The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Ritz-Carlton announced its yacht collection in 2017, backed by investors including Oaktree Capital and operating under a brand agreement with Marriott International, Ritz-Carlton’s parent. After shipyard delays, the first yacht, Evrima, finally set sail in 2022, positioned as a cross between a private superyacht charter and a luxury hotel.

The fleet is three yachts. Evrima carries about 298 guests in 149 suites, while the larger Ilma, which joined in 2024, and Luminara, launched in 2025, each carry around 450 guests. All have a hotel-style lobby, multiple restaurants and bars, a spa and a fold-down marina platform at the stern for swimming, paddleboarding and other water sports.

Itineraries typically run seven to ten nights, focusing on the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in winter, with evenings and overnights in ports such as Saint-Tropez, Portofino, Mykonos and St. Barts, plus repositioning voyages and other regions seasonally.

The atmosphere is relaxed, stylish and hotel-like, closer to a boutique resort than a traditional cruise ship. Guests are affluent, often in their 40s to 60s, many of them Ritz-Carlton and Marriott loyalists rather than lifelong cruisers. There are no formal nights or rigid schedules, and dress is resort chic. Itineraries are designed to be unhurried, with late departures and overnights so you can dine ashore. Service follows Ritz-Carlton hotel standards, with a high staff-to-guest ratio. Families are welcome, especially during school holidays, but most voyages have a couples-and-friends feel.

Each yacht has several restaurants, most included in the fare, ranging from Mediterranean and Asian-inspired menus to a casual pool grill and in-suite dining. The flagship tasting-menu experience, S.E.A., created with Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld, carries a supplement, and the larger Ilma and Luminara add another extra-fee venue. Menus emphasize local ingredients from the region you are sailing.

Entertainment is low-key and lounge-based: live musicians, DJs, a piano bar and occasional themed events, plus destination talks. The marina platform, spa and pool are the daytime focus, and many guests spend evenings ashore during late port stays.

Children are welcome, and kids programming is offered on select sailings, mostly during school holidays. Most voyages, however, have a predominantly adult crowd.

All accommodations are suites with private terraces. Evrima’s include Loft Suites spread over two levels, and the top Owner’s Suite has extensive outdoor space. Ilma and Luminara suites are slightly larger, with expanded suite categories. Interiors resemble a contemporary Ritz-Carlton hotel, with large bathrooms and premium bedding.

Drinks are included, covering wines, spirits, champagne, beer, cocktails, soft drinks and specialty coffees, along with a stocked in-suite minibar. Premium wines and spirits are billed separately.

Gratuities are included in the fare, and tipping is not expected.

Instead of its own program, the Yacht Collection participates in Marriott Bonvoy. Members earn points on cruise fares, can redeem points toward voyages and earn elite night credits, and their Bonvoy status is recognized onboard.