Following a delay of almost four years, Ritz-Carlton’s long-awaited superyacht cruise has finally completed its maiden voyage. And while hotel-branded superyachts are a fairly new category, from photos alone it’s looking like a trend that’s going to be catching on amongst well-heeled travellers quite fast. We already know superyacht charters have been ridiculously popular post-lockdown, so moving forward it’s looking like the Ritz-Carlton Yacht cruises are just the beginning of what should be an undeniable presence in luxury travel from now on.
Evirma, the first of three custom-built yachts for the growing Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, cruised around Spain from October 15 for a seven-night expedition leaving Barcelona and arriving in Nice, France.
Evirma is a 190-metre vessel with enough space onboard for 298 passengers in total, spread across 149 suites with private terraces and massive floor-to-ceiling windows. Amenities include a lush infinity pool, a wine vault, the signature Ritz-Carlton spa and a nightclub with a separate cigar room. A confected “marina” also features on the vessel, and of course there’s also an on-site restaurant backed by a Michelin-trained chef.
Those suites aren’t all uniform. Some are standard cabins while others are massive two-storey apartments designed in a loft style. The pinnacle offering is the “owner’s suite” with a private hot tub and around 101-square-metres of living space.
According to information from Ritz-Carlton, the voyages start from US$6,400 (~AU$10,213) per person for the seven-night itineraries along the Mediterranean. Caribbean voyages are a bit more affordable, at US$5,100 (~AU$8,139) per person.
The Ritz-Carlton yacht collection is promising one of the higest staff and space guest ratios of any similar product at sea, in addition to fine dining offerings, complimentary water sports for guests and various onboard entertainment. Note, however, that these aren’t adult’s only cruises and each vessel has a dedicated children’s facility with its own program designed for little ones aged four to 12.
Each of the three vessels that so far make up the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also being made available for private charter when the expeditions aren’t underway. The hotel hasn’t confirmed prices for charters, but we’re assuming you’d need fairly deep pockets to take something like Evirma out for a joy ride with 297 of your best mates.
Itineraries confirmed so far to be served by Evirma include destinations across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America and South America with the likes of the Belearic Islands, Costa Rica, Mykonos, Saint-Tropez and St Barts on the schedules.
As mentioned above, hotels at sea is a bit of a trend that’s been in the works for awhile now. And it seems the Ritz-Carlton Superyacht is just the beginning. Four Seasons is also planning to set sail with the brand’s own set of yachts in a few years, with delivery of the first vessel expected in 2025.
