Introducing the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Introducing the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

In 2022, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection made its grand debut, marking the entry of Marriott and Ritz-Carlton into the world of luxury cruising. While technically a licensing agreement, this collection offers a truly unique and exciting experience in the cruise industry. Not just Ritz-Carlton, but other renowned brands like Four Seasons, Aman, and Orient Express have also ventured into this realm. Notably, you can use Bonvoy points to earn and redeem rewards for journeys with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, making it an incredibly attractive option.

I recently embarked on my first voyage aboard the Evrima, part of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. This article will provide you with a deeper understanding of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, including information about the ships, what’s included in the journey, and how to book your tickets.

Information About the Yachts

Currently, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection boasts three ships, with Evrima being the first, launched in 2021. This yacht weighs 25,400 tons and spans 624 feet, featuring 149 suites for up to 298 guests. The second ship, Ilma, is set to launch in 2024, weighing 46,750 tons and measuring 791 feet, with 224 suites accommodating 448 guests. Lastly, Luminara is scheduled for completion in 2025, also weighing 46,750 tons but slightly shorter at 790 feet, offering 226 suites for 452 guests.

While these vessels may not be the largest in the market, they provide a sense of intimacy and privacy. If you prefer a cozy cruising experience, Evrima is the best choice, even compared to the larger Ilma and Luminara, which offer more expansive pool areas and amenities.

Aboard Amenities

Despite their size, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection ships are packed with enticing amenities. For instance, Evrima features several dining options, including The Evrima Room (a casual all-day dining restaurant), S.E.A. (a specialty restaurant with a surcharge), Talaat Nam (Southeast Asian cuisine), The Pool House (a relaxed dining venue), Mistral (Mediterranean fare), and The Living Room (a space for drinks and light snacks).

Additionally, the ship boasts a Ritz-Carlton spa with five treatment rooms, a beauty salon, sauna, steam room, and a 24/7 fitness center. You’ll also find amenities such as a pool, a children's play area, and relaxation zones.

Accommodations Onboard

All accommodations on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are marketed as suites, each offering ocean views and outdoor terraces. For example, the standard suite is the Terrace Suite, measuring 300 square feet with outdoor space ranging from 54 to 81 square feet. The most luxurious option is the Owner’s Suite, which provides 1,091 square feet of interior space alongside 635 square feet of outdoor area.

While the suites are spaciously designed, it’s worth noting that 300 square feet isn’t particularly large.

Cruise Itineraries

With luxurious cruises like those offered by the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you’ll typically find them sailing in the Caribbean during winter and in Europe during summer. The itineraries are diverse and quite flexible. If you’re looking to explore specific regions, you can find journeys to Alaska, Asia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Pacific.

Most itineraries last between five and 11 nights, although shorter and longer options are also available. I’ve noticed an increasing number of routes that bypass the Caribbean and Mediterranean, opening up more exciting choices. For instance, Luminara primarily sails in Alaska and Asia, while Evrima offers unique itineraries to Iceland and Polynesia.

Cruise Costs

The ticket prices for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruises vary widely, depending on the type of itinerary you select. Typically, the pricing is per person based on double occupancy. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll need to pay 200% of the fare, which is double the standard price.

For reference, one of the most affordable options is a 15-night Pacific crossing starting at $9,700 (about $647 per day), while the priciest is a five-day summer trip to Iceland, starting at $9,800 (approximately $1,960 per day).

What’s Included in the Fare?

The cruises of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are considered almost all-inclusive. In addition to accommodations, the fare covers dining and beverages (at restaurants, bars, and in your suite), gratuities, onboard entertainment activities, Starlink Wi-Fi, and access to non-motorized water sports.

However, some items are not included, such as dining at specialty restaurants, spa services, premium beverages, excursions, and more.

Join the Marriott Bonvoy Program

For avid point collectors, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program. You can earn 5x Bonvoy points for every dollar spent on your cruise, and points are accrued for the nights you stay onboard; this spending also counts toward achieving Ambassador status.

You can redeem Bonvoy points, with 180,000 points potentially saving you $1,000 on your trip. Additionally, you can enjoy special offers from Marriott Bonvoy.

How to Book Your Ritz-Carlton Cruise

You can book your Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise directly through the company's website or via a travel agent. If you prefer to book directly, you can call 833.999.7292 or submit an inquiry through the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection website. However, working with a travel agent can also be a great option, as they may offer additional deals that you wouldn’t receive when booking directly.