Modern Cruises: the perfect match between luxury and design

Forget flimsy plastic showers and crowded buffet halls. The high-end cruises ships of today go boldly beyond the floating mega-cities of yesteryear. With elevated dining, hard-to-reach destinations, and sophisticated design, cruises have become more enticing than ever. Come with us and enjoy this world of luxury.

Crystal Esprit

The 62-passenger yacht took to Seychelles on its maiden voyage in December, outfitted with suites that range from 223 to 515 square feet. Each cabin, decorated in neutral grays and taupes, features a king- or queen-size bed with a tufted leather headboard. The custom-designed baths incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and glass.

Amandira
Inspired by the phinisi, a traditional ship of the Konjo tribe of Indonesia, the twin-masted, handcrafted schooner Amandira set sail in June and is a tribute to the romance of the spice trade era. The three king-bed cabins and two bunk bed rooms, all outfitted with hardwood and ample baths with twin vanities, accommodate up to ten passengers who have the run of the 170-foot-long wood vessel.

Le Lyrial
The French cruise operator Ponant’s Le Lyrial puts a très chic spin on maritime decor with its latest debut, launched in May. Interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel, noted for his restored Art Deco pool at the Molitor Hotel, swathes the ship’s 122 staterooms in whites and subtle blues inspired by the cruiser’s destinations, like the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

The Strand Cruise
Named after its sister hotel property in Yangon, the Strand Cruise debuted in December and treats up to 54 passengers in 27 suites to the idyllic Irrawaddy River views in Myanmar. Built locally with a custom draft to adroitly explore shallow waters, the four-deck ship is a nautical homage to the Burmese landscape, echoing the lines of temple architecture and the natural palette of green foliage and rich soil.