VidantaWorld Voyages will debut ELEGANT this month, a new ultra-yacht designed to bring resort-level luxury to Mediterranean sailing. Sailing from April 11 through Oct. 2, 2026, and again from May through September 2027, ELEGANT will operate 7-night itineraries centered on the French Riviera, Spanish Coast, Azores and Portugal, Greek Islands and Adriatic Sea and Italian Shores.
“From the beginning, our focus has been about redefining what luxury at sea could feel like,” said Ivan Chavez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta. “By dramatically reducing guest count, elevating service to near one-to-one levels, prioritizing space and building itineraries around longer stays and late departures, we’ve created a voyage that delivers the high-end experience and flexibility today’s luxury travelers are seeking.”
VidantaWorld Takes to the Sea
To bring ELEGANT to life, Vidanta refitted a vessel originally built for more than 600 passengers to accommodate only 216. Every guest-facing area was redesigned and expanded to reduce congestion, with no traditional main dining room and larger lounges spread throughout the decks.
The ship’s near one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio allows for attentive, personalized service across all categories. About one-third of accommodations include butler service provided by professionals trained by the British Butler Institute. Suites range from generous staterooms to Presidential and Governor options, some with two full bathrooms or an additional bath for entertaining or third guests. All guestrooms were designed on a residential scale, continuing Vidanta’s land-based emphasis on space and ease.
Dining includes three full-service destination-driven restaurants—Montelimar for Mediterranean cuisine, Guo for Asian fusion and Flor de Agave for elevated Mexican dining—alongside cafes, snack venues and eight distinct bars and lounges. Entertainment moves with the day from quiet piano and violin sets to Amura Lounge’s World of Wonder production and late-night DJ sessions under the stars.
Guests aboard ELEGANT can enjoy a single pool, four hot tubs, a full-service spa, a Technogym-equipped fitness center and a marina deck for direct sea access. Wellness spaces include Nel Vento Spa and Beauty Salon, saunas and yoga studios.
Itineraries emphasize extended stays, late departures and overnight calls, allowing for deeper connections with destinations beyond the traditional cruise timetable.
ELEGANT’s inaugural sailing departs from Funchal, Madeira. The voyage begins along Madeira’s volcanic coastline before two days at sea. Guests then visit Vila do Porto on Santa Maria Island in the Azores, followed by Praia da Vitoria on Terceira Island and Horta on Faial Island. Stops highlight the Azores’ dramatic landscapes, maritime heritage and relaxed seaside towns before returning to open water. Port calls run from early morning through evening, supporting the ship’s emphasis on slow exploration.
For more information, visit vidantaworld.com.
