Aman at Sea has appointed Captain Ertan Vasvi to command Amangati, the luxury hotel group's first oceangoing yacht, while expanding the vessel's inaugural Caribbean programme with 12 additional voyages.
The new sailings extend Amangati's first Caribbean season into March 2028, following its planned Mediterranean debut in May 2027 and the initial Caribbean itineraries previously announced for autumn 2027.
Captain Vasvi to oversee the yacht's completion
Captain Vasvi will work with Aman at Sea's shore-based team and Italian shipbuilder T. Mariotti as Amangati moves through the final stages of construction and preparation. His responsibilities will also include assembling and training the yacht's deck and bridge teams.
He joins the project from Seabourn, where he has worked since 2018. Vasvi initially served as a staff captain and later spent two years with T. Mariotti as shoreside lead for deck, nautical and expedition operations during the construction and delivery of Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.
He has held command since 2023. Before joining Seabourn, Vasvi worked for Silversea between 2009 and 2018, progressing from officer of the watch and safety officer to staff captain across its expedition and classic fleets.
Vasvi holds a master's degree from the Nautical Academy at the Technical University of Varna in Bulgaria.
Twelve more Caribbean voyages
Aman at Sea has also introduced 12 additional Caribbean voyages for winter 2028. The five- to eight-night itineraries expand the programme into the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guadeloupe and the Grenadines.
The line's published programme also features destinations including Montserrat, St Kitts, Saint Barthélemy, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St Maarten and Barbuda. Aman describes the itineraries as focusing on smaller harbours and island destinations suited to the scale of the 94-guest yacht.
The expansion follows the first group of Caribbean voyages announced in June 2026 and extends Amangati's deployment through 20 March 2028.
When will Amangati enter service?
Amangati is scheduled to depart Palma de Mallorca on 7 May 2027 for its first voyage. Its inaugural season will begin in the Mediterranean before the yacht relocates to the Caribbean later in the year.
The vessel is being developed through a joint venture between Aman and Cruise Saudi. Under construction at T. Mariotti in Genoa, it will accommodate 94 guests in 47 suites.
A key appointment for a new cruise brand
The appointment of a captain is an important operational step as Aman prepares to move from land-based hotels and resorts into ocean cruising. Vasvi's previous involvement in delivering two expedition newbuilds at the same shipyard gives him direct experience of managing a vessel through construction, commissioning and entry into service.
Aman at Sea is positioning Amangati as a small luxury yacht rather than a conventional cruise ship. The combination of a 94-guest capacity and an expanded programme of shorter Caribbean sailings will place it within the growing ultra-luxury yacht segment.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the captain of Amangati?
Aman at Sea has appointed Captain Ertan Vasvi to command the yacht. He previously held senior roles with Seabourn and Silversea.
When will Amangati launch?
The yacht is scheduled to begin its inaugural voyage from Palma de Mallorca on 7 May 2027.
How many guests will Amangati carry?
Aman says the yacht will accommodate 94 guests across 47 suites.
How has the Caribbean programme changed?
Aman at Sea has added 12 voyages of between five and eight nights, extending the inaugural Caribbean deployment through 20 March 2028.
Which new destinations are included?
The expanded programme includes sailings featuring destinations in the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guadeloupe and the Grenadines, alongside calls elsewhere in the Leeward Islands and the wider Caribbean.
Who is building Amangati?
The yacht is under construction at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy. The project is being developed through a joint venture between Aman and Cruise Saudi.