The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Fodor’s Expert Review
As one of the newest cruise lines in the industry, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection made its debut in 2022 with its first luxury-yacht-inspired ship, 298-passenger Evrima. Following more than two years of construction delays, complicated by supply-chain issues during the global pandemic, the sleek superyacht welcomed guests aboard its inaugural voyage in October 2022 and is now sailing itineraries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean with additional regions planned for 2024. A collaboration between Ritz-Carlton parent Marriott International, Oaktree Capital Management, and investor/entrepreneur Douglas Prothero, the cruise line will expand its fleet with the addition of two more vessels, Ilma in 2024 and Luminara in 2025. This next generation of superyachts, constructed by a different shipyard, France’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique, will be larger and accommodate 456 guests.Read More
Designed for luxury travelers seeking an intimate, residential-style cruise-ship experience, Evrima features spacious suites (the smallest is 300 square feet) with neutral contemporary décor and an elevated culinary program with five dining venues. Amenities include expansive outdoor decks for lounging, airy public spaces designed with open sightlines and floor-to-ceiling windows, two aft infinity pools, a Marina and Marina Terrace for sunning and watersports, and an onboard Ritz-Carlton Spa. It’s all intended to make guests feel as if they’re vacationing on a private yacht—with several hundred new friends—all while earning Marriott Bonvoy points, too.
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What to Expect on Board
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s culinary program focuses on exploring the local and regional flavors and foods of the ports on its itineraries.
This philosophy of “savoring the lands you visit” is designed to more fully immerse guests in the culture, traditions, and natural bounty of some of the world’s most compelling destinations. Local sourcing is especially evident in the main restaurant, The Evrima Room, where seasonal menus change to reflect the places visited. Guests can expect fresh Mediterranean ingredients in spring and summer and culture-rich Caribbean flavors in fall and winter.
Passengers who crave Southeast Asian cuisine and sushi can enjoy them at Talaat Nam, while a Mediterranean-inspired menu of sharable mezze and antipasti along with grilled local fish and prime cuts is available at al fresco Mistral. For an additional fee, guests can also indulge in an “inspired European tasting menu” at S.E.A., the onboard restaurant overseen by Chef Sven Elverfeld of three-Michelin-starred Aqua in the Ritz-Carlton in Wolfburg, Germany. Caveat: Seven small-portion courses with paired wines costs $285 per person. Rounding out the dining scene is The Pool House, which serves casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared a la minute rather than buffet-style. In-room dining is also available 24/7.
Without a theater, show lounge, or casino, what is there to do at night aboard a superyacht? Evrima’s entertainment lineup is much narrower in scope than more traditional cruise ships, even small luxury vessels operated by lines such as Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea.
There are no colorful theatrical reviews. Rather, the pre- and post-dinner lineup takes place in the Observation Lounge, where resident musicians and a DJ entertain, and The Living Room, an expansive lounge that’s the setting for a jazz trio and a vocalist singing contemporary chart toppers.
Evrima’s onboard Fitness Studio features treadmills, bikes, rowing machines, and ellipticals along with free weights and other equipment.
Guests can also sign up for complimentary sunrise yoga or mat Pilates as well as personal training.
Passengers seeking rejuvenation can visit the onboard Ritz-Carlton Spa, where massages, facials, and body treatments feature ESPA and 111SKIN products (at an added cost). There’s also a sauna and steam room. Those in the mood for aquatic recreation can head to the Marina, an aft platform on deck 3 where a stash of complimentary water toys (sea kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and more) are available when the ship is at anchor.
Evrima has two pools. The Pool, which also features a pair of whirlpools, is the larger oasis, located on deck 5 aft beyond The Pool House restaurant. A smaller pool is situated on deck 8 by Mistral restaurant. Both are surrounded by comfortable loungers for soaking up the sun. The Spa Terrace on deck 9 also features a small whirlpool.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection calls its excursions the Shore Collection and offers tours and activities in five categories: Iconic Sights (museums, landmarks, and other must-do experiences), Cultural Connections (behind-the-scenes visits with locals and tours focused on giving back to the community), Active Explorations (snorkeling, diving, zip-lining, caving, and more), Stirring the Senses (yoga on a private beach or a cabana day at a luxury resort or hotel), and Epicurean Experiences (sommelier-led wine tastings, chef-led exploration of a city’s signature dish, etc.). The Concierge Ashore can also create bespoke experiences tailored to guests’ interests and preferences and Overland Programs (immersive overnight tours on select itineraries) are offered as well.
Key cruising tips
Your Shipmates
Evrima has initially attracted a surprisingly high percentage of passengers who are totally new to cruising—and they are generally younger (late 40s to mid 60s) than the average small-luxury-ship demographic. Financially well off, many are doctors, lawyers, and financial industry professionals who have stayed at Ritz-Carlton properties in the past and were attracted to the ease and allure of a “yachting lifestyle.” Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection executives see the ship as a relaxing new option for travelers who aren’t traditionally cruisers and might otherwise be looking to book a luxury lifestyle vacation, such as a rental villa in Tuscany or an African safari.
Dress Code
While the official daytime dress code is “Yacht Casual,” the word yacht does imply designer labels, so you can expect some above-average attire amid the typical cruise wardrobe of sundresses, shorts, and t-shirts. Shirts, shoes, and cover-ups are required when not at the pools and bathing suits and sleeveless t-shirts are not permitted in restaurants during dinner. Only S.E.A. restaurant has a “Yacht Sophisticated” dress code, meaning collared shirts for men are recommended but not required.
Junior Cruisers
Children age six months and older are welcome aboard Evrima (they must be at least one year old if the itinerary has three or more consecutive days at sea) and all minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 21.
The superyacht has a Ritz Kids program for children age 4 to 12, with a dedicated space offering three fun and educational sessions per day; these are four hours each and morning and afternoon sessions cost $45 per child while evening sessions are $65 per child. The emphasis is on marine conservation and there is enhanced programming during summer months and the holiday period. Babysitting services are not offered.
A limited number of cribs and roll-away beds are available and must be reserved at the time of booking. All stateroom categories other than Terrace Suites (the smallest) have a convertible sleep sofa that can accommodate up to two children.
Service
With more than 250 service staff and crew, Evrima has a high crew-to-guest ratio. The onboard team is trained to a very high standard and hails from both luxury hotel and cruise backgrounds. Guests returning after a day ashore are greeted with refreshing cold towels and iced mint water and every stateroom is assigned a Personal Concierge to act as a point person for whatever the guest might need.
Tipping
Onboard gratuities are included in all Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise fares. Customary tips for spa treatments, salon services, and shore excursion guides can be extended on an individual basis.
Past Passengers
Everyone who sails aboard Evrima—and the next two Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection ships, IIma and Luminara, set to debut in 2024 and 2025, respectively—earns Marriott Bonvoy points (5 points for every $1 spent on their cruise fare) as well as one Elite Night Credit per night toward achieving a higher Elite status. Travelers can also use Marriott Bonvoy points for a discount on their cruise fare (180,000 points for a $1,000 savings, with increments of 90,000 points each offering a $500 savings thereafter). Marriott Bonvoy member status will also be recognized onboard with benefits such as in-suite welcome gifts and priority boarding and departure.