For this week's Paul's Picks, we wrap up June with the luxurious world of yacht cruising—where small ships, personalized service, and exclusive ports of call redefine what it means to travel by sea. Unlike traditional mega-cruise experiences, these floating sanctuaries offer a relaxed pace, fewer passengers, and access to hidden harbors and boutique destinations. Whether you're craving Mediterranean glamour, Caribbean sunshine, or an off-the-grid adventure with champagne in hand, these five yacht cruise lines promise effortless elegance and unforgettable escapes.
Atlas combines refined onboard luxury with bold, bucket-list itineraries—think Antarctica, the Mediterranean, and beyond. With fewer than 200 guests, their sleek yachts deliver expedition-style experiences with all the comfort of a five-star resort. Champagne sabering, water’s-edge dining, and luxe cultural immersions? Yes, please.
Emerald’s custom-built yachts like Emerald Azzurra and Sakara bring you closer to the coast with an elegant yet laid-back vibe. Think infinity pool, onboard marina, and airy suites with ocean views. Their itineraries are thoughtfully curated for travelers who want a mix of history, sunshine, and serenity.
Luxury hotel lovers, rejoice—Four Seasons is setting sail. Their debut yacht promises residential-style suites, a spa sanctuary, and a crew-to-guest ratio that rivals the best resorts. While the fleet is still in development, interest is already high. Expect world-class service, Mediterranean routes, and an atmosphere of understated opulence.
Evrima and the soon-to-launch Ilma deliver a private yachting experience with the signature service of the Ritz-Carlton brand. Spacious suites, elevated cuisine, and a casually elegant dress code make this a favorite among discerning travelers seeking sophistication without stuffiness.
With both sailing yachts and motor yachts in its fleet, Windstar offers a more relaxed, immersive take on luxury cruising. Their ships fit into tucked-away ports in Europe, the Caribbean, and Tahiti—where larger ships can’t go. Culinary partnerships (like with the James Beard Foundation) and a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere make Windstar a standout.
Luxury meets bold discovery aboard Atlas’ sleek, all-inclusive yachts—each purpose-built to navigate from icy polar regions to sun-kissed Mediterranean coves with style and ease. With fewer than 200 guests onboard, the vibe is intimate, elegant, and endlessly enriching.
The Atlas fleet includes World Navigator, World Traveller, and the newer World Voyager—state-of-the-art expedition yachts designed for immersive exploration with a whisper-quiet engine system, open-air observation lounges, and a signature Water’s Edge viewing deck just 30 feet above the sea. Agile, eco-conscious, and built for comfort, they go where larger ships simply can’t.
From Zodiac safaris and expert-led expeditions to refined culinary journeys and open-air lounges, every day brings a new horizon—whether you're sipping champagne at sunset or stepping ashore for cultural immersion. Plush suites, panoramic decks, open bars, and globally inspired cuisine come standard. You’ll find deep connections, quiet luxuries, and experiences that stay with you long after the anchor lifts.
If you're ready to explore the world in relaxed sophistication, let's find your perfect Atlas voyage. Reach out to me for options.
Emerald Cruises brings the luxury of a boutique hotel to sea—inviting you to unwind in sleek, contemporary style as you island-hop across the Caribbean, explore the sun-drenched Mediterranean, or drift through the remote beauty of the Seychelles. With fewer guests, personalized service, and curated shore excursions, these yacht cruises are designed for connection, relaxation, and discovery.
Their award-winning fleet includes the Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, custom-built yachts that redefine intimate cruising. Expect oversized suites with plush linens and spa-style bathrooms, a dedicated wellness coach, sunrise yoga on deck, and locally inspired dining—with wine and beer always included at lunch and dinner. Whether you're savoring fine cuisine, paddleboarding off the marina platform, or hiking through a hidden cove, every moment is designed to delight.
Looking for a yacht cruise that’s fresh, elegant, and full of possibility? Let’s explore Emerald’s stunning itineraries together—reach out and I’ll match you with your perfect sailing.
Four Seasons is setting sail—and it’s nothing short of spectacular. Inspired by the golden age of yachting and reimagined for the modern traveler, this all-suite superyacht brings the brand’s signature hospitality to the high seas with Mediterranean glamour, sweeping coastal views, and the effortless charm of Riviera living.
Launching in 2026, the inaugural yacht features 95 residential-style suites—the largest in its class—each designed by style icon Prosper Assouline with floor-to-ceiling windows, spa-like bathrooms, and expansive private terraces. The yacht boasts industry firsts, including a transverse marina for late-night lounging and a dozen distinct culinary venues—from a champagne and caviar bar to al fresco Mediterranean dining.
Every journey glides through Europe’s most coveted coastlines, from the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast to the timeless villages of Corsica and the chic enclaves of the Côte d’Azur. With an intimate guest capacity, exceptional service, and immersive experiences at sea and ashore, this is luxury travel redefined.
Ready to be among the first to experience the yachting lifestyle—Four Seasons style? Let’s find your suite before they’re gone.
If luxury had a signature scent, it would be salt air and fine champagne aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. With itineraries that glide from hidden Caribbean coves to the storied ports of Europe and Asia, each journey invites you to slow down, dive deeper, and sail further—at your own pace and in your own style.
With just 298 guests and nearly a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, these yachts offer a whisper-quiet, residential feel. Every suite is a serene private oasis, with ocean-view terraces, plush linens, and spa-like bathrooms designed for lingering. Gourmet dining, curated excursions, open decks, and seamless sea-to-shore transitions create an experience that is equal parts indulgent and immersive.
The fleet—led by Evrima and soon joined by Ilma and Luminara—delivers one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea, blending The Ritz-Carlton’s iconic hospitality with yacht-style freedom and finesse. This is luxury without pretension—just warm breezes, curated moments, and five-star comfort on your own terms.
Ready to turn the yacht life into your real life? Let me help you plan your dream Ritz-Carlton escape.
With billowing sails, teak decks, and fewer than 350 guests onboard, Windstar Cruises brings you 180 degrees from ordinary—blending timeless romance with modern luxury. Whether you're gliding through the fjords of Norway, island-hopping in Tahiti, or docking in hidden Mediterranean harbors, these small ships deliver immersive journeys you simply can't experience on a larger cruise.
Windstar’s two unique fleets—the iconic Wind Class sailing yachts and the sleek Star Plus all-suite yachts—are purposefully built for discovery. Their flagship, Wind Surf, accommodates just 342 guests and turns heads in every port, while smaller gems like Wind Star and Wind Spirit offer the charm of a private yacht with rich, personalized service. The newly renovated staterooms, expanded World Spa, and elegant dining options (including under-the-stars dinners at Candles) elevate the onboard vibe to one of casual sophistication.
Windstar’s culinary program is equally unforgettable—think locally sourced ingredients, regional wine pairings, and even the chance to “shop with the chef” in local markets before watching your ingredients transform into something magical that evening.
If barefoot luxury, hidden ports, and starlit dinners sound like your kind of cruise, let’s find the Windstar voyage that matches your wanderlust.