The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will add two new all-inclusive, luxury vessels to its fleet, which will sail around the Mediterranean and Caribbean in 2024 and 2025. Olivia Palamountain reports
Ritz-Carlton has announced the debut of two new ships for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – Ilma and Luminara – that will join Evrima, which launched on October 15, 2022.
Slated to set sail in 2024 and 2025, these new super yachts will offer the type of luxury stay for which the hotel brand is renowned, combined with the freedom of a yachting holiday with all-inclusive itineraries ranging from seven to ten nights cruising the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Reservations for the 2024 season will open to the public this autumn, however, all three yachts are also available for private charter.
The exterior design of the new-builds is by Finland-based yacht stylist, Aivan, while striking interiors are courtesy of London-based architect and design firm, AD Associates and award-winning lighting designer, DPA.
Both vessels will feature 228 suites in cabins measuring up to 100 sqm – each with its own private terrace – and will offer a high percentage of larger suites, with two new, extra-spacious upper suites.
In addition to the scaled up accommodations, both Ilma and Luminara will have five restaurants, six bars and a wine vault, plus many of the spaces found on Evrima such as an expanded marina with a new mezzanine feature, a Ritz-Carlton spa and a dedicated Ritz Kids club.
The onboard experience will reflect the comfort and service for which the Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned, with Ilma and Luminara providing nearly one staff member for every guest – one of the highest staff and space ratios at sea.
What can people expect from the voyages? Let’s look to Evrima for inspiration, which showcases ultra-tailored itineraries and immersive experiences, both at sea and on land.
In each destination, passengers can choose from a selection of unique experiences within the Shore Collection that align with their interests or utilise the services of the Concierge Ashore to customise their own private tours.
Experiences onshore range from a guided tour in a world-class museum with its curator, visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site, to yoga on a private beach, zip-lining through a rainforest and truffle hunting.
On select itineraries, guests can deepen their experience mid-voyage through an overnight tour, promising an unforgettable and uniquely immersive cultural experience before rejoining the yacht at their next destination.
Douglas Prothero, CEO for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, says: “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is revolutionising the luxury cruising industry, creating an entirely unique category designed for those in search of unmatched getaways, highly curated itineraries, insider access and a level of personalisation previously unseen in the space.
“Every element of the luxury yachting experience was considered when designing and creating Evrima, and we are excited to deliver unforgettable journeys for both longtime cruisers and those who are new to the industry.”