Defining Ultra-Luxury at Sea: The History of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
For over a century, the name Ritz-Carlton has been synonymous with unparalleled land-based hospitality. However, in recent years, the legendary brand decided to conquer a new frontier: the ocean. The creation of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection marked a historic moment in the travel industry, making Marriott International the first luxury hotel brand to bring its signature service and bespoke design to the ultra-luxury cruise sector.
Rather than building massive floating cities, the brand set out to create intimate “superyachts.” The vision was clear: blend the casual, unrestricted freedom of a private yachting vacation with the world-class amenities of a Ritz-Carlton resort.
From Concept to Reality
The journey from concept to the open water was not without its hurdles. Translating hotel luxury to maritime engineering required collaboration between Ritz-Carlton and maritime industry experts, alongside significant investments to ensure the vessels met exacting standards.
The construction of the flagship vessel, Evrima, faced a series of highly publicized delays. Originally slated for delivery in 2020, the project was severely disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which wreaked havoc on worldwide supply chains. Additionally, financial and operational difficulties at the initial shipyard forced further postponements.
Despite these challenges, the brand remained committed to its uncompromising vision, leading to a triumphant debut and a rapid expansion of the fleet.
KEY MILESTONE
The Vision Announced
2017
Marriott International announced plans to translate its legendary Ritz-Carlton brand to the sea, promising a hybrid between luxury cruising and the private yachting lifestyle.
Evrima Sets Sail
October 2022
After significant construction delays, the 190-meter flagship Evrima finally embarked on its maiden voyage from Barcelona to Nice. The ship introduced 149 all-terrace suites accommodating 298 guests.
Ilma Debuts
September 2024
The fleet expanded with Ilma, a larger 241-meter superyacht built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France. It introduced one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry, housing up to 448 guests.
Luminara Launches
July 2025
The third vessel, Luminara, officially set sail from Monte Carlo. Accommodating 452 guests, it continued the brand’s legacy with enhanced amenities and paved the way for the collection’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region.
The Fleet at a Glance
The collection currently operates three custom-built superyachts, each designed to offer an extraordinary amount of personal space and a nearly one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio. Because of their intimate size, these ships can drop anchor in secluded harbors and exclusive yachting destinations—such as Portofino, St. Barts, and hidden Mediterranean coves—that are entirely inaccessible to larger commercial cruise ships.
| Yacht | Launch Year | Length | Guest Capacity | Suites |
| Evrima | 2022 | 190 meters | 298 | 149 |
| Ilma | 2024 | 241 meters | 448 | 224 |
| Luminara | 2025 | 242 meters | 452 | 226 |
Redefining Life Onboard
What truly separates The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection from traditional luxury cruising is the onboard experience. There are no crowded buffets or rigid schedules. Instead, guests enjoy Michelin-inspired dining, personalized concierges, and expansive open-air marinas that allow direct access to the sea for swimming and water sports right off the back of the yacht.
As the collection continues to grow, it remains the gold standard for travelers seeking the ultimate hybrid of exploration and uncompromising luxury.