With superyachts getting bigger – just think of the 180-metre Azzam or 162-metre Eclipse as perfect reminders – and cruise ships getting smaller (so as
to cater to a growing demand for longer, more immersive journeys alongside fewer passengers, and with a lighter carbon footprint), it seems logical then that a new kind of vessel is now taking shape. But that these hybrid ships are being commissioned by titans of the hospitality industry such as the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and Aman only further adds credence to the suspicion that a new kind of cruise is upon us.

“On average, small cruisers carry around 600 passengers, at a price of 1,500 USD per guest, per week, while a typical superyacht accommodates just a dozen guests at a price of 25,000 USD per person,” explains Salem Beydoun, a veteran of the travel industry, “therefore there is a green space for a new kind of yacht of around 190 metres that can hold around 120 guests, paying around 8,000 USD per week. With the right kind of flexibility of design, luxury, and amenities, such a boat won’t just attract yacht charterers, boat lovers, or seasoned cruisers, but a huge segment of high-net-worth individuals who engage in luxury travel.”

Aman knows this only too well and is already well underway building ‘Project Sama’ in Italy. It’s a 183-metre yacht developed in partnership with Cruise Saudi, of which Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is a shareholder. The vessel will have 50 spacious suites, each with a private balcony for uninterrupted sea views. While onboard amenities will include an array of dining options, including an informal all-day restaurant, plus international dining options and a relaxed club and lounge. Elsewhere, the Aman spa comes complete with a zen Japanese garden for a spot of restorative relaxation, while the beach club stern offers direct access to the sea for swims and water sports.

Finally, to really help you feel like you’re on a superyacht, Sama boasts two helipads that should facilitate comings and goings. “Project Sama will provide transformative experiences within the revered Aman setting and service, which is unlike any other yacht experience, ultimately creating a whole new category in on-the-water discovery,” concludes Aman’s chairman Vlad Doronin.