First luxury yacht for Aman

Introduction

In April 2025, Aman announced the official name of its first luxury motor yacht, Amangati, meaning “peaceful motion” in Sanskrit, marking a pivotal milestone in the brand’s evolution. Set to launch in 2027, Amangati promises to bring Aman’s ethos of privacy, peace, and exceptional design to the world’s oceans, creating a new category in ultra-luxury cruising. This 600-foot vessel, under construction at T. Mariotti S.p.A. in Genoa, Italy, will offer an intimate, resort-like experience at sea, competing with emerging luxury yacht brands like The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Four Seasons Yachts. This report explores Amangati’s design, amenities, itineraries, and its role in the luxury travel market, drawing from recent industry updates and aligning with the trends highlighted in April 2025 luxury travel news.

Background and Development

Aman’s venture into maritime luxury began with the announcement of “Project Sama” in December 2021, a collaboration with Cruise Saudi, an entity backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Initially slated for a 2025 launch, the project faced delays due to construction complexities, with the debut now scheduled for 2027. The steel-cutting ceremony in March 2024 and the keel-laying in July 2024 at T. Mariotti’s San Giorgio di Nogaro shipyard marked significant progress. Aman Group CEO Vlad Doronin, who oversees the project’s development, emphasized, “Amangati will embody the very essence of our brand’s DNA, providing exceptional privacy, best-in-class amenities, and our signature unparalleled service not yet experienced on the water.”

The joint venture with Cruise Saudi aims to elevate Saudi Arabia’s cruise sector while extending Aman’s global reach. Jonathan Wilson, appointed CEO of Aman at Sea in late 2023, leads the venture, bringing expertise to ensure the yacht mirrors the meticulous standards of Aman’s 35 land-based properties across 20 destinations.

Design and Specifications

Designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, a Dutch firm known for superyachts like Larry Ellison’s Musashi, Amangati fuses Aman’s Eastern heritage with contemporary minimalism, creating a serene, Zen-inspired aesthetic. The yacht’s key specifications include:

Size and Capacity: At 183 meters (600 feet) long and 23,000 gross tons, Amangati is intimate by cruise ship standards, accommodating just 100 guests in 47 spacious suites, among the largest for a vessel of its size.
Suites: Each of the 47 luxury suites features a private balcony, offering panoramic ocean views and a sense of seclusion. The suites reflect Aman’s signature design, with clean lines, natural materials, and generous space.
Sustainability: Amangati is the world’s first dual-fuel-powered new-build cruise ship, using marine diesel oil and green methanol, with battery power for enhanced sustainability. This aligns with Aman’s commitment to eco-conscious travel, a growing priority in luxury tourism.
Construction: T. Mariotti, a Genoa-based shipyard with a legacy of crafting ultra-luxury vessels since 1928, is building Amangati with contributions from luxury outfitters De Wave Group and electrotechnical specialists Ortec Santamaria.

The vessel’s design emphasizes “peaceful motion,” with elegant lines and a tranquil ambiance that mirrors Aman’s land-based sanctuaries, such as Aman Tokyo or Amanpulo.

Onboard Amenities

Amangati is designed as a floating resort, offering best-in-class facilities that elevate the luxury yacht experience. Key amenities include:

Dining

Four International Dining Concepts: Options range from an informal all-day restaurant to fine dining venues showcasing global cuisines, curated to reflect Aman’s culinary excellence.
Club and Lounge: A relaxed club lounge, including a Jazz Club, provides a sophisticated setting for evening cocktails and live music, blending intimacy with elegance.
Private Dining: In-suite dining and bespoke culinary experiences cater to guests seeking personalized service.

Wellness

Aman Spa: The expansive spa, complete with a Japanese garden, offers a serene retreat with treatments inspired by Aman’s wellness philosophy. Features include saunas, steam rooms, and holistic therapies.
Fitness and Relaxation: State-of-the-art fitness facilities and tranquil outdoor spaces, such as the Japanese garden, enhance the wellness experience.

Leisure and Exploration

Beach Club: Located at the stern, the expansive Beach Club provides direct water access for swimming, kayaking, or lounging, creating a seamless connection to the sea.
Two Helipads: Enabling seamless guest transfers and exclusive excursions, the helipads enhance accessibility to remote destinations.
Water Sports: Equipment for snorkeling, diving, and other activities, supported by expert guides, ensures immersive exploration of coastal regions.

These amenities position Amangati as a competitor to ultra-luxury cruise lines like The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima, which offers similar high-end facilities but with a larger capacity of 298 guests.

Itineraries

Amangati will launch in the summer of 2027 with a focus on the Mediterranean, offering curated itineraries that highlight the region’s cultural and natural treasures. While specific routes are yet to be finalized, the yacht’s intimate size allows access to smaller, exclusive ports unavailable to larger cruise ships. Potential destinations include:

Mediterranean Gems: Ports like Portofino, Santorini, and Dubrovnik, known for their scenic beauty and cultural richness, are likely candidates. The yacht’s summer season aligns with the Mediterranean’s peak appeal.
Private Charters: Amangati will be available for private charters, offering bespoke voyages for ultra-high-net-worth individuals or groups seeking tailored experiences.
Future Expansion: Posts on X suggest Amangati may explore other regions post-launch, such as the Red Sea or Arabian Gulf, leveraging Cruise Saudi’s influence to promote Saudi Arabia’s coastal tourism.

