Review: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Carol and I are just home from sailing on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest superyacht, the Ilma; here’s our review.

For a peek at the photographs from our sailing on the superyacht Ilma, go to our Facebook, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn pages.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is revolutionizing luxury travel at sea with its fleet of custom-built superyachts.

While the collection currently includes Evrima, Ilma, and the upcoming Luminara, the Ilma stands out as a pinnacle of maritime opulence.

Launched in 2024, the Ilma is a marvel of nautical engineering and design. At 790 feet long and 95.5 feet wide, this 46,750-ton vessel offers an unprecedented level of space and comfort for its 448 passengers. This generous size-to-passenger ratio translates to one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea, ensuring an uncrowded and truly luxurious experience.

Bow of the Superyacht Ilma

The Ilma’s design and engineering significantly provide guests with a smoother sailing experience. Its optimized hull shape and advanced propulsion system work in tandem to minimize noise, vibrations, and emissions, ensuring a more comfortable journey across various sea conditions

The yacht’s innovative design also incorporates state-of-the-art stabilization technology, which helps to reduce motion and enhance passenger comfort even in rougher waters. Additionally, Ilma’s more leisurely pace of travel and carefully planned itineraries that maximize time in port and minimize time at sea further contribute to a smoother overall experience

The ship’s LNG dual-fuel system, developed in collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Wärtsilä, promotes sustainability and allows for efficient and smooth operation.

These features, combined with the yacht’s spacious design and high crew-to-guest ratio, create an environment where guests can enjoy the serenity of ocean travel with minimal disturbance, genuinely embodying the luxury and comfort associated with the Ritz-Carlton brand.

Superyacht Ilma anchored in the glistening waters of Dominica

So that I don’t bury the lead, we were beyond impressed with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s new superyacht, Ilma. From the moment we stepped aboard, we found ourselves gobsmacked with the unpretentious luxury of the superyacht’s interior, the friendliness of the entire crew, the quality of the dining experiences offered, the lounge musicians, the unprecedented luxury marina available to guests, the spa, and the vast space available in the onboard gym.

Let me say this: Carol and I have sailed the Caribbean many times over the years. We frequent the Caribbean yearly because it offers a convenient, close-to-home destination for us to evaluate various cruise brands. The Caribbean, as a destination itself, isn’t really at the top of my list. There are other places in the world that we have yet to discover.

Indulging in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s opulent offerings, Carol and I could easily envision ourselves gliding through the Caribbean’s azure waters, savoring the yacht’s unmatched luxuries and basking in the sheer tranquility of the journey.

The experience was so extraordinary and lavish that we could contemplate embarking solely to revel in the vessel’s sumptuous amenities, allowing the serene Caribbean backdrop to complement our floating paradise.

Enjoying a fabulous dining experience with my bride, Carol

Carol and I have sailed on the best of the best when it comes to luxury cruise options. And we are very fond of many of them. But this was different.

I will never forget our experience anchored in Dominica’s Prince Rupert Bay. We were the only ship in the bay, and people were enjoying the vast marina at the back of the yacht. The tender shuttled a few people ashore, but the vast majority of the guests simply stayed aboard and enjoyed all the luxurious amenities available to us in this most beautiful place. It left me wanting more, and remarkably, I actually said to myself: I could do this every winter. No crowds. No one is trying to sell me diamonds. Simply luxurious perfection. Bravo, Ritz-Carlton! You pulled it off — a Ritz-Carlton resort at sea.

Okay, let’s dive into some of the particulars of the experience…

The Ilma Stands Out as a Pinnacle of Maritime Opulence

Luxurious Accommodations

The Ilma features 224 suites, each boasting a private terrace. The accommodation options range from the 294-square-foot Terrace Suites to the lavish Owner’s Suites, which span up to 1,033 square feet.

The Grand Suites (pictured in the video), measuring 560 square feet, offer a dining table for four and a walk-in closet, along with a terrace ranging from 90 to 199 square feet. This variety of suite options caters to different preferences and needs, all while maintaining the Ritz-Carlton standard of luxury.

Each suite is designed with sophistication and comfort in mind. Guests can expect custom king beds, spacious marble bathrooms with double vanities, and modern shower systems. Many suites also include separate living and dining areas, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with breathtaking ocean views.

The Owner’s Suites, the most luxurious accommodations on board, feature expansive living areas, a private whirlpool, and an outdoor shower on the terrace. These suites offer the ultimate in privacy and luxury, with panoramic views and personalized service.

Culinary Excellence

Dining aboard the Ilma is a culinary journey around the world. The yacht boasts five restaurants and six bars, each offering a unique gastronomic experience.

The Beach House, created in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, brings Pan-Latin and Caribbean flavors to the high seas. Memori offers an authentic Pan-Asian experience with an open twelve-seat sushi bar, while Mistral provides Mediterranean fare with some of the best views on the yacht. Tides adapts its menu based on Ilma’s sailing region, offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine during European voyages and Caribbean flavors in tropical waters.

