"It's all happening!" was the opinion of a fictional groupie in a movie. She was overjoyed that the rock band she loved was making it big. I was very excited when The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection set sail.
It has been a long time since it happened. The launch of the line was delayed for three years due to a number of factors, including the shipyard slowing down and the first yacht being moved to a new shipyard for completion. Guests were welcomed in Barcelona on Saturday by the first ship of its kind.
At least for Marriott loyalists and anyone that prefers a small-ship experience, executives at The Ritz-Carlton announced the development of a line of brand-new yachts.
The first yacht in the Ritz trio is called Evrima. The two will join it in the future.
Fans of luxury travel want to know if The Ritz-Carlton is worth the wait. There is a new cruise line.
Sign up for the cruise newsletter to get more cruise news.
Three identical yachts were announced at the beginning of the cruise line. The ships won't have the same design, even though they are part of the plan.
Chantiers de l'Atlantique was tapped to build ships two and three. They measure 46,750 gross register tons more than their sister ship. The second and third ships will be all-suite ships, but they will have fewer suites than the first two ships. The next- generation ships will have a higher percentage of larger suites than the current ones.
The cruise line is interested in sustainable practices. Liquefied natural gas will be used as the main fuel source for the vessels, which will greatly reduce emissions as compared to traditional practices. The goal of the yacht is to minimize environmental impact with advanced water treatment systems, efficient heat recovery loops, and more.
You can sign up for our newsletter.
There is an option for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to order more boats. If the line expands to a five-ship fleet, it will be interesting to see.
Points and miles are used to book cruises.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has solved a problem I have had with luxury cruises for a long time. There are many voyages of 14 or more nights. They sound great and I would love to book them. It is difficult for my husband and I to take two weeks or more of vacation at the same time. We like vacations that are on the short side.
It is much easier for working professionals to book voyages on the Ritz yacht because it has a nice mix of voyages. If you have more time, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection can accommodate you with back-to- back sailings. It's easy to modify a long sailing.
After a series of five European itineraries, the ship will move to the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Bahamas for the winter season.
The yacht's first "warm weather" season offers itineraries of five, seven, 10, and 12 nights.
There is a 13-night itinerary departing San Juan and arriving in Lisbon, Portugal with calls on Hamilton, Bermuda, and Ponta Delgada.
The ship will tour the Mediterranean through October.
It's the best Caribbean cruise for everyone.
Okay, let's get on with it. We're here, you got us. We can't tell you what you'll love about this line because we haven't been on the boat yet. We can make educated guesses based on The Ritz's track record and early reviews from other sailors.
Excellent service is what the Ritz-Carlton brand is all about. The drive to deliver an authentic, above-average experience is what we expect. The Ritz isn't stodgy but it is luxurious. The line and yacht have modern and elegant decor, personalized service, and top-notch dining.
One of the appealing things about The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is that it's all-inclusive.
The prices for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are included.
Credit cards that can be used for booking cruises.
If you like modern interior design with sleek surfaces, mixed textures and subdued earth tones, you'll like the suites on the ship. Even if it's not technically two or more rooms, each cabin type is referred to as a "suite".
The cabins were imagined by Tillberg Design. The emphasis is on comfortable open-concept spaces and natural light, similar to The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Florida's Sunny Isles Beach and Miami Beach, as well as Los Angeles.
A bottle of Mot et Chandon will greet you when you arrive at your suite. It's a good idea to enjoy that out on your private balcony. A king-size bed with high-end Frette linens, digital flat-screen TV, a minibar stocked with your preferences, and an in-suite safe are included in all suites. There is a selection of coffees and teas from Dammann Frres in each suite. You can request the pillows you want if you so desire.
The bathroom has a double Vanity, robes and slippers, a mirror, and a hair dryer.
24-hour room service is available. There are influences from every dining venue on the All-Day Dining menu.
The personal concierge works for each suite. This person is your single onboard point of contact to ensure a flawless, seamless journey from start to finish.
The yacht has connecting and convertible suites for families and friends to stay.
The cabins on any cruise ship are the best.
Take a look at what the suites look like.
Terrace suites are entry level cabins. There are ninety cabins in this category with a balcony. The two Terrace Suites are ADA compliant.
A king bed and a sofa are included in the next cabin category. The balcony is large. One of the Signature Suites is ADA compliant.
Do you tend to pack too much for a trip? Since there are 14 of them on the ship, a Grand Suite may be a good choice. There is a king bed and a sofa. The suite has a total of 587 square feet of space.
