Everything You Need to Know About The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

 
 

What Is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?

The The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a next-generation luxury cruise experience that blends the intimacy of private yachting with the service standards of Ritz-Carlton hotels. Think of it as your favorite Ritz-Carlton at sea. Launched in 2022, it offers small-ship voyages designed for travelers who want space, privacy, and highly personalized service, without the scale (and crowds) of traditional cruise lines. The first yacht to sail, Evrima, accommodates fewer than 300 guests, creating a more residential, boutique atmosphere at sea.

Why you should consider Yacht-Style Cruising

Luxury cruising has evolved. Today’s high-end traveler is less interested in mega-ships and more focused on experience, privacy, and design.

Yacht-style cruising stands out because it offers:

  • Fewer guests (typically under 500)

  • Larger, all-suite accommodations with private terraces

  • Access to smaller, less crowded ports

  • Elevated dining and wellness programming

  • A relaxed, hotel-like atmosphere rather than structured cruise schedules

This shift reflects a broader trend in luxury travel: intentional, immersive experiences over mass-market, check the box style itineraries.

 
 

What Is It Like Onboard The Ritz-Carlton Yachts?

All-Suite Accommodations

Every room aboard Evrima, as well as its sister ships Ilma and Luminara, is a suite with:

  • Private ocean-view terrace

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows

  • Frette linens and curated interiors

  • Personalized minibar setup

Suites start around 300+ square feet, with significantly more space than standard cruise cabins.

Elevated Dining at Sea

Dining aboard the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is intentionally refined:

  • Multiple restaurants with globally inspired menus

  • No large buffet halls typical of traditional cruises

  • Rotating culinary concepts and chef-led experiences

The focus is on quality over quantity, mirroring fine dining on land.

Thoughtful Public Spaces

Instead of crowded entertainment zones, you’ll find:

  • A marina platform for direct ocean access

  • Observation lounges for scenic sailing moments

  • Intimate bars and social spaces

The overall atmosphere is calm, social when desired, but never overwhelming.

 
 

Where Does The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Sail?

Itineraries span some of the world’s most desirable regions, including:

  • Alaska

  • Asia

  • Mediterranean (Greek Isles, French Riviera, Italy)

  • Caribbean (winter sailings)

  • Northern Europe and Scandinavia

  • South Pacific

Because of their smaller size, these yachts can dock in less-trafficked ports, offering a more exclusive destination experience.

Voyages typically range from 3 to 13 nights, making them ideal for travelers who prefer shorter, high-impact trips.

AND SINCE WE’RE TALKING ABOUT LUXURY YACHTING, HOW Does It Compare to Four Seasons Yachts?

The newly launched Four Seasons Yachts is the most direct competitor of Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, although brands like Aman and Orient Express are following with their own sailings soon.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

  • Slightly larger ships (250–450 guests)

  • Strong design-forward identity

  • More established itineraries

Four Seasons Yachts

  • Around 190 guests (more intimate)

  • Larger suites (starting ~500+ sq ft)

  • Even higher staff-to-guest ratio

The main difference is that while Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is all-inclusive, Four Seasons Yachts are not. While this may seem unorthodox to traditional cruisers, for luxury hotel clients, this is not much different than what you would experience at a Four Seasons Hotel or Resort.

 
 

Is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Worth It?

Short answer: yes, for the right traveler.

This experience is ideal if you:

  • Prefer boutique hotels over large resorts

  • Value privacy, space, and personalized service

  • Want a cruise experience without “cruise culture”

  • Appreciate design, culinary excellence, and slower travel

It may not be the best fit if you’re looking for:

  • High-energy entertainment or nightlife

  • Ports that are more geared towards larger cruise ships

  • A ship that is the destination with lots of onboard activities and amenities

 
 

BOOKING THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT CLUB WITH PERSPECTIVES TRAVEL, A PREFERRED PARTNER AGENCY

If you’ve never considered a cruise before, yacht-style travel may change your perspective entirely.

The The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers something rare: a way to explore the world by sea without sacrificing the comfort, elegance, and individuality of luxury travel.

Interested in planning a Ritz-Carlton yacht experience? The right itinerary, the right suite, and the right Preferred Partner can make all the difference. As a Marriott STARS agency, Perspectives Travel can add the following amenities to your next yacht experience and Marriott Bonvoy members earn 5 points per $1 spent.

  • $150 per person on board credit

  • Private reserve upgraded bottle of champagne

  • Personalized culinary welcome amenity

  • Private Captain led Bridge tour, subject to availability

Amina Dearmon