Anchors away! The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is puttin’ the Ritz on the high seas. The luxury hotel brand announced Thursday that three large yachts are on the docket.
The Ritz-Carlton, one of Marriott International’s brands, will be the first in its category to go surf and turf. The itineraries for the seven- to 10-day voyages are yet to be determined, but travelers can expect destinations in the regions of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Ports of call may vary depending on season.
“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true stand-outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” said Herve Humler, president and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalized service.”
Measuring 624 feet in length, the fleet is significantly smaller than the average cruise ship. Its small size will allow the ships to fit into waterways too slender for mega-size boats, such as Capri, Portofino, St. Barths and Cartagena.
The yachts will welcome 298 passengers aboard to stay in its 149 suites, each of which features a private balcony. Those who want an ultra-exclusive experience can book one of two 1,485-square-foot duplex penthouse suites designed by The Ritz-Carlton and Tillberg Design of Sweden. Passengers can bring their appetite to an eatery by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua and Michelin three-star restaurant Wolfsburg. They can wind down at the spa or the Panorama Lounge and wine bar.
The first ship is slated to set sail in the fourth quarter of 2019 and reservations will be accepted beginning May 2018. The yachts are available for private charter, a great option for corporate meeting planners. Funding for this project is being backed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
