Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection unveils luxury cruise experiences

Another hospitality group is bringing their brand of luxury to the seven seas, and offering cruise lovers a lavish way to unwind.

By Richard Ng / 12 Nov 2022

Marriott International, Ritz-Carlton, Travel, Yachts

Share this article

With the ever-growing number of boutique hotels, remote retreats and wacky Airbnbs satisfying every hospitality itch known to landlubbers (travel-ending pandemics notwithstanding), it was only a matter of time before luxury hoteliers turned their attentions to the seas.

One of the forerunners in the nascent niche is Ritz-Carlton, which announced their intentions to usher in a new seaborne era of hospitality back in 2017.

Their plans, deferred due to a combination of shipyard delays and the pandemic, came to fruition recently when the first of its three custom-built yachts left port. The 190m vessel dubbed Evrima — a Greek word meaning ‘discovery’ — is suitably sized to house almost 300 passengers within 149 spacious suites, yet compact enough to access yacht-style destinations that full-size cruise liners can only dream of.

Think intimate ports of call like Greek island paradise Mykonos and Saint-Tropez along the French Riviera, sprinkled between familiar locales like Costa Rica, the coast of Aruba and the Balearic Islands in Spain.

These voyages will last an average of seven to 10 nights, rotating through the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Central America and South America — depending on season — to allow guests to merge itineraries without visiting the same port twice.

Tailored experiences for every destination

Marriott International

1/2

The experience, after all, continues on shore. The hospitality group offers a pre-curated selection of unique experiences at each locale — think yoga on a private beach, truffle hunting or being led around a world-renowned museum by its curator — though The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection also offers a private concierge for guests who want to find their own fun on land.

Not that guests would necessarily feel stifled if they choose to remain on the vessel, since their suites are designed to be “some of the most airy and expansive guestrooms at sea”, by way of floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace. Rooms can even be combined into larger open-concept spaces if necessary. And of course, guests can expect only the best in amenities vis-a-vis luxury linens, toiletries and bedding worthy of a Ritz-Carlton property.

Related: Meet the Singapore megayacht with a sci-fi edge

Luxurious amenities awaits guests onboard

Marriott International

2/2

Facilities on-board are equally elevated. Entertainment comes in the form of an infinity pool, fitness studio, sauna and steam room, fully equipped spa as well as marina for watersports when at anchor. Alternatively, soak in some culture from an in-house team of jazz and classical musicians, or lectures by experts in their field.

Being stuck on-board, good culinary options are a must. And Evirma delivers, with a sit-down sushi bar, an eatery specialising in Southeast Asian cuisine and a speciality dining experience curated by Sven Elverfeld of three-Michelin-starred Aqua (whose home is The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg) among other restaurants.

A quick glance through their website’s listings show that the shortest four-day jaunt costs US$3,800 (S$5370). But if none of their itineraries take your fancy, do note that the yachts of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter.

While Ritz-Carlton has unfurled its sails, other luxury hotel brands like Aman and Four Seasons have slated their seafaring endeavours for a debut in 2025, giving Ritz-Carlton a comfortable head-start. Exciting news nonetheless for luxury travellers looking for a new way to unwind.

Related: You can now go cruising on a Ritz-Carlton superyacht

Marriott International, Ritz-Carlton, Travel, Yachts