We at WAG have written about a fantasy staycation at The Ritz-Carlton Westchester, New York. And we’ve certainly written our share of stories about super yachts. So when we heard that The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., part of Marriott International Inc., has announced its entry into luxury yachting and cruises, well, we were so there.
Created by The Ritz and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection 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 standouts in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., said in a statement. “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 personalized service.”
Itineraries are being developed with anintent to combine the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton’s luxury resorts and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation. Calling at intimate and signature destinations alike, voyages will range from seven to 10 days. The first ship will cruise a wide variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Due to the intimate size of the vessel, the yacht will call at 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 distinctly curated destination experience.
The specially designed small capacity vessel will measure 623 feet, accommodate up to 298 passengers, and feature 149 suites, each with its own private balcony. The yacht will also feature two 1,485-square-foot duplex penthouse suites, with modern craftsmanship and interior finishes jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and cruise ship design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden. The onboard experience will reflect the comfort and individualized guest service for which the Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized.
“The Ritz-Carlton is known for its legendary service and high standards,” said Douglas Prothero managing director, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We are delighted to collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton as our hospitality operator in offering the most exclusive yachting experience to be found at sea in a venture that will give new meaning to curated luxury travel,” continued Lars Clasen, managing director, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
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 three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg; 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, visit ritzcarlton.com/en/yachts.
