The Small-Ship Fleet Comes of Age in 2027
Hotel-brand yachts and a giant sailing ship arrived in 2026. Next year brings their sisters, and new routes north.
In 2026, the yacht-style cruise stopped being an idea and became a schedule. Four Seasons I left on its maiden voyage on 20 March: 207 meters, 95 suites and roughly one crew member per guest. In April, the shipyard at Saint-Nazaire delivered Orient Express Corinthian, which at 220 meters is described as the world's largest sailing ship. It carries just 54 suites and about 110 guests, and its maiden voyage was set for June.
2027 brings the second ships. Four Seasons II is due next year, and Four Seasons' 2027 Mediterranean season, running from March to November, adds 33 voyages and more than 40 new ports. They include Hydra and Antiparos, overnight stays in Porto Cervo and Cádiz, and Rimini. Orient Express Olympian, the Corinthian's sister, was floated out in April 2026 and is due for delivery in April 2027.
A northern alternative
Windstar's Star Explorer, a 224-guest all-suite ship, is scheduled to be christened on the Thames on 31 May 2027. Its first Europe season leans north and west. The itineraries include a ten-night circuit of Ireland with Dingle, Galway and the Isles of Scilly; an eight-night Baltic route with Bornholm and two nights in Stockholm; and Lisbon to Bordeaux by way of Vigo, Gijón and San Sebastián. At this size the ship can reach Rouen, Bordeaux and central London.
For 2027
- Choose by port, not by ship. The smaller the vessel, the more interesting the harbor it can use.
- Book first seasons early. New ships fill on curiosity, and suite counts are small.
- If you sail in July or August, consider the Atlantic and Baltic itineraries over the Mediterranean ones.
