Why You Should Take a Luxury Cruise with Ritz-Carlton
Ritz-Carlton is a name that has been synonymous with ‘luxury’ for decades, but for the past few years they have been expanding their expertise of all things hotel into the world of luxury cruising, with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The first company to merge the luxury hotel lifestyle with the carefree escape of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers thoughtfully tailored itineraries spanning the globe, from far-flung ‘must see’ destinations, to secluded hidden gems. Most voyages range from seven to ten nights and comprise overnight crossings and a selection of handpicked ashore and onboard experiences. With their renowned focus on creating guests for life and a committed ‘quality over quantity’ approach, Ritz-Carlton is already making waves in the world of luxury cruising, boasting one of the highest rates of both space and staff to guests in the business.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is currently a fleet of two – Evrima (aptly named for a word of Greek origin meaning ‘discovery’) and Ilma (from the Maltese word for ‘water’), with a third yacht - Luminara - settling sail in July 2025. Each yacht features exquisitely decorated suites, unrivalled amenities and personalised service, as well as world-class speciality restaurants and other dining options.
Ritz-Carlton’s dedication to classic luxury and refined elegance is reflected in every surface of their yachts. The interiors have been meticulously designed to blend the timeless sophistication of their onshore hotels with the contemporary style of the world’s sleekest yachts. Whether you opt for the classic Signature Suite with its calming aqua hues, the spacious 2 Storey Loft, or the sumptuous Owner’s Suite, the onboard accommodation is a true home-away-from-home, a softly-lit oasis of comfort and style. In addition, there is a dedicated Suite Ambassador for every five suites, providing exceptional in-suite services to all guests, in order to maximise comfort and offer the most seamless experience possible.
The onboard dining experience encompasses the entire culinary spectrum – from fine cuisine with ever-changing menus to relaxed poolside fare, award-winning chefs will inspire you with contemporary interpretations of Italian, Japanese, and Pan-Latin dishes, to name a few. Fancy something a little more intimate? There are a host of options to choose from, including Dining Privée in the Tides restaurant enclave, or an exclusive dinner party in your suite, with 24-hour in-suite dining.
Once you’ve had your fill, there’s plenty more to explore on board: shop to your heart’s content at the yacht’s Boutique (which is kept well-stocked with exclusive sportswear, branded apparel, and bespoke offerings from local artisans), enjoy a rejuvenating treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, sip premium cognac in Evrima’s Humidor Lounge, or enjoy a cocktail amidst top-deck views on the Observation Terrace (if you stay long enough, you might just catch a live band or DJ!). There’s no shortage of onboard entertainment – Ritz-Carlton’s programme is incredibly diverse, so guests can be sure of a captivating and varied entertainment experience. Social butterflies can enjoy carousing at deck parties by the pool, as well as the famous ‘En Blanc’ event, whilst wallflowers will enjoy art classes, open-air movies, and intimate classical music and jazz performances in the central Living Room. For those in search of adventure, the yacht’s unique Marina offers a range of complimentary water sports - snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing are all just a stone’s throw away from the comfort of the yacht, and that’s all before even thinking about excursions at any of the voyage’s fabulous destinations.
From the secluded beauty of Alaska to the vibrant landscapes and tranquil island hideaways of Asia, and the sun-drenched island paradise of the Caribbean to the splendour of the Mediterranean, as well as their brand-new voyage to the fairytale fjords of Northern Europe; the world is truly your oyster with Ritz-Carlton’s range of itineraries. Overnight crossings mean that you get the entire day to make the most of each fantastic location, and the smaller size of the yachts means that you’ll have access to locations that are off-limits to larger cruise ships, including Saint Barththélemy, Portofino and selected Greek Islands like Milos and Skiathos.
Our Marketing Director Anna was lucky enough to spend some time aboard Ilma and noted that “Ritz Carlton is a completely different experience when it comes to luxury cruising. The size of the ship gives you that boutique hotel feel and the layout has been thought through very well; great public areas where you can chat with like-minded travellers and smaller nooks to read a book in privacy.
There is a really “fun” vibe onboard with lots of local entertainment and incredible dining venues. My favourite area was at the “Beach House”- a really cool area to sit and relax whilst looking out to sea which turns into an incredible Peruvian restaurant in the evening… AMAZING”.
With their fleet, Ritz-Carlton has set the bar for luxury cruising staggeringly high – elegant accommodation, refined entertainment, personalised service, exotic destinations, and a sophisticated onboard atmosphere, all catering to the most astute traveller. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection goes beyond the ordinary and truly redefines the idea of ‘luxury cruising’.
If this once-in-a-lifetime yacht experience sounds like it might be for you, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our Cruise Connoisseur team to find out more.
