Aman & Cruise Saudi’s Super-Yacht
By Anne Kalosh
Aman becomes the latest hotel company to commission a super-yacht, following Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Accor/Orient Express.
The 600-foot/183-meter Aman vessel — called Project Sama for now — will have 50 sumptuous balcony suites, several restaurants, entertainment facilities, an Aman Spa with a Japanese garden and a “beach club” marina at the stern with direct water access.
T. Mariotti is proud to showcase Made in Italy prowess for with Project Sama. * Photo: T. Mariotti
“Luxury Resort At Sea”
The super-yacht is being called a “luxury resort at sea.”
Sama is Sanskrit for tranquility, a strong indication the vessel will mirror Aman’s philosophy of providing havens for travelers seeking peace, seclusion and beauty.
Project Sama will measure approximately 23,000 gross tons, close to the size of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima, at 25,400 gross tons. Evrima, which stretches 624 feet/190 meters, has 149 suites compared to Project Sama’s 50.
RELATED: Anne tells us about Evrima.
The Aman yacht will have 50 sumptuous balcony suites. * Rendering: T. Mariotti
Aman/Cruise Saudi Joint Venture
Neptune Co., a joint venture of Aman Group and Cruise Saudi, inked a new build deal at T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy. The vessel is expected to enter service in 2026.
Aman and Cruise Saudi first announced plans to team on a super-yacht in 2021.
Cruise Saudi was formed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund to develop the kingdom as a cruise destination. So it could be expected the Aman yacht will sail the Red Sea and/or the Arabian Gulf, however deployment and other details haven’t been disclosed.
RELATED: Anne reports earlier on Aman’s super yacht plans.
Designed By Sinot
The vessel is designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, the Netherlands firm behind the concept for the 367-foot/112-meter Aqua, the world’s first hydrogen-powered super-yacht with a reported price tag of $644 million.
Sinot also designed Oracle CEO Larry Ellison’s nearly 288-foot/88-meter Musashi, whose features include a basketball court.
Experienced Luxury Builder
Mariotti is an experienced builder of luxury cruise ships and mega-yachts.
Most recently, in 2022, it handed over Seabourn Venture, Seabourn Cruise Line’s first purpose-built expedition ship, and a sister, Seabourn Pursuit, is due early this year.
Mariotti also constructed Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Voyager, and Silversea Cruises’ Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Wind and Silver Cloud.
Project Sama will be the yard’s first dual-fuel-powered newbuild.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to work with Aman, the pinnacle player in high-end hospitality,” said Marco Ghiglione, managing director, T. Mariotti. “We are proud to offer our luxury shipbuilding experience to this challenging new venture offering a unique combination of luxury, safety and versatility which will innovate the art of traveling at sea.”
About Aman
Aman properties are designed to frame their diverse settings and are renowned for space, privacy and excellent service. The first “place of peace,” Amanpuri, was founded on Phuket’s west coast in 1988, becoming the blueprint for the Aman “way of life.”
According to the company’s telling: “Word spread, and the custodians of landmark sites approached Aman to act as guardians, recognizing the determination to fervently preserve these special places. Since then, the role of Aman destinations as sanctuaries, breathing spaces and gateways to transformative experiences outside the constraints of everyday life has become a brand hallmark.”
Aman currently operates 34 hotels, resorts and residence developments in 20 countries. Fifteen are located close to or within UNESCO-protected sites.
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HEIDI SARNA
