wildest expectations. Their slogan is "It's Yachting, Not Cruising".  To make the discovery of the destination as intense as possible, numerous overnights are provided in picturesque marinas or world-famous ports during your cruise holiday. Here, you'll feel like you're on your own private yacht, complemented by five-star service, award-winning cuisine and intimate ambiance on board, with all outdoor activities offered.


Both twin yachts have just undergone a major upgrade and refurbishment. In fact, the staterooms were completely gutted and all outdoor decks now feature mahogany Balinese loungers and stargazers. And on deck 6, you can dream away in one of the 2 Jacuzzis. In 2025, this shipping company plans some 7- to 10-day unique itineraries along the Norwegian coasts with the SeaDream I. During the Caribbean yacht experiences, the Caviar Splash is invariably on the programme. How carefree life can be.

STAR CLIPPERS

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Star Clippers proposes sailing cruises on 3 elegant sail yachts: Royal Clipper, the only 5-masted sail boat in the world, Star Flyer and Star Clipper. These are iconic ships which guarantee an authentic cruise experience in picturesque bays, small ports, and picturesque towns. Cost Rica has again been included in what is offered by this maritime company, but it is equally well-known for its event-based cruises. You have only to think of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix and the famous sailing regatta of Saint Tropez (Les Voiles de Saint Tropez).


Added to this are themed cruises like the yoga cruises. Imagine a spectacular backdrop and qualified yoga teachers giving daily sessions of Astanga yoga on the teak deck. The ships are traditionally decorated but equipped with modern facilities like a swimming pool, spa, fitness and a platform for water sports. The atmosphere on board is casual and relaxed, and the chefs guarantee delectable culinary discoveries with mouthwatering dishes.

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Ritz-Carlton is known worldwide for its personal and impeccable service, and its luxurious surroundings. This line continues with the brand new yacht Evrima, which means 'discover'. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection aims to offer its cruise guests special experiences in terms of freedom and flexibility, letting them discover new destinations and spark a healthy curiosity. In 2024 and 2025, it will launch the next generation of super-yachts, the Ilma and the Luminara. 

 

You can dine in your own suite, each of which has a stunning spacious private terrace and bespoke amenities, or indulge in culinary delights at one of the restaurants, where chefs conjure up sublime, high-level dishes on your plate.  You will have your own personal concierge, who will ensure that every detail is thought of, from dinner reservations to organising your destination experiences on one of your immersive excursions.   

THE RITZ CARLTON COLLECTION

VARIETY CRUISES

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Variety Cruises combines great authentic destinations, a professional crew, and exquisite cuisine with an eye for the local specialities of the cruising area. Thus, you have the perfect ingredients for a successful yacht cruise. The excursions are made in small groups to make the experience pure and intense. The state-of-the-art yacht Harmony V is one of the eight yachts with which Variety Cruises gives you an unforgettable cruise experience.

 

The Seychelles is the perfect destination for both summer and winter cruises because of its warm climate. Therefore, being able to experience island-hopping here aboard a small-scale yacht ship is an unparalleled experience.  In 2023, the shipping company added several new destinations to its collection, including Tahiti and French Polynesia.

 

Variety Cruises is reintroducing its West Africa itineraries, and, to celebrate, a collaboration with the Explorers Club was launched to renovate and expand the Lamin Koto School to serve as a prototype for education in the region. This is an original cruise to explore the rivers of The Gambia and Senegal and experience beautiful wildlife sailing along the West African coast and upstream on the Gambia River, deep into the African continent. There are surprising waterways in Senegal and The Gambia, with four nature reserves in the latter: Sine Saloum Delta, River Gambia National Park, Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, and Kiang West National Park.

 

Variety Cruises has a beautiful programme in the Cape Verde Islands aboard the yacht M/Y Harmony G with just 21 staterooms. Once a colony and outpost of the slave trade, the Cape Verde Islands offer an enchanting mix of African and Portuguese influences in their architecture, gastronomy, customs, and traditions. The archipelago is blessed with a pleasant year-round climate and offers a diverse range of landscapes, from green mountain ranges, lush hills and jungles to explore, to volcanic landscapes or wide deserted beaches. This 8-day cruise to Cape Verde will open up a vibrant and colourful world for you to explore to the gentle rhythms of West African music. The departure and arrival point is the town of Palmeira on the island of Sal.

 

Successful themed programmes, such as Greek wine cruises, walking cruises and special LGBTQ cruises, are not missing from the 2024 offer either.

WINDSTAR CRUISES

Yacht cruise ships (< 300 passengers)

Windstar Cruises is an American shipping company with a fleet of small luxury yacht and sailing ships. With only 148 to 342 passengers on board, you'll find yourself as if on your own private yacht taking you close to any bay, port, city or beach. An unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere on board, surprising culinary experiences, and excellent service guarantee an unforgettable cruise experience. 

 

The 3 yachts, Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride were recently lengthened by 25m. They were cut into 2 to add a 25-metre central section. It is not explicitly about Windstar Cruises making the ships bigger, but rather about offering guests more of what they love about Windstar. This shipping company remains committed to offering the world's best small-ship experience, but now with more amenities, such as additional dining options, and a world-class spa and fitness centre.  Under the name 'Great Adventures’, this shipping company offers cruises from 35 to 85 days in Europe, the Caribbean and the Far East.