The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., part of Marriott International, Inc. just announced its entry into the luxury yachting and cruise industry. Setting sail in 2019, the The Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, will begin providing luxury hospitality service and style in custom-built luxury yachts, set to travel to unique destinations around the world.
This announcement represents a unique foray into the cruise industry for the luxury hotel operator. The first of three lavish cruising yachts in this series is scheduled to take to sea in the fourth quarter of 2019, and distinguishes Marriott International as the only provider of luxury accommodations both on land and at sea.
“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true stand outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “The 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 personalized service.”
Right now, itineraries are being developed with an intent to combine the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton’s luxury resorts with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation. The voyages will range from seven to 10 days, and the first ship will cruise a wide variety of destinations: the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America, depending on the season.
Due to the intimate size of the vessels, the Ritz-Carlton yachts have the ability to stay at unique locations typically not accessible to large cruise ships, from Capri and Portofino to St. Barths and the old town of Cartagena. With a relaxed pace, that includes both overnight and daytime ports of call, guests will be offered a uniquely curated destination experience.
The specially designed small capacity vessel will measure 190-meters, accommodate up to 298 passengers, and feature 149 suites, each with its own private balcony. The yacht will also feature two 138 square-meter lavish duplex penthouse suites, with interior finishes jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and the leading cruise ship design firm, Tillberg Design of Sweden.
Throughout the journey, guests will indulge in a cruising style that is unparalleled in the ultra-luxury cruise and private yachting sectors. The Ritz-Carlton yachts will feature a restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the already three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, Germany; a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa; and a Panorama Lounge and wine bar, offering a wide variety of on-board entertainment. Additionally, the yacht will offer one-of-a-kind curated destination journeys through collaborations with local chefs, musicians and artists, allowing guests to experience the locations in unique and experiential ways, both onboard and ashore.
Reservations will open in May 2018. The ships of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter.
For more information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/yachts.
