The Ritz-Carlton To Make Splash at Sea

If you ever found yourself wishing that you could have Ritz-Carlton-level luxury in a cruise line, you are in luck: the luxury hotel brand has launched its own yacht collection, with the first ship set to begin sailing in 2020. The Ritz-Carlton first revealed a sneak peek of its inaugural yacht at the start of this year, and it’s clear that forward-thinking design and elevated onboard offerings will be at the center of their exclusive sea experience.

Created to feel like a private yacht, the unique vessel measures 190-meters and can accommodate up to 298 passengers. One of the yacht’s most defining characteristics is its design. It was envisioned by only one designer, resulting in a unified flow of design that achieves a refined, relaxed atmosphere unlike any other accommodations at sea.

The interior design of the inaugural yacht was imagined by Tillberg Design of Sweden in collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton. According to Fredrik Johansson, Tillberg Design’s owner and executive project director, the yacht is designed to give guests a feeling of being onboard their own private yacht. By combining the casual freedom of a yachting vacation and the lifestyle afforded at The-Ritz Carlton resorts, the guest will be able to enjoy an unrivaled luxury yachting experience. As Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, noted: “The distinct design of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection places us in a new space within the industry where the vessel is a destination in and of itself.”

*Main Pool Deck | Renderings courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
*Observation Terrace | Renderings courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The 149 suites were designed to have a residential feel, with a sleek and contemporary aesthetic inspired by The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Sunny Isles, Miami Beach and Los Angeles. Each suite will offer spacious settings, innovative marine qualities and some of the most design-forward yacht interiors in the world.

“In addition to a casually elegant atmosphere in the suites, dining venues and open areas to relax, there will be plenty of little escapes and private corners of the yacht, really giving guests the ability to define their experience,” adds Johansson.

*Owner’s Suite | Renderings courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The yacht will boast a high percentage of large suites, as well as several innovative loft suites, a unique two-story accommodation that is ideal for in-suite entertaining.

*Loft Suite | Renderings courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

All suites will feature a private terrace, floor to ceiling windows and great ceiling heights, resulting in some of the most airy and expansive guestrooms in the luxury cruise category. Through a soundproof, blind wall, select suites also have the option to be combined into larger, open-concept spaces allowing for more flexibility when selecting accommodations. All suites feature the luxurious amenities that visitors would find at a Ritz-Carlton on land, including a king bed, double vanity bathroom, luxury linens and more. Perfectly marrying form and function, the light-filled accommodations will connect guests to the seas and harbors they are sailing.

*The Living Room Bar | Renderings courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
*The Marina Terrace | Renderings courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The onboard experience will reflect the luxury and service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is best known. The yachts will also have one of the highest crew to guest ratios in luxury cruising, with almost one crew member for every guest. Each suite has access to a Personal Concierge, guests’ single onboard touch point there to ensure a flawless, seamless journey from beginning to end. In addition to superb accommodations, guests of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will enjoy an all-inclusive luxury experience including onboard activities and entertainment, beverages, multiple dining venues, onboard gratuities, WiFi and watersports from the yacht’s marina. Signature experiences available for an additional fee include a culinary experience at the yacht’s specialty restaurant designed by three Michelin-starred Chef Sven Elverfeld of The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, spa treatments at the signature Ritz-Carlton Spa, and immersive excursions offered through The Shore Collection. Voyage prices vary based upon the itinerary and season.

*The Pool House | Renderings courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
*The Humidor | Renderings courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

For those who don’t need any further convincing and are ready to take their Ritz-Carlton voyage, reservations can be made by contacting a Yacht Vacation Consultant at (833) 999-7292 (U.S. & Canada) or contact your travel professional. Yachts are also available for private charter.

*Article posted with permission from Coldwell Banker Global Luxury