The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is ready to weigh anchor. After the frustration of COVID delays the first yacht in the collection, Evrima, launches from Athens on August 6.

CEO Doug Prothero says, “Evrima, will set sail on August 6, 2022 from Athens and operate voyages in the Mediterranean through October before making a transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to Bridgetown on November 5, 2022. From there, Evrima will operate a Caribbean and Central America season through April of 2023 before heading back to the Mediterranean season.

“Through 2024, Evrima will primarily be positioned in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Our two new-build superyachts, Ilma and Luminara, are slated to set sail in 2024 and 2025, respectively. While we are still working on itineraries, we expect Ilma to be positioned in the Mediterranean and Caribbean upon launch.”

Posted itineraries for Evrima show 7-, 9-, 10-, 11-, 12- and 13-night cruises. The second wave yachts will also offer five-to-10-night cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Reservations for Ilma’s 2024 season open to the public this fall.

Since Prothero is from Ontario and grew up sailing the Great Lakes and Atlantic Canada he plans to include Canadian itineraries. “As The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet continues to grow, we plan to add some additional summer voyages through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes area for Evrima. Guests will also have the opportunity to enrich their voyage experience with unique programming at nearby Ritz-Carlton properties in Toronto, Montreal and Chicago.

Evrima has 149 suites, while LLma and Luminara will have 228 suites. Unlike land-based hotels which offer rooms with a connecting door, the yachts have unique moveable walls that create an open flow, double-sized suite. Prothero says, “All connecting suites include two custom king bed systems, some of which feature a hidden mechanism to store the bed away into the wall. This creates an extended living area with a dining table, an expanded private terrace and two double vanity bathrooms for unique and spacious accommodation.”

Prothero also promises an “unparalleled level of individualized service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized, with one of the highest space and service ratios at sea.”

Of interest to passengers and agents is the way the yachts work with the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. “We are the only cruise line that offers Marriott Bonvoy earn, redeem and elite member onboard benefits to our guests. A key differentiator of our participation in the program is that guests can reserve their voyage through their preferred travel advisor to earn and redeem points when they sail with us. The program is a fantastic added benefit that travel partners can now offer to their clients.”

As for those who are new to cruising, Prothero says early indications show , “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection experience is appealing to not only Ritz-Carlton customers but also existing luxury cruise customers and new-to-cruising guests, who may have never considered a cruise before but would entertain a highly curated yacht-style experience by The Ritz-Carlton. The idea that we can bring a new segment of customers who are familiar with The Ritz-Carlton into cruising is really exciting. We are also hearing from our travel agency partners that they too are finding new guests for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection that they have never sold a cruise to.”

Another difference for cruisers is the dress code. Ties, tuxes and gowns are not necessary. Prothero’s wardrobe advise is simple, “The dress code on board the yacht reflects the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton and casual freedom of a yachting vacation. During the day for breakfast and lunch, the dress code is Yacht Casual, where shirts, shoes, and bathing suit cover-ups are required when not at the pool. During the evening for dinner, bathing suits and sleeveless t-shirts are not permitted, and shirts and shoes are required throughout the yacht. In our flagship specialty dining restaurant, S.E.A. by Sven Elverfeld, the dress code is Yacht Sophisticated – collared shirts are not required but highly recommended. There will be no formal nights on board.”

Evrima has six dining options including the Michelin-starred Elverfeld’s, as well as 24-hour room-service. All suites have private terraces and concierge service. Fares are all inclusive.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection goal is simple: to redefine the cruise experience.

https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com