Aman’s existing maritime experience with Amandira, a five-cabin Phinisi yacht sailing Indonesia’s Flores Sea since 2015, informs Amangati’s approach to curated, small-group itineraries. Unlike Amandira’s regional focus, Amangati will offer global voyages, expanding Aman’s reach to new luxury travel markets.

Strategic Significance

Amangati represents a bold step for Aman, diversifying its portfolio beyond its 35 hotels, resorts, and residences to capture the growing ultra-luxury cruise market, projected to reach $5 billion annually with competitors like Four Seasons Yachts and Accor’s Orient Express Silenseas. Key strategic aspects include:

Brand Expansion

New Category Creation: Doronin describes Amangati as “the first convergence between an ultra-luxury ship and a private yacht,” aiming to redefine maritime hospitality with Aman’s ethos of privacy and spaciousness.
Global Reach: The yacht extends Aman’s presence to the high seas, complementing its urban and resort destinations, such as Aman New York and upcoming properties in Dubai and the Maldives.

Market Positioning

Targeting Affluent Travelers: Amangati appeals to Aman’s existing clientele—celebrities like the Kardashians and high-net-worth individuals—while attracting new guests seeking exclusive, transformative experiences.
Competition: The yacht competes directly with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (launched 2022) and Four Seasons Yachts (debuting 2026), but its smaller capacity and dual-fuel technology set it apart.

Sustainability

Eco-Conscious Design: The dual-fuel system and battery power reflect Aman’s commitment to sustainability, addressing environmental concerns in the cruise industry and aligning with luxury travelers’ growing preference for responsible tourism.
Low-Impact Exploration: Amangati’s intimate size minimizes environmental impact in sensitive regions like the Mediterranean, reinforcing Aman’s brand values.

Industry Context and Sentiment

The announcement of Amangati in April 2025, following the keel-laying in July 2024, generated significant buzz in the luxury travel industry. Key sources and sentiments include:

Luxury Travel Advisor: Highlighted Amangati’s 47 suites and best-in-class facilities, noting its role as a “floating sanctuary” that mirrors Aman’s land-based resorts.
TTG Asia: Emphasized the yacht’s sustainable technologies and Mediterranean focus, positioning it as a milestone for Aman’s maritime ambitions.
Forbes: Praised the collaboration with Sinot and T. Mariotti, forecasting Amangati as a game-changer in luxury yachting.
X Sentiment: Posts on X, such as one from @theroyist on May 14, 2025, reflect excitement about Amangati’s Mediterranean launch, with hashtags like #superyachts amplifying its appeal to luxury enthusiasts.

However, some industry voices express skepticism. TravelSort.com noted Aman’s uneven service consistency across its resorts, suggesting that Amangati’s success hinges on delivering the brand’s promised “unparalleled service” at sea.

Comparison with Aman’s Existing Yacht

Aman is not entirely new to maritime travel. Since 2015, it has operated Amandira, a custom-built, two-masted Phinisi yacht with five cabins, sailing Indonesia’s Flores Sea, including Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat. A comparison highlights Amangati’s evolution:

Scale: Amandira accommodates up to 10 guests in five cabins, while Amangati hosts 100 in 47 suites, offering a larger yet still intimate experience.
Scope: Amandira focuses on regional itineraries, whereas Amangati targets global voyages, starting with the Mediterranean.
Amenities: Amandira offers bespoke dining and diving with a crew of 14, while Amangati scales up with four dining venues, a Jazz Club, and an expansive spa.
Technology: Amangati’s dual-fuel system and green technologies contrast with Amandira’s traditional sail-and-motor design, reflecting a modern, sustainable approach.

Amandira’s success, praised in a 2022 Business Insider review for its gourmet dining and luxurious service, provides a strong foundation for Amangati’s ambitions.

Challenges and Considerations

While Amangati is poised to redefine luxury cruising, several challenges remain:

Construction Delays: Originally planned for 2025, the launch was postponed to 2027 due to complex construction, highlighting the risks of pioneering a new vessel category.
Service Consistency: Aman’s mixed reviews for service at properties like Aman New York raise concerns about maintaining brand standards at sea.
Economic Climate: A forecasted 2–5% decline in global luxury goods sales in 2025 could impact discretionary spending, though affluent travelers’ resilience mitigates this risk.
Competition: The ultra-luxury yacht segment is crowded, with The Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima and Four Seasons Yachts setting high benchmarks. Amangati must differentiate through its intimate scale and Aman’s unique aesthetic.

Booking and Availability

Amangati’s launch itineraries and booking details are expected to be released closer to 2027, with priority given to Aman’s loyal clientele. The yacht will be available for both scheduled cruises and private charters, catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Interested travelers can register for updates at www.aman.com/aman-yachts or contact Aman’s Private Yacht team for bespoke inquiries. Pricing is not yet disclosed, but Amandira’s rate of $13,500 per night for six guests suggests Amangati will command a premium, likely exceeding $2,000 per person per night.

Conclusion

Aman’s first luxury yacht, Amangati, set to launch in the Mediterranean in summer 2027, represents a transformative step for the brand, bringing its hallmark tranquility and impeccable service to the high seas. With 47 spacious suites, a dual-fuel sustainable design, and amenities like a Japanese garden spa and Beach Club, Amangati promises to redefine ultra-luxury cruising. Built by T. Mariotti and designed by Sinot, the yacht embodies Aman’s ethos of privacy and elegance, positioning it as a formidable competitor to The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons yachts. As construction progresses, Amangati is poised to capture the imagination of affluent travelers seeking serene, transformative voyages. Register your interest at www.aman.com/aman-yachts and prepare to sail into a new era of maritime luxury with Aman in 2027.