Discover the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: The Premier Luxury Cruise
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the newest standard in luxury cruises blending private yacht elegance with five-star resort service.
The cruise industry has undergone a renaissance in recent years, redefining what it means to travel by sea. While traditional cruises once catered to the masses with towering ships and bustling ports, a new wave of ultra-luxury experiences has emerged—offering the intimacy and elegance of private yachting combined with five-star service.
Industry leaders like Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, and Ponant have long catered to this affluent traveler. Now, two of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands—Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons (launching in 2026)—have entered the market, signaling a golden era for luxury cruise aficionados.
In this guide, we explore the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in detail: what makes it unique, where it sails, what it costs, and why it’s being called the ultimate luxury cruise experience.
The Rise of Luxury Cruises
The appetite for smaller, more exclusive cruises has surged, especially among affluent travelers who value privacy, personalized service, and cultural immersion. Compared to mega-ships, luxury cruise lines offer refined itineraries, gourmet dining, and elegant accommodations—without the crowds.
Key players include:
Silversea Cruises: known for butler service and all-suite ships.
Seabourn Cruise Line: ultra-luxury with Michelin-star partnerships.
Regent Seven Seas: all-inclusive cruising with unlimited shore excursions.
Ponant: French expedition-style luxury.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: the first global hotel brand to launch into ultra-luxury yachting.
Four Seasons Yachts (launching in 2026): promising opulence, privacy, and exclusivity at sea.
Introducing The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Fleet
Evrima: In service since October 2022, carrying 298 guests across 149 all-suite staterooms with private terraces, combining superyacht intimacy with resort-style features.
Ilma: Launched summer 2024 and carries up to 448 guests in 224 suites. It boasts the highest space-per-guest ratio at sea, with spacious open-air lounges and an expanded aft marina terrace directly above the water,
Luminara: Entered service July 3, 2025, with its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia. Accommodates 452 guests in 226 suites, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and offering eco-conscious luxury.
What Makes This Luxury Cruise Line Unique
Design
Styled by Tillberg Design (Evrima) and AD Associates & Aivan (Ilma & Luminara), featuring sleek yacht lines and ocean-focused elements.
Spacious outdoor decks, a marina platform with swim access, and natural light-filled lounges create an open, sea-centric experience.
Curated artwork onboard (Ilma features a 700–piece art collection, including works sourced at auction) enhances the refined environment.
Suites
All suites include private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and luxurious amenities.
Suite sizes range from 300 sq ft terraces to expansive Owner’s and Loft Suites offering up to 1,091 sq ft with separate living/dining areas.
Elevated in-suite features include automatic night lighting, Dyson hair dryers, Diptyque toiletries, high-end Frette linens, and private outdoor showers (Owner’s Suites)
Amenities
Full-service spa, gym, and wellness studios (e.g., spin, movement).
Live music venues, cigar lounge, and boutique shops onboard.
Ritz Kids programming for families.
Extensive water activities via marina: paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling, AquaBanas floating platforms.
Luxury fashion boutiques available onboard Luminara: Piaget, Cartier, apparel, signature accessories.
Shore excursions include curated experiences in premier “bucket list” destinations, like private visits to local artisan boutiques in St. Tropez or Positano.
Guests receive curated welcome gifts, bespoke brandable items, or luxury toiletries—varying by itinerary—but typically include a signature Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection travel pouch with gifts.
Elevate Your Life
Take our conscious luxury course and turn your life into a masterpiece of majestic moments — tailored to your distinct tastes and personal preferences.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Destinations
Evrima: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Baltic, Northern Europe.
Ilma: Mediterranean and Caribbean; expanded Northern Europe in 2025.
Luminara: Launched in Western Mediterranean; summer 2025 includes Adriatic and Greek Isles; followed by Asia-Pacific itineraries in late 2025; Alaska/Canada in 2026
Voyages range from 4 to 12 nights, offering flexibility for both intimate escapes and immersive journeys.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Pricing
Entry-level suites start at about $3,100–$5,000 per person for a 5-night voyage.
Premium voyages or larger suites can range from $12,000–$25,000 per person.
Top-tier Luminara Suites have reached ~$78,000 for a 7-night sail
Pricing is fully inclusive: meals, non-alcoholic and select alcoholic beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, spa/gym access, shops, and marina activities included.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Reception
Travel + Leisure, Cruise Critic, AFAR, and CN Traveller praise the yachts for expansive suites, high-end dining, clever marina design, and a peaceful shipboard atmosphere
A-listers like Naomi Campbell, Janelle Monáe, Sofia Vergara, and Tom Brady were spotted aboard Luminara’s 2025 maiden voyage—amplifying its luxury appeal
Ritz-Carlton has partnered with TikTok and Instagram influencers—especially in luxury travel and lifestyle sectors—to showcase private terraces, gourmet dining, and serene decks. These posts help reinforce the yacht’s aspirational value.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Reviews
Pros
Boutique scale (up to 452 guests) with 1:1 staff-to-guest ratios
All-suite accommodations with personal terraces
Artful Michelin-level cuisine and multi-venue dining
Ritz-Carlton–caliber service and serene sustainable design
Marina access and curated land-based experiences
Marriott Bonvoy loyalty benefits
Cons
Limited onboard entertainment options (no large shows or gaming)
Menus may feel repetitive on longer cruises
Small, boutique scale means availability is limited during peak seasons
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Comparison
Silversea/Seabourn: more traditional cruise ship ambiance with classic styling.
Regent Seven Seas: similar inclusivity, but larger ships and formal settings.
Ponant: expedition-style with French influence, smaller cabins.
Four Seasons Yachts (2026): promises ultra-exclusive, fully customizable yachting experiences with larger suites and a higher crew-to-guest ratio.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Tips
Before you set sail, here are a few extra insights to help you make the most of your Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection experience:
Marriott Bonvoy: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is linked to Marriott Bonvoy, allowing you to earn points on bookings. While redemptions are limited, booking through Marriott STARS advisors may grant additional perks like room upgrades, onboard credits, or VIP embarkation benefits.
Sustainability Commitment: The newest yacht, Luminara, uses cleaner liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion, reducing emissions and setting a new eco-conscious standard in luxury cruising. Sustainability initiatives extend to reduced single-use plastics and responsible sourcing in dining venues.
Expansion Plans: The collection continues to grow, with Luminara’s recent debut and potential future itineraries expanding into Asia-Pacific and Alaska. Expect a steady rollout of new destinations and voyages through 2026 and beyond.
Dress Code: The onboard vibe is “resort chic.” There are no enforced formal nights, but most guests dress elegantly for dinner—think sophisticated vacation style, perfect for al fresco cocktails at sunset.
Seasonal Sailing: For those planning a summer escape, May through June offers ideal weather in the Mediterranean with fewer crowds, while Caribbean sailings shine in winter through spring. Booking early ensures the best suite selection, especially during peak summer months.
Booking Tips: Reserve suites early—most voyages sell out quickly.
These final touches make the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection not just a cruise—but a curated, elevated lifestyle experience at sea. For travelers who prioritize modern design, water access, private relaxation, and high-end service, it delivers a boutique, all-inclusive luxury escape.
