Ahead of its launch this summer, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has released details of two new hotel-inspired superyachts. Rose Dykins reports
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced it will add two new superyachts to its fleet – Ilma and Luminara – which will take to the seas in 2024 and 2025, respectively. These will follow the company’s inaugural sailing in Summer 2022, when its first custom-built superyacht, named Evrima, will debut.
Curated to offer the luxury lifestyle of the Ritz-Carlton hotel brand combined with the freedom of a yachting holiday, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will offer bespoke voyages for customers. Itineraries will typically range between seven to ten nights, and include overnight stays and specially created on-shore experiences – such as browsing through a world-class museum with its curator, or zip-lining through a rainforest.
Designed by world-leading shipyard Chantiers D’Atlantique, the two new superyachts will each have 228 suites with private terraces. Among these will be two new, upper suite categories measuring up to 100 sqm each. The sleek exteriors of the new yachts were created by Finland-based yacht stylist, Aivan, and take inspiration from the elegant aesthetics of private yacht design.
Both vessels will feature modern design and interiors by London-based architect and design firm, AD Associates and award-winning lighting designer, DPA.
The onboard experience of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will reflect the comfort and five-star guest service the hotel brand is known for. Ilma and Luminara will have the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruising sector, with nearly one staff member for every guest.
The new superyachts will each have five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault, and signature spaces found on Evrima such as an expanded marina with a new mezzanine feature, a Ritz-Carlton spa, and a special space for Ritz Kids programming. There will also be an areas on each yacht’s bow suited to hosting cocktail receptions.
To minimise its environmental impact each vessel will be fitted with four dual-fuel engines and use Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as its main fuel source, significantly reducing emissions compared to traditional superyachts. The ships will also be fitted with advanced water treatment systems, an efficient heat recovery loop, LED lighting, and other eco-friendly functions.
Reservations for the 2024 season of itineraries with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will open to the public in in Autumn 2022. Ilma and Luminara will sail itineraries ranging from seven to ten nights in the Caribbean and Mediterranean and offer an all-inclusive experience throughout – and will also be available for exclusive charter.