Photo: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (composite)
There are cruise ships, and then there’s Ritz-Carlton’s take on cruising. The relatively new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has officially welcomed its second member, the spectacular megayacht Ilma, now on her maiden voyage.
Ritz-Carlton is a name that certainly needs no introduction in the luxury hospitality industry. Since 2017, when it first floated (heh) the idea of launching a cruise ship, it has also worked hard to make a memorable impression on the cruise industry.
That year Ritz-Carlton announced the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, but the first milestone would not come until October 2022, with the maiden voyage of Evrima, the first yacht in the fleet. Given its size and volume, as well as its features, it is technically a megayacht, but “cruise ship” would be a more appropriate description, as it offers cruises and private charters. However, Ritz-Carlton chooses to refer to Evrima and its successors as “superyacht” to distinguish them from other liners, the ones that even ordinary people can book.
The biggest advantage of this Yacht Collection is that it is only for the most demanding cruisers. Prices average $20,000 for a 6-day cruise in a double suite, and include the finest and most luxurious amenities on the market. It is still a cruise ship, but for wealthy people who, for whatever reason, do not want to go the charter route.
Photo: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
On September 2, 2024, the second megayacht in the Ritz-Carlton fleet set sail on her maiden voyage, effectively making the company’s foray into the cruise industry a certified success. Ilma is larger and more luxurious than her sister ship, and she also boasts a handful of industry records. According to Ritz-Carlton, she is the only cruise ship in the world to offer this kind of space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratio. That is to say, you won’t find larger suites or more staff to assist you on any other cruise ship out there.
Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Ilma boasts exteriors by Helsinki-based studio Aivan and sumptuous interiors by AD Associates, a London-based architecture and design firm. The interiors are a mix of formal styling with neutral spaces and luxurious features reminiscent of private superyachts. That last bit shouldn’t be surprising, given the company’s insistence that this is a superyacht like no other.
Ilma is 214 metres (790 feet) long and has an internal volume of 46,750 GT spread over ten decks, making it considerably larger than its predecessor. Accommodation on board is for a whopping 298 guests in 149 suites, all of which are described as “more airy” and all offer sea views and terraces.
Photo: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Ilma will now sail from Monte Carlo to Rome and continue her inaugural season in the Mediterranean, calling at Santorini, Porto Cervo and Valletta. She will head to the Caribbean and then become the first Ritz-Carlton yacht to sail the Baltics of Northern Europe, stopping in Amsterdam, Stockholm and Reykjavik.
The name Ilma is the Maltese word for “water,” but the atmosphere on board will be one of pampered luxury. Curated experiences include themed restaurants with meals prepared by Michelin chefs, personalized dining experiences, and wine tastings. Ilma has seven bars, including a poolside bar and the Living Room, which is a morning coffee bar and a cocktail bar with live music in the evening, as well as an exclusive wine cellar. Because this is no ordinary cruise ship, Ilma also offers in-suite dining throughout the day.
Amenities include a spa with no fewer than 11 treatment rooms, each with multiple offerings to choose from, pools, three fitness areas, and countless lounges, including drop-down terraces that combine privacy with an immersive experience of the surroundings. Live entertainment options abound, whether you choose to spend time indoors or out, and there’s even a private venue for intimate events.
Photo: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
“Since the debut of Evrima, we have remained steadfast in pursuing excellence at sea,” Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, stated in a statement. “The addition of Ilma represents the continuation of our mission: to offer our guests legendary service and unparalleled entertainment.”
That's exactly what you'd expect a company representative to say about a new product the company has launched. But in this case, it doesn't sound fake or exaggerated: Ilma is ready for a more refined life at sea and has a gorgeous style.
Photo: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The giant ship also deserves recognition for being a little more environmentally conscious than regular cruise ships. Its dual-fuel engines run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and “the latest energy efficiency measures and advanced water treatment systems” ensure that its impact on the environment is reduced.
With two ships already in operation, Ritz-Carlton can rightfully claim to be the first and only luxury hotel company at sea. Evrima and Ilma will be followed by Luminara, the third addition to the Collection, which will set sail in 2025.
