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For the first time in its history, Ritz-Carlton is taking its signature brand of classic luxury from land to sea, with its announcement of an all-new line of three custom-built cruising yachts.
Ritz-Carlton enlisted the Swedish firm Tillberg Design to help design both the interiors and exteriors of the vessels, all three of which will feature 149 suites with private balconies, plus two 1,440-square-foot duplex penthouse suites with high ceilings and private plunge pools. The first yacht’s culinary offerings will include a concept from chef Sven Elverfeld (of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at Germany’s Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg), an Asian fusion restaurant, a surf-and-turf-focused poolside grill, a lounge and wine bar, and 24-hour in-room dining. Also onboard will be an outpost of the Ritz-Carlton Spa. (Venues for the second yacht will be similar to the first; offerings aboard the third are yet to be determined.)
Voyages will range from seven to 10 days. The first yacht will cruise in an array of regions around the globe, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and New England; because of the ship’s size, it will be able to access smaller, ultra-scenic ports like Capri, Mykonos, Portofino, and St. Barth’s. (The second vessel is slated to travel to similar places, with additional summer voyages to the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes area; the third ship will focus more on destinations along the Pacific Rim.) To curate onboard and onshore experiences for guests, the brand will partner with local chefs, musicians, and artists in each locale; additionally, Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will also help design programming (that will likely incorporate both educational and experiential elements) through his marine conservation and education non-profit, Ocean Futures Society.
The first yacht is slated to set sail in 2019, the second in 2021, and the third in 2022.
Pricing for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection journeys will be announced in May 2018; reservations will open that same month; the first ship will set sail in 2019. ritzcarlton.com.
