The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: The Art of Maritime Luxury

When legendary hotelier The Ritz-Carlton announced their venture into luxury yachting, the world of maritime travel took notice. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection represents more than just a cruise line; it’s a reimagining of what luxury at sea can be.

Launched in 2022, this bold venture brings their celebrated “ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen” philosophy to the high seas, creating an entirely new category of luxury cruising that combines the casual freedom of yachting with the legendary Ritz-Carlton service.

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A Fleet of Dreams

The Ritz-Carlton’s maritime vision comes to life through three extraordinary vessels, each designed to redefine luxury at sea. Their inaugural yacht, Evrima, whose Greek name appropriately means “discovery,” emerged in 2021 as an intimate sanctuary hosting just 298 privileged guests. This floating masterpiece set new standards with all-suite accommodations, each featuring private terraces for personal moments with the sea.

Following this success, 2024 welcomes Ilma, meaning “water” in Maltese, a larger yet equally intimate vessel accommodating 448 guests. Its design pays homage to the sea with expansive open-air spaces and an innovative aft Marina that brings guests closer to the ocean. The fleet culminates in 2025 with Luminara, promising to be a beacon of modern elegance with 226 luxurious suites, including new upper suite categories spanning an impressive 1,000 square feet.

The Essence of Luxury Service

What truly sets The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection apart is their unwavering commitment to personalized service, where every guest interaction becomes an opportunity to exceed expectations. With one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios at sea, approaching nearly one staff member per guest, each voyage transforms into an experience more akin to a stay at an intimate floating resort than a traditional cruise. Their renowned $2,000 service empowerment rule stands as a testament to their service philosophy – allowing staff to instantly resolve any guest concern without seeking approval, ensuring truly seamless experiences.

This dedication to anticipatory service extends throughout the all-inclusive journey, from premium wines thoughtfully selected by sommeliers to multiple dining venues crafted by world-class chefs, from 24-hour in-suite dining to personalized butler service. Every moment aboard is delivered with the intuitive understanding and graceful attention to detail that has made Ritz-Carlton legendary in luxury hospitality.

Life Aboard a Floating Palace

Life aboard these magnificent vessels transcends typical cruising, creating an atmosphere where every moment becomes a carefully crafted experience. Culinary journeys range from casual poolside dining under Mediterranean skies to intimate venues where Michelin-inspired menus rival the finest restaurants ashore. The Ritz-Carlton Spa® offers signature treatments in serene spaces with panoramic ocean views, while the innovative Marina platform transforms into an exclusive beach club when anchored in secluded coves, complete with water sports and private lounging areas.

Each day brings new possibilities: sunrise yoga on deck overlooking pristine horizons, afternoon wine tastings led by expert sommeliers, or evenings of sophisticated entertainment in intimate venues. The atmosphere remains casually elegant throughout, where guests move seamlessly from daytime adventures to evening sophistication, reflecting the relaxed luxury of the yachting lifestyle while maintaining the refined standards synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton name.

A World of Discovery

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection crafts extraordinary journeys that span the globe’s most captivating waters, each destination chosen for its unique blend of beauty and cultural significance. In Alaska, guests witness nature’s raw grandeur amid secluded landscapes and endless summer light, where glaciers calve into pristine waters and wildlife encounters become daily occurrences. Asia’s voyages weave through a tapestry of ancient cultures and dynamic coastal cities, from Japan’s cherry blossom shores to Vietnam’s mystical Ha Long Bay.

The Caribbean itineraries transcend typical tropical cruising – offering exclusive access to hidden coves and private islands where intimate beach barbecues await. In the Mediterranean, where history meets sophistication, ships dock in intimate ports inaccessible to larger vessels, from Croatia’s medieval harbours to the Greek Islands’ secret coves. Northern Europe and Baltic voyages reveal dramatic fjords and cultural treasures, while transoceanic crossings provide the ultimate escape into maritime luxury, where the journey itself becomes the destination.

The Ritz-Carlton Difference

What distinguishes The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection isn’t just their vessels’ intimate size or luxurious amenities – it’s their revolutionary interpretation of luxury travel at sea, where legendary hospitality meets maritime excellence. While other cruise lines focus primarily on destinations, The Ritz-Carlton creates immersive journeys that begin the moment you step aboard, where every detail reflects their understanding of sophisticated travelers’ desires. Their discerning audience isn’t defined by age or demographics, but rather by a shared appreciation for refined adventure and authentic experiences, attracting both seasoned cruisers and those new to maritime travel.

With an ambitious expansion plan featuring two new super-yachts by 2025 – Ilma and Luminara – they’re not just entering the luxury cruise market; they’re fundamentally reimagining it. By bringing their century-old legacy of hospitality excellence to the seas, The Ritz-Carlton is creating an entirely new category of maritime luxury that bridges the gap between traditional cruising and private yachting.

Planning Your Voyage

The journey aboard The Ritz-Carlton yachts presents an all-inclusive luxury experience that begins at $6,800 per person, reflecting the brand’s commitment to unprecedented maritime excellence. Your fare encompasses elegant suite accommodations – each with private terraces – and access to gourmet dining across multiple venues, from casual al fresco cafés to intimate specialty restaurants. Premium beverages flow freely, including carefully selected wines and spirits, while thoughtful touches like high-speed Wi-Fi and gratuities ensure a truly seamless experience.

The atmosphere embodies their signature ‘Yacht Sophisticated’ philosophy – refined yet refreshingly relaxed, where elegant resort wear is welcomed and traditional formal nights are replaced by naturally sophisticated evenings. This unique approach attracts an engaging mix of successful professionals, typically in their early 50s, who seek both luxury and lifestyle. Many are new to cruising but drawn by the Ritz-Carlton reputation, creating an ambiance of vibrant sophistication where like-minded travelers connect over shared experiences at sea.