Four Seasons Yachts vs Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vs Explora Journeys: The Ultimate Luxury Yacht Comparison
Four Seasons Yachts vs Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vs Explora Journeys: The Ultimate Luxury Yacht Comparison
For discerning travelers, cruising no longer means crowded decks and buffet lines. The rise of ultra-luxury yacht collections has transformed the experience, offering intimate ships, personalized service, and bespoke itineraries that rival the world’s finest resorts. Three of the most talked-about brands today are:
Each of these collections offers something unique, but how do you choose the right one for your next voyage? At Stars Desk, a Marriott STARS Agency, Four Seasons Preferred Partner and Virtuoso Agency , Top Producer for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Top Advisor for Four Seasons, we help travelers navigate these options and select the perfect experience.
Here’s an in-depth comparison.
1. Size and Guest Experience
Four Seasons Yacht Collection
Guests: Typically fewer than 100 per yacht
Vibe: Ultra-intimate, residential feel
Crew-to-guest ratio: Approximately 1:1
Experience: Personalized itineraries, private excursions, and small-ship ambiance
Ideal for: Travelers seeking maximum privacy and tailor-made experiences
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Guests: Around 298 per yacht (Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara)
Vibe: Residential luxury meets boutique cruising
Crew-to-guest ratio: About 1:1
Experience: Large suites with private terraces, Michelin-inspired dining, and curated excursions
Ideal for: Guests who want resort-style amenities at sea with intimate attention
Explora Journeys
Guests: 461–922 depending on ship
Vibe: Modern expedition-style luxury
Crew-to-guest ratio: Approximately 1:1
Experience: European-style luxury with expansive public spaces, wellness centers, and immersive itineraries
Ideal for: Travelers seeking luxury with a sense of scale and exploration
Verdict: If you prioritize smallest ships and most intimate service, Four Seasons leads. Ritz-Carlton strikes a balance of intimacy with more onboard options, while Explora Journeys caters to those who enjoy spacious ships with modern amenities.
2. Suite Types and Accommodations
Four Seasons Yachts
Suite Size: 500–1,200 sq. ft., all with private terraces
Features: Frette linens, marble bathrooms, private concierge, residential-style interiors
Highlights: Loft-style suites and signature suites with the ability to customize in-room experiences
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Suite Size: 450–1,600 sq. ft., all with private terraces
Features: Residential elegance, king beds, spa-style bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows
Highlights: Terrace Suites, Signature Suites, and the Owner’s Suite offer opulent ocean views and private access to outdoor spaces
Explora Journeys
Suite Size: 400–1,200 sq. ft., balcony included in most categories
Features: Scandinavian-inspired interiors, luxurious furnishings, walk-in closets
Highlights: Owner’s suites and loft suites with 360-degree views and separate living areas
Verdict: All three collections offer private terraces and spacious accommodations, but Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton emphasize ultra-intimate, residential luxury, whereas Explora Journeys blends modern design with functional space for longer voyages.
3. Dining and Culinary Experiences
Four Seasons Yacht Collection
Cuisine: Globally inspired menus with local ingredients
Special Features: Private dining, chef-curated experiences, curated wine pairings
Unique Perk: Guests enjoy preferred access to onboard dining credits when booked through Four Seasons Preferred Partners like Stars Desk
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Cuisine: Michelin-inspired, multi-restaurant concepts onboard
Special Features: Interactive cooking classes, wine pairings, curated tasting menus
Unique Perk: Guests booking through top-producing agencies like Stars Desk often receive VIP recognition and onboard credit for dining or spa services
Explora Journeys
Cuisine: European-influenced, locally sourced, multiple restaurants
Special Features: Chef’s table, thematic dinners, and flexible dining times
Unique Perk: Emphasis on sustainable sourcing and immersive culinary experiences
Verdict: All three offer exceptional dining, but Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons focus on personalized culinary experiences in intimate settings, while Explora emphasizes modern European gastronomy on a larger scale.
4. Itineraries and Destinations
Four Seasons Yachts
Focus: Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, and Asia
Highlights: Exclusive ports, private beaches, and boutique shore excursions
Guest Experience: Highly customizable excursions, private guides, and flexible schedules
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Focus: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, and Americas
Highlights: Luxury ports of call, curated experiences, immersive cultural encounters
Guest Experience: Personalized itineraries with onboard concierge coordinating every detail
Explora Journeys
Focus: Global routes including Europe, Asia, and the Americas
Highlights: Expedition-style exploration with urban and remote destinations
Guest Experience: Mix of adventure and luxury, offering both curated excursions and immersive cultural experiences
Verdict: Four Seasons is ideal for highly tailored, boutique experiences, Ritz-Carlton balances luxury with curated cultural access, and Explora Journeys appeals to explorers who enjoy combining luxury with discovery.
5. Wellness and Recreation
Four Seasons Yachts
Spa & Fitness: Private wellness suites, holistic treatments, yoga, and fitness classes
Deck Options: Small pools, private sun decks, and wellness-focused itineraries
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Spa & Fitness: Onboard spa, fitness center, wellness programs, and yoga classes
Deck Options: Infinity pools, private terraces, and wellness spaces
Explora Journeys
Spa & Fitness: Full-service wellness centers, gyms, spa treatments, and outdoor recreation
Deck Options: Multiple pools, fitness studios, and expansive deck space
Verdict: All three yachts offer luxury wellness experiences, but Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons emphasize personalized wellness while Explora Journeys focuses on scale and variety.
6. Pricing and Value
| Collection | Starting Price per Night | Typical Suite Credit / Perk | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Yachts | $3,000+ | Onboard credits up to $2,000 through Preferred Partner | Smallest yachts, highly intimate service, boutique excursions |
| Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | $2,800+ | Onboard credit for suites via top-producing agencies | Residential suites, curated experiences, Michelin-inspired dining |
| Explora Journeys | $2,000+ | Limited promotions, loyalty benefits | Modern design, expedition routes, larger ships with multiple amenities |
Verdict: While all three are premium-priced, the value comes from inclusivity, service, and added perks. Preferred booking through certified agencies or STARS/Top Producer partners significantly enhances value, especially for Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton.
7. Why Use a Certified Luxury Travel Advisor
Booking these yachts isn’t like a standard cruise. A certified, preferred partner agency can unlock:
Suite upgrades and optimal placements
Onboard credits for dining, spa, or excursions
Personalized itinerary planning
Early access to new sailings and inaugural voyages
At Stars Desk, we are a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, a Marriott STARS Agency and Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Top Producer for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Top Advisor for Four Seasons. This means our clients enjoy priority recognition, exclusive perks, and seamless concierge-level service across all three collections.
Final Thoughts: Which Yacht Collection Is Right for You?
| Priority | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate intimacy & personalization | Four Seasons Yachts | Smallest yachts, 1:1 crew-to-guest, fully bespoke experiences |
| Residential luxury & resort-style amenities | Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Spacious suites, curated cultural excursions, Michelin dining |
| Modern exploration with scale & variety | Explora Journeys | Larger ships, wellness and recreation, global expedition-style itineraries |
Each yacht offers a different flavor of ultra-luxury at sea. Whether you want intimate, personalized cruising, resort-style luxury, or modern expedition exploration, these yachts deliver exceptional experiences.
Booking through a trusted advisor like Stars Desk ensures that your journey is seamless, your perks are maximized, and your cruise is truly unforgettable.