For a more exclusive experience, Seta su Ilma, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi, offers contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine with seasonal tasting menus.

In addition to these main dining venues, Ilma also features The Living Room café, perfect for casual bites and afternoon tea. For those seeking an intimate dining experience, Dining Privée offers a private space for celebratory dinners and special events.

We enjoyed every one of these restaurants, but our favorite was Memori. Think Miso Black Cod, Beef Short Rib Fried Rice w/ Bone Marrow, the freshest Sushi, and Sashimi, and if that isn’t enough, the Scallop and Prawn Shui Mai was out of this world.

Soy Glazed Pork Belly w/ Instant Bacon, Dark Rum, Pineapple, Radish. YUM!

Innovative Features

One of the Ilma’s standout features is its aft Marina platform. This expansive space allows guests to dine alfresco while enjoying breathtaking seascapes. Moreover, it serves as a launch point for various water activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding, directly from the yacht. This direct access to the sea adds an adventurous dimension to the luxury cruise experience.

The yacht also boasts an extensive Marina and Marina Terrace, featuring large glass windows that draw in natural light, side doors that open and float above the water, and a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly with the sea when anchored. This innovative design blurs the lines between the yacht and the ocean, creating a truly immersive experience.

THE MARINA PLATFORM. W0W!

Wellness and Relaxation

The Ilma prioritizes wellness and relaxation. The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers a range of treatments across 11 rooms, complemented by a new cycling studio, barber shop, and beauty salon. Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to gender-specific sauna and steam rooms, as well as a well-equipped, ocean-view gym.

The spa’s treatment menu includes a variety of massages, facials, and body treatments, all using premium products and techniques. The addition of a cycling studio allows fitness enthusiasts to maintain their workout routines while enjoying stunning ocean views.

Deck 10 presents a dynamic open-air space for live entertainment and sunbathing, complete with the main pool, pool bar, and an outdoor LED screen. This area offers some of the most spectacular views at sea, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and social interaction. The pool deck is designed with ample lounging areas, allowing guests to soak up the sun or enjoy a refreshing cocktail while taking in the panoramic vistas.

DECK 10 POOL VIEWS

SUPERB SERVICE BY ALL ABOARD

Unparalleled Service

With its spacious design, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service, the Ilma represents exceptional value in the luxury cruise market. It combines the renowned Ritz-Carlton hospitality with the freedom and intimacy of yachting, creating a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

The yacht offers one of the highest guest-to-staff ratios in the industry, ensuring personalized attention to every guest. From the moment of embarkation, guests are treated to the legendary Ritz-Carlton service, with every need anticipated and catered to with genuine care. The staff is trained to provide discreet yet attentive service, ensuring that guests feel pampered without feeling overwhelmed.

As the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection continues to expand, with Luminara set to join the fleet in 2025, it’s clear that this innovative approach to luxury cruising is setting new standards in the industry. The Ilma, with its blend of spaciousness, culinary excellence, and thoughtful design, offers a truly unparalleled experience at sea, redefining what it means to travel in luxury.

Want to Know the Average Age of a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Guest?

The average age of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection guests is 53 years old.

This demographic is notably younger than what is typically found on other luxury cruise lines. The collection attracts a mix of young successful professionals and affluent travelers, with most guests hailing from North America. About 75% of their passengers are new to cruising, and many are loyal to the Ritz-Carlton brand. The younger demographic is attributed to the brand’s strong loyalist passenger base and its connection to Marriott’s Bonvoy rewards program.

But What About the Price?

I’m glad you asked. Because yacht cruising is relatively new, there are not a lot of direct competitors in the ultra-luxury space. However, when I looked at the pricing for our favorite ocean cruise brands, this luxury superyacht cruise was comparable in price if you carefully compare apples-to-apples as best you can.

As yacht cruising becomes more popular, these prices will likely increase.

So, my best advice? Let us get you booked on one of these luxury superyachts. You WILL thank me later. 

WE’VE GOT THE PERKS

How to Book a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cruise

First, you will not want to book these yacht cruises on your own, as you will miss out on the fabulous perks we have for you when you book with us.

When you book your Ritz-Carlton megayacht cruise with Roaming Boomers Travel Services, you will receive the following complimentary VIP perks:

• WELCOME AMENITY: Personalized welcome confection and upgraded bottle of champagne or wine delivered to the suite.
• ON-BOARD CREDIT: Complimentary dinner for two at Michelin-inspired specialty restaurant*.
• BON VOYAGE WELCOME: Personalized welcome from Hotel Manager, and bridge tour at Captain’s discretion.
• SUITE UPGRADE: Exclusive Suite Upgrade Rate.**
• WI-FI: Complimentary access to Starlink premium Wi-Fi services.
  • *Dinner at specialty restaurant can be booked in advance via My Yacht Portal or once onboard, based on availability.
  • **Suite Upgrade Rate offered 30 days prior to sailing, subject to availability.

For more information or to book a luxurious Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection journey, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40