The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a brand of luxury hotel group Mariott, has announced that two new "superyachts" will be added to its fleet by 2025.
The ultra-luxury cruisers will be named Ilma and Luminara and will join the first Ritz-Carlton vessel, Evrima, which is currently in the final stages of construction and is due to set sail in summer 2022.
Both vessels take “inspiration from the elegant aesthetics of private yacht design,” according to Ritz-Carlton. They will be constructed by French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique to a design by Aivan, the Finnish studio founded by Feadship Pi designer Jarkko Jämsén.
Interiors will be styled by AD Associates and will offer “the highest space ratios at sea” with a total of 228 suites, each equipped with a private terrace.
“Chantiers de l’Atlantique is very proud to design and build these medium-size – ultra-luxury cruise vessels and initiate a new partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said the yard’s general manager Laurent Castaing. “These ships will provide the highest quality standards and comfort level to their guests and simultaneously be at the forefront of environmental performances.”
“The addition of Ilma and Luminara represent significant growth for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and we look forward to collaborating with management and Chantiers de l’Atlantique on the creation of these world class vessels,” said Tim Grisius, Marriott’s mergers and acquisitions global officer.
The yachts will offer a near equal guest-to-staff number ratio to ensure the high hospitality standards of Ritz-Carlton’s onshore properties are continued at sea. Amenities on offer for guests of the luxury superyachts will include five restaurants, six drinks bars and a wine cellar. Features found on board Evrima such as the private marina, swimming pool and gym will also be included in the newer vessels. Cruises on board the two new superyachts will take place in both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, beginning in 2024.
The 190 metre Evirma, meanwhile, is set to splash this summer. Designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden, the vessel can host up to 298 passengers on board.
President and chief operating officer of the Ritz-Carlton hotel company Herve Humler said, “This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalised service.”
The company also revealed that the superyachts will be available for private charter outside of the hotel cruise programme.
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