The 611- square-foot, bi-level Loft Suites are interesting because they separate the living space from the sleeping space. You can enter the suite from the hallway on the other level. There is a powder room on the upper level and a double Vanity master bathroom on the lower level. The convertible sofa in this stateroom is on the upper level, which is devoted to living and dining space. There is a panoramic picture window for sea views on the downstairs terrace. There are 12 loft suites on the yacht
The View Suites look similar to the Grand Suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer amazing views of the ocean and port. The larger of the two suites, 734 and 735, has a 97- square-foot balcony. There is a king bed in this cabin category.
The owner's suites on the ship are larger than most Manhattan apartments. There's a second full bath and a balcony in this room. A full sofa, two chairs, a coffee table, two loungers and two cocktail tables are included in the upgrade to the terrace. There is a private hot tub.
There is plenty of space to spread out with a dining table for six, a sitting area with four chairs and a table, and a second sitting area with a coffee table and two chairs. The beds include a king bed and a sofa. A pair of high-end binoculars is available for guests.
S.E.A, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg in Germany, is one of several distinct dining venues that can be found on the yacht.
Fresh, local ingredients are served in venues that are influenced by destinations the yacht visits.
The best restaurants on cruise ships.
The main dining room on mega-ships isn't the same as the main dining room on a Ritz yacht, but it's still the main restaurant. You can join other travelers or dine as a couple here. The menu changes with the seasons at the restaurant on deck 4.
One of the most romantic places on the ship is this spot. The venue was designed for a lunch under the sun or a romantic meal in the evening. Prime cuts of meat can be ordered from the grill on the Mediterranean style menu. You can enjoy drinks here as you look at the yacht.
A family-style table experience and outdoor dining with a view of the ship's wake are included in the price of a meal on the deck of the ship. A passenger shared the dinner menu with us and it looks great.
The starter's menu includes a Thai mango salad, chicken satay, Vietnamese-style spring rolls, hamachi, gyoza, beef tataki, red Miso soup and edamame. They include beef rendang, chicken adobo, Thai prawn curry, Thai red curry, pancit noodles, ramen and chicken laksa. One of my favorites is the dessert called pandan. The leaves of this plant are fragrant. It is presented in a dessert. You can also get mango sticky rice and almond sago avocados.
When you want to enjoy a more relaxed meal, be it an early-risers breakfast, lunch or late-night nosh, The Pool House is the place to go. The menu items are prepared quickly.
On the first sailing, passengers reported a variety of breakfast options, including a garden frittata, lobster omelet, bagels with lox, and more. Coffee and tea are made by Illy.
The lunch and afternoon "to share" items were delicious: fried calamari, sticky chicken wings, baked cauliflower, and wild mushroom flatbreads.
The menu included burgers, fried chicken, lobster and shrimp rolls, beer-battered cod, steak sandwiches, roasted salmon BBQ baby back ribs and four interesting salads. Ice cream, chocolate fudge brownies and creme brulee are included in the dessert.
If you like chef Elverfeld of Aqua at The Ritz-Carlton, you can go to S.E.A. on Deck 6 where he has created a special dining experience. That usually means it has an extra surcharge. The passenger said it cost $625 for her and her boyfriend to dine at The Ritz. It is a European tasting menu and more details will be forthcoming. You need to make reservations.
Coffee drinkers and snackers need to know where The Living Room is. It is a place to sit down and read a book. Freshly roasted coffees and espressos can be ordered throughout the day and night.
There is a spot above the Marina that serves drinks and nibbles.
You are likely to spend a lot of time at the bar. You can start your voyage with a cocktail or champagne toast after dinner. Something decadent is what you're looking for. The lounge has champagnes and caviar.
The All-Day Dining menu can be found in your suite or on your balcony.
Life on a yacht is more laid back than on a mega-ship that has a lot of bars, comedy clubs, karaoke, casino games and more.
There are live music options on the ship. Passengers have reported that evenings are a bit quiet so far.
Passengers look for the Observation Lounge on deck 10. It is the place to get to know your fellow passengers over a drink and dancing at night.
The living room does double duty It is a library and coffee house at the same time as a piano bar and dance hall. Live music is played here in the evening. The ship is expected to have a cocktail lounge.
The amenities on the ship are comparable to a luxury cruise ship. There are a spa, fitness center, cigar bar and boutique nearby. More information is here.
The Spa is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can find a wide range of salon and beauty services here.
