The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is bringing its renowned luxury hospitality service to the sea with the launch of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Created by The Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen in collaboration with Oaktree Capital Management, this venture marks the first time a luxury hotel brand will offer bespoke yacht experiences. The first of three lavish cruising yachts in this series is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2019.
While itineraries are still being developed, we can tell you that voyages will range from seven to 10 days and call on less-traveled and popular destinations. The first ship—a 298-passenger vessel featuring 149 suites, each with its own balcony—will cruise a variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Due to the small size of the vessel, the yacht will also be able to call into locations typically not accessible to large cruise ships, from Capri and Portofino to St. Barths and the old town of Cartagena.
Onboard amenities include a restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg; a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa; and a panorama lounge and wine bar, offering a wide variety of onboard entertainment. Additionally, the yachts will offer one-of-a-kind curated destination journeys through collaborations with local chefs, musicians and artists, allowing guests to experience the locations both on board and ashore.
However, this wouldn’t be a Ritz-Carlton experience without a splash of extravagance. For the ultimate in indulgence, book your clients in one of two 1,485-sq.-ft. Duplex Penthouse Suites with modern craftsmanship and interior finishes jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and the leading cruise ship design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden.
Reservations open in May 2018. The ships of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter. For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/en/yachts.
