VidantaWorld Voyages to Launch ELEGANT in Madeira this Weekend
A new brand is preparing to enter the Europe cruising market this summer, as VidantaWorld Voyages debuts its first ship, ELEGANT, in the Mediterranean.
The launch marks an expansion for VidantaWorld, a Mexico-based luxury resort developer known for large-scale, design-forward destinations in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Maya. The company is now bringing its resort-focused approach to sea.
Referred to as an “ultra-yacht,” ELEGANT was originally built to accommodate more than 600 passengers. It will now carry just 216. VidantaWorld Voyages said the ship “brings a fundamentally different approach to luxury at sea – prioritizing space, personalization, and extended time in destination.”
The ship will debut this weekend, April 11, with a seven-night inaugural sailing from Funchal, Madeira. The voyage cruises the Azores, with calls in Vila do Porto, Praia da Vitória, and Horta, and ends with an overnight in Ponta Delgada.
ELEGANT’s offers mostly seven-night Mediterranean voyages throughout this summer, ranging from the French Riviera to the Adriatic. VidantaWorld says the ship will return to European waters in summer 2027.
A Mexican Luxury Resort Approach at Sea
ELEGANT is positioned as a floating luxury resort, with an emphasis on space, variety, and ease of movement throughout the ship.
The ship features three primary restaurants, each with a distinct concept: Montelimar, serving Mediterranean cuisine; Guō, focused on Asian fusion; and Flor de Agave, a Mexican specialty restaurant. These are complemented by more casual venues, including cafés and buffet-style dining.
Separate from dining, ELEGANT includes eight bars and lounges located throughout the ship. These include the Mosaico Bar, a central gathering space with live music; a dedicated whisky lounge; a sports bar; and multiple open-air venues on the pool and sky decks.
On deck, passengers will find one main pool and multiple hot tubs. The ship also includes a casino, spa and fitness center, boutique retail spaces. The Amura Lounge is an intimate entertainment venue with seating for approximately 168 passengers.
All staterooms offer ocean views, while higher-category suites include private terraces, multiple bathrooms, and butler service. The largest accommodation, the Imperial Suite, spans more than 1,400 square feet and includes a private terrace and dedicated dining space.
From Legacy Ship to Luxury Yacht
While ELEGANT is entering service as a new luxury product, the ship itself has a long operational history.
Originally constructed in 1990 in Valencia, Spain, the vessel first entered service as Crown Monarch for Commodore Cruise Line. Over the years, it sailed under several names and operators, including Nautican, Walrus, Jules Verne, Alexander von Humboldt, and MV Voyager.
Grupo Vidanta acquired the ship in 2017 and began a multi-year transformation to reposition it for the luxury market. The vessel underwent significant structural and design changes, including the addition of a new aft section and a complete redesign of interiors.
A further major refurbishment was completed in 2024.
ELEGANT is entering the Europe market at a time when several luxury hospitality brands are launching their first ships. Four Seasons Yachts just launched its first ship last month, and Orient Express is preparing for its inauguration this summer.
They join The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which entered the market in 2022 and has since expanded its fleet. Looking ahead, Aman is also preparing to enter the cruise space, with its first yacht currently expected to debut in 2027.
