Text by Lindsey Vandal
Images by Edgardo Contreras and Jack Hardy
When the 629-foot, custom-built superyacht Evrima departed from the port of Barcelona, bound for Nice on October 15, 2022 with 298 guests, 246 staff, and 1,800 bottles of Moët & Chandon in tow, it represented a new era in luxury travel.
That maiden voyage of the original vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet signaled the first at-sea guest excursion hosted by a high-end hospitality brand. Applying the prestigious hotelier’s service-savvy ethos to transoceanic tours, the collection tenders an intimate, personalized encounter for seafarers seeking the wonder of exotic places, while enjoying a refined ambiance along the way. The results are a luxury cruise for the cruise-averse—dense with amenities and devoid of congestion.
Since Evrima’s debut—a name which means “discovery” in Greek—the 149-suite superyacht has ventured to a list of enviable locales, from renowned yachting playgrounds to secluded coves, islets, and hidden harbors. Summer routes might traverse the beaches of the Greek Isles, Portofino, Croatia, the Amalfi Coast, Spain’s Balearic Islands, and the idyllic French Riviera. In winter, visitors can chart a course for the lush tropical turf of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Barbados, St. Barts and Turks and Caicos.
With two new custom superyachts, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s reach is expanding, and a bevy of bespoke 5-to-10 night itineraries include coastal havens like the British Isles, the Baltic Sea, the fjords of Iceland and Norway, as well as destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
With a generous space-to-guest ratio and nearly one crew per guest, the onboard experience is an elevated one in every sense of the word—from the physical spaces to the exclusive amenities and tailored touches. Each luxury suite integrates creature comforts: a private ocean-view terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, double vanity bathroom, and a suite ambassador always on hand. In addition to all-hours in-suite dining, travelers enjoy five unique dining concepts designed by culinary artists such as three-Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld and James Beard Award recipient Michael Mina.
If the mood strikes, superyacht guests can partake in various offerings from each day’s fresh schedule: a sunset stretch, meditation session, sommelier-guided wine tasting, or entertainment ranging from jazz ensembles to guest lecturers, celebrity speakers, and naturalists. Solace seekers might stop in for a Black Diamond Facial at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, or head to the Humidor, outfitted with a Macallan bar cart, Davidoff cigars, and an array of reserve-list whiskies.
From wandering wild spaces to art appreciation, there’s plenty to do when the anchor drops, too. Voyagers have the opportunity to participate in on-shore excursions and explore the landscape, heritage, cuisine, and pastimes of each locale. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s destination experts arrange small group excursions, as well as private or fully custom tours that highlight the heart and soul of a city or village while leaving room for unscripted moments. At each stop, weather permitting, the superyacht’s marina-style platform offers direct access to ocean recreation via kayaks, snorkeling, sailboats, and paddleboards.
The second and third superyachts in the collection, respectively, Ilma and Luminara boast a blend of open-air social spaces and cozy enclaves, with additional walkable areas, ample sunning spots, and higher-end suite options. Like their predecessor, Ilma and Luminara also incorporate a pool, a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa, world-class dining, Ritz Kids program, and an impressive cache of vintage and contemporary wines.
Graced with the Maltese word for water as its name, the 224-suite Ilma embarked on its maiden sail along the Mediterranean Sea from Monte Carlo to Rome in September of 2024. Spanning 790 feet, Ilma’s interiors draw inspiration from Malta’s mythology, geography, history, and native fauna. In the roomiest of its eight Owner’s Suites, a 721-square-foot terrace houses a whirlpool and outdoor shower for seaside soaking.
Among five creative culinary experiences on board are the contemporary Italian fare of Seta su Ilma by chef Fabio Trabocchi, known for his Michelin-starred flagship restaurant, Fiola, in Washington DC. Chef Michael Mina created a pan-Latin menu at another of the yacht’s restaurants, Beach House, which has indoor/outdoor spaces and an especially good tequila selection.
Launching in spring of 2025, the 226-suite Luminara is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s foray into the Asia-Pacific region. It offers itineraries encompassing 28 ports across 10 countries, including Ha Long Bay, Vietnam; Puerto Princesa, Philippines; Seoul, South Korea; Osaka, Japan; and Bangkok, Thailand. Its name derived from Latin origin, meaning “light,” Luminara’s 794 feet of luxury lounging provides an airy, elegant retreat for up to 452 guests. From the multifarious communal areas encouraging connection to private oceanview terraces in each stateroom, Luminara strikes the perfect balance of socialization and serenity.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has an all-inclusive fare, which covers everything from the all-suite ocean-view accommodations and dining to gratuities, onboard entertainment, and Wi-Fi access.
Whatever the eventual destination, a leisurely voyage aboard Evrima, Ilma, or Luminara delivers graceful immersion into top-notch places, charming communities, and vibrant cultures—all under the impeccable care and opulence synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton.
Marriott Residence Owners can enjoy a 5% fare savings on voyages with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, currently booking on all three superyachts. For reservations, call The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection at (833) 716-7500, email miresidences@ritz-carltonyachtcollection.com or contact your travel professional and mention “Marriott Residences.” Visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com for more information.
