Written By Carrie Edelstein

Photos Courtesy Of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

If there were a bigger term than “Bon Voyage,” it would be required to say to a passenger embarking on what could become the most coveted experience at sea. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will make its maiden voyage in the Caribbean in February. The maiden voyage will take passengers from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados, with other itineraries including destinations like Bimini in the Bahamas, Cartagena in Colombia and the Grenadines. Later in 2020, options include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and Northeastern United States. 

Yet it’s what will be aboard the yacht that will offer the pinnacle of luxurious travel. Designed with the sleek and contemporary look of The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Sunny Isles, Miami Beach and Los Angeles, passengers will find a spacious setting, innovative marine qualities and some of the most design-forward yacht interiors in the world.

The customized vessels will measure more than 600 feet long, accommodating up to 298 passengers, and featuring 149 suites, each with its own private terrace and personal concierge. Additionally, there are two owner’s suites, each with a private whirlpool. The yacht’s signature restaurant, Aqua, is designed by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld. With nearly one crew member for every guest, every need will be met from a fresh cocktail at sunset to signature spa services. Bespoke exursions at port are offered through The Shore Collection. And in true yacht form, there is direct access to the ocean while aboard the boat, with a marina-style platform that allows for watersports. 

“As the first luxury hotel company to bring the legendary service and ambience of its resorts to sea, we are thrilled to offer guests a new way to create memories with The Ritz-Carlton,” says Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “From the yacht’s design, to programming onboard and ashore, every aspect of the voyage has been carefully created to embody the signature service and casual luxury of a Ritz-Carlton resort.”

Designed with a yachting lifestyle of casual freedon in mind, the first of three custom yachts in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will stop at both signature and iconic destinations. Its intimate size allows for the vessels to sail into coveted city harbors around the world, and the relaxed pace of the yachts offers both daytime and overnight ports of call, giving guests more flexibility for their time on land. Guests can even book back-to-back voyages without repeating ports, allowing them to explore a wide range of destinations and delve into the local culture at each port.

A christening celebration in May will take passengers on the inaugural voyage to the Monaco Grand Prix, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Greek Isles, the Balearic Islands and the French Riviera. As if that’s not enticing enough, the yachts of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter.