Two luxury hotel brands looking to break into the cruise market hosted keel-laying ceremonies this week, officially beginning construction of their first ships.
Aman at Sea held its ceremony at the T. Mariotti shipyard in San Giorgio di Nogaro, Italy, on Thursday. The project is a joint venture with Cruise Saudi.
In addition to 50 suites, the yacht will include an informal all-day restaurant, international dining options, a spa, a Japanese garden, two helipads and a Beach Club featuring direct access to the water at the stern of the ship.
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The vessel, which has yet to be named, will be equipped to use marine diesel oil and methanol. Aman at Sea expects to begin sailings in 2027.
Four Seasons Yachts, in partnership with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, held its keel-laying on Tuesday with shipbuilder Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy, on Tuesday.
The design of the 95-suite Four Seasons I will include a four-level Funnel Suite with floor-to-ceiling, wraparound, curved-glass windows that the line said would be the largest contiguous piece of glass at sea.
The ship is due to begin sailing in January 2026 in the Caribbean, followed by the Mediterranean in the summer.