Ritz-Carlton takes to the sea.

The hotel chain are the first luxury hotel brand to offer bespoke, luxury yacht experiences.

"Renderings are artistic concepts. All features, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice."

I love boats. But I’ve never been on a cruise. It does not appeal to me. The thought of being in an enclosed space with over 7000 other people all trying to eat, play and relax together really affects the introvert in me.

But, while skippering on the Thames, I am seeing more and more of these small cruise liners. Then I read the really cool article by Adam Erace in Fortune Magazine. In it, he describes his time on the Ritz-Carlton Evrima which he describes as “a sleek blue barracuda at 623 feet long.” Tiny compared to some of the other large cruise liners that can measure over 1000 feet.

"Renderings are artistic concepts. All features, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice."

In 2017, Ritz-Carlton announced their new line of cruise yachts launching in 2020. They started taking bookings in 2018 and then their first cruises were set to start in Feb 2020.

What makes this style of cruising unique?

As Adam mentions in his article “It’s telling that Ritz-Carlton’s parent company Marriott (Marri-yacht?), never refers to Evrima in such plebeian terms as “ship” or “boat”. The word “yacht” evokes exclusivity, spaces for wining and dining…”

And this is exactly what makes these small cruise experiences so different. With only 298 passengers and 246 crew aboard Evrima, you get a different level of service. And as Adam noticed on his cruise “there is certainly more space to stretch out than on a traditional cruise. I never had to save a lounger at the pool. I never saw a line.”

That is the beauty of these yacht cruises. You get a serene, semi-private, relaxing experience while at sea. On a yacht that is small enough to get into the smaller harbours and the out-of-the-way destinations that the large cruise ships can't enter.

The amenities

Large cruise ships are known for their entertainment. With multiple restaurants, gyms, cinemas, a spa and fun and games you’re never going to be bored while at sea. The Ritz-Carlton yachts will keep you entertained in luxury.

With all of their suites having sea views and terraces, the rooms are luxurious with king-size beds and your own concierge.

With 5 restaurants aboard Evrim (Evrima Room, Talaat Nam, The Pool House, Mistral, and The Living Room + 24-hour in-suite dining) and food from chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua the 3 Michelin starred Aqua from the Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, you can be sure of wonderful food and innovative menus.

There is a spa, fitness suite, live entertainment, boutique shopping and more on board the Ritz-Carlton yacht fleet so you’re never going to be bored. When you’re not lounging around the pool or eating you can be working off those calories or getting a facial or a haircut at the barbers. You can even have a go on some non-motorized water toys while you’re at anchor.

Itineraries

In October 2022, Ritz Carlton announced their itineraries in their press release that they were “Unveiling unique itineraries and immersive experiences, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection carves out an exclusive space within the industry while exemplifying the brand’s forward-thinking approach to luxury hospitality. Stopping at both intimate and signature ports of call, most voyages range from seven to ten nights, with no two journeys alike so that guests can combine itineraries without repeating a destination. Depending on the season, Evrima visits the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Destinations along the way range from Spain’s Balearic Islands and coveted havens along the French Riviera, to the aquamarine shores of Aruba and the tropical coastlines of Costa Rica. The intimate size of Evrima also allows unique access into some of the most sought-after ports of call, delivering yacht-style cruising in destinations such as Mykonos, Saint-Tropez, and St. Barts.”

The fleet is currently expanding with 2 more yachts, the Ilma and the Luminara set to join Evrima in the next few months.

Evrima set sail in 2022. Ilma is slated to join the fleet in 2024 with Luminara set to sail in 2025.

With the cost of a cruise starting at around £4,000 for 5 nights, this may be an option for a short trip in the med. Or you can charter the entire vessel!

Booking

To book a cruise with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you can visit the company's website or contact a travel agent.

Conclusion

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a luxurious and exclusive way to see the world. The company's yachts offer a unique and unforgettable experience that is unlike anything else available on the market. If you are looking for a truly luxurious way to travel, then the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is definitely worth considering.