There is a hot tub all the way forward on that deck. There are separate facilities for males and females in theHeat Experience. They are in the changes. lockers, robes, slippers, shower caps, towels, and all the other amenities are provided by the spa.
The prices for treatment are the same as on land. The price for a hair style in the beauty salon is between $90 and $100. The cost of a haircut and style starts at $100 for short hair, $125 for medium and140 for long hair. It is a bargain to have hair straightened or curled. The 45 minute manicure called "Supreme" will cost you 95. A beard trim costs $35 while a shave costs $75 for men.
Most people like the spa treatments. A 60- or 90-minute signature "Evrima" massage is available at a starting price of $255. Piedras calientes therapy treatments, which use warmed stones, are also available. The hour-long black masque Leg Renewal Treatment can be used after a day in port to alleviate tired legs.
ESPA skincare-brand products are used in the 90-minute Ultimate Radiance and Renewal Facial.
If you're going to book a lot of treatments, you may want to buy one of these packages.
| Package | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Three-Day Discovery Program | 60-minute Evrima Signature Massage, 60-minute Bespoke Facial by ESPA and 50-minute private wellness session. | Starting at $470. |
| Five-Day Journey Program | 60-minute Evrima Signature Massage, Essence of the Earth Body Treatment, 60-minute Bespoke Facial by ESPA and two private 30-minute wellness sessions. | Starting at $685. |
| Six-Day Journey Program | Journey welcome pack upon arrival, 60-minute Evrima Signature Massage, 60-minute Deep Tissue Massage, Nourished Glow Body Treatment, Ultimate Radiance & Renewal Facial and two private 30-minute wellness sessions. | Starting at $1,050. |
You can call or visit The Spa if you didn't book a treatment before boarding. The receptionist will tell you the options.
You can see the gear in the yacht's fitness center if you use the equipment at home. There are treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals and more.
Private yoga sessions start at $100, personal training sessions start at $75, and fitness consultations start at $275. The gym is open during the day and closed at night. Reservations can be made by talking with The Spa.
Group exercise programs and presentations on nutrition are available to guests. You can consult the onboard guide for more information.
Passengers over the age of 18 can only use the gym. The facility can be used by 16 and 17 year olds if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The cigar bar is a standard feature on most ships. On deck 10 there is a premium cognac and cigars.
The Boutique on Deck 4 is not a shopping mall like the one on Royal Caribbean's Royal Promenade. Leading luxury labels will be included in the line.
The deck attractions are focused on the outdoors. Anyone that likes to watch the waves and jump into the water to enjoy snorkeling or paddleboarding will be impressed by the marina. The deck of the Ritz-Carlton yachts has a lot to offer.
The Marina is one of the highlights of the yacht. Direct access to the water is on deck 3. You can borrow paddleboards, windsurf boards, kayaks, sailboats and snorkel equipment for free at this location. The Marina will only open when weather conditions are right and local authorities allow it to be used.
The Marina is a great place to spend a sunny day if you don't want to get wet. There are multiple seating areas that give amazing views.
A beautiful blue glow is created by the accent lighting on this deck.
There are three pools in the town. The main pool is on deck five.
There is a smaller pool on deck 8.
There is a small pool with a shade canopy at The Spa Terrace.
In front of the Observation Lounge is the Observation Terrace. You can see a bird's-eye view from this perch. You can grab a drink in the seating areas.
Ritz-Carlton has no restrictions on the number of children allowed on its boats. The line can be used by children as young as six months.
The Ritz-Kids club was carved out of the space on each vessel. The programs in the club range from educational to arts and crafts and are open to all children. During the summer and holidays, the program will be increased. A fee will be charged for each session.
babysitting services are not offered for guests
Requests for a limited number of cribs can be made.
Before you embark on a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you should be aware of some important details.
You don't need to worry about packing formal wear because the line focuses on the "casual freedom of a yachting vacation." There aren't formal nights on the Ritz yacht. Some gentlemen are wearing sportcoats in the evening while others are not, according to passengers on the first sailing. Women are wearing palazzo pants and pretty clothes.
Keep in mind the dress codes when packing for your Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise.
Unless you're at the pool, bathing suit cover-ups are required at breakfast and lunch. You don't need to wear a swimsuit if you go barefoot.
Don't wear sleeveless shirts and bathing suits in the evening. Even if you are sitting by the pool, you must have shirts and shoes on.
Collared shirts are recommended if you plan to dine at chef Elverfeld's specialty restaurant.
Passengers must have a valid passport at least six months after disembarkation. It is up to you to decide what paperwork is needed for your trip. Passengers should coordinate their visa requests with the travel document systems.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessels don't require tipping. The cruise fare does not include a service charge. Feel free to tip anyone that goes above and beyond during your voyage.
There is a cruise ship gratuity, service charge and tip guide.
The fare includes wi-fi. Some people have taken calls from their suites, according to early reports.
Wine can be brought aboard the boat. If you like it in a dining room, there will be a corkage fee. You can't bring booze on the plane.
If you want to smoke on the ship, you have to go to the Humidor on deck 10. You can't smoke on a deck. The smell of smoke will cost you a $1,000 cleaning fee.
Laundry and dry-cleaning services can be requested through in-suite services. There is an iron, washer, dryer and detergent at no extra cost at the Guest Launderette.
Everything you need to know about laundry on ships.
Both 230 and 120v outlets are included in the suites.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection uses the U.S. dollar. All of your onboard purchases will be charged when you board.
Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served wine and beer and 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer. Guests are required to be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages.
Marriott points can be earned and burned on sailings.
Marriott Bonvoy members can earn 5 points per $1 spent on cruise fares and hotel packages at participating Marriott hotels.
Each night you sail, you will earn an elite night credit. The passenger who pays for the cruise will get points and night credits.
The news is that redemption rates aren't great. You can redeem points for a discount on your cruise fare. You can spend a certain amount of points to get more off.
The points are valued at $0.84 each. We would prefer to use 180,000 points for redemptions that cost more than the cash amount. Points can be used on a sailing.
For example, if you book select sailings and earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, you will be able to earn more money on the cruise fare. TheOffers tab on the line's website can be used to find deals like that.
What you can expect onboard if you are a Marriott elite.
| Elite member benefit | Silver Elite | Gold Elite | Platinum Elite | Titanium Elite | Ambassador Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private invitation to Bonvoy reception | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Choice of in-suite welcome gift (varies by member tier) | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | |
| Complimentary first evening laundry pressing | Yes. | Yes. | |||
| Priority boarding and departure | Yes. | Yes. | |||
| Early access to S.E.A. dining reservations | Yes. | ||||
| Complimentary laundry throughout the cruise | Yes. |
There is a guide to Marriott Bonvoy.
There are some good values to be had during the first sailing season of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. It will cost about $700 to $900 per person per night for Caribbean sailings and about $1,100 to $1,200 per person per night for Mediterranean itineraries.
In the future, this may change, but the line's cruise fares are not for solo travelers. You will pay double the per-person rate when you travel in a cabin alone if you take a 200% single supplement.
The rooms can accommodate third and fourth guests at 50% of the first and second berths. They have to be under 14. There is a limited number of roll-away beds that can be requested.
25% of the first and second berths are reserved for infants and toddlers 6 months to 2 years old. Any child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old. Minimum age for children is one year on voyages with three or more days at sea. The Zodiacs cannot be boarded by children under the age of five.
Some people waste money on their first cruise.
Travelers should always use a travel agent that is specialized in cruise travel. It is possible to use a knowledgeable travel agent and get many benefits. Travel agents know the ins and outs of each cruise line and ship and can recommend the best options for you. Special reduced cruise fares or perks can add a lot of value to your sailing, and travel agents often have access to them. You have an ally that can work with the cruise line on your behalf if something goes wrong.
You can book directly through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection if you don't use a travel agency. Shoot them an email and they will match you with an internal cruise adviser.
You can book your trip on the internet. There are many online travel agents and discounters.
Through Delta's SkyMiles Cruises, you can book a Ritz-Carlton yacht adventure. You can book a seven-night Central America voyage for $5,400 at press time. You can get up to 10,000 SkyMiles with a bonus of $1,000 in travel credits that can be used on things such as an upgrade to first class seats, a limo transfer and pier parking.
If you use a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases, you will be able to maximize your credit card points when paying for the sailing. 3 Chase Ultimate rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining are offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve. 2 UltimateRewards points per dollar on travel and 3 UltimateRewards points per dollar on dining are included on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
You can use the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card or Marriott Bonvoy bold card.
There are tips for booking your first cruise.
The Ritz has a long history of small-ship cruising. The line has a points partner in the hotel space, which sets it apart from other lines that don't. It's a win to be able to book a cruise with points.
There are more stories you can use to plan your next cruise.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
