Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton cruise brand (officially "The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection", official website) is one of the cruising industry's ultra-luxury new companies (and trademarked travel brand) owned by Marriott International Inc. On June 22, 2017, the 5-star hotel brand Ritz-Carlton announced its private luxury cruise line, with a planned start of operations in 2019 and a 3-ship fleet (newbuilds), with an option to expand to 5 ships.

• In March 2020, due to shipbuilding delays, the cruise company's launch was postponed to April 22, 2021 (instead of February 1, 2020), when the first ship (Evrima) was scheduled to start its Maiden Voyage from Lisbon to Palma de Mallorca.
• In late January 2021, the brand's inauguration date was again rescheduled—to July 24th (7-day voyage from Venice to Piraeus-Athens). A total of 56 voyages (planned for 2020-2021 in Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean) were canceled.
• In late August 2021, due to the COVID pandemic, the brand's inauguration was postponed through 2022, with Evrima's Maiden Voyage rescheduled first to May 6th (from Lisbon), later to August 6th (from Piraeus-Athens), and eventually to October 15th (from Barcelona). The cancellations affected a total of 116 voyages originally planned for 2020-2021-2022.

All affected bookings were either rescheduled or fully refunded (100% reimbursement of the fare paid). Independently booked flights and hotels were also fully reimbursed (for date changes or cancellation fees), and travel agents' commissions were protected (cruise-only commissions for all canceled voyages).

All Ritz-Carlton ships are Malta-flagged and registered in Valletta.

The Ritz-Carlton "cruise line rival" is another (ultra-luxury hospitality company-owned) subsidiary and brand—Four Seasons Yachts (debuting in Q4 2025).

Company History and Changes

Officially inaugurated in 2022, the Ritz-Carlton cruise company (based in Miami, USA / Coconut Grove) operates a fleet of three ultra-luxury superyachts.

The Yacht Collection venture is currently led by Jim Murren (CEO and Executive Chairman) and Lars Clasen (Managing Director, former President of AIDA Cruises).

The company's other senior executives include:

• Jethro Beck (Senior Director of Marine Operations, a former employee of Holland America Line and Seabourn)
• Clayton van Welter (VP of Marine Operations) previously served as Head of Product at Wartsila Voyage.
• Matthieu Godard (Culinary Director, former Executive Corporate Chef for Bistrot Bagatelle / French restaurant chain)
• Matthew Kiner (Senior Manager of Food and Beverage Department, working for Ritz-Carlton Hotels since 2010)
• Soren Krogsgaard (VP of Newbuilding and Marine Operations, former Senior Project Manager for Costa Asia)
• Mario Martinez (Manager of Purchasing, former Silversea employee), Laura McCauley (Manager of Quality and Training, former Assistant Director of Human Resources for Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman)
• Celine Moore (Manager of Enrichment)
• Reena Vadher (Senior Manager of Procurement) served as sales manager with MSC and Royal Caribbean).
• Brian Swensen (Newbuild Manager for the Evrima Project)
• Kristian Anderson (Senior VP of Global Sales) was formerly employed by Qatar Airways (VP of Sales), Silversea (SVP & General Manager for the Americas), Uniworld (EVP Global Sales).
• Karen Shiers (Senior Director MICE Sales /meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) was previously employed by Merlin Entertainments.
• Mark Lockwood (Chief Product Officer, with the company since 2017) was previously employed by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
• Jens Gorka (Senior VP of Shipboard Operations/finances, procurement, logistics) was previously employed by Silversea.
• In 2023, Carolina Acero was promoted to VP of Finance, and Tobias King was promoted to VP of Newbuild.

In May 2023, Douglas Prothero (Founder of Canadian Maritime Group) was succeeded as CEO by Jim Murren, while Ernesto Fara was appointed President and CFO/Chief Financial Officer.

• Douglas Prothero retained his position on the Board of Directors and became a Strategic Advisor to Jim Murren (CEO).
• In the period 2008-2020, Jim Murren was CEO and Chairman of MGM Resorts International and also served as Co-Chairman of Cirque du Soleil.
• Ernesto Fara joined The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in 2020 as CFO and Board Member/Executive Chairman. He was previously employed by Silversea (2014-2020) as CFO and Board Member.

The Ritz-Carlton Cruise Line's Culinary Director is Matthieu Godard (pastry chef), who oversees the brand's culinary activities and menus. Lee Goble is the brand's Executive Chef, managing the fleet's culinary teams.

The Ritz-Carlton's cruise brand targets travelers familiar with The Ritz-Carlton hotel brand, as well as Asia's booming luxury cruising market. In terms of fleet size, vessel capacity, and shipboard amenities, the cruise line is in direct competition with top-luxury brands Ponant (Artemis), Regent (NCLH-Norwegian), Norwegian Yacht Voyages, and Scenic (main competitors), as well as SeaDream and Windstar (Anschutz Corporation). Approximately 5% of the cruise industry's multi-billion-dollar business (USD 126 billion total economic impact in 2018) belongs to luxury brands.

The Ritz-Carlton's cruise shipping investment is currently undisclosed. What is known so far is that much of it was financed by the global alternative investment firm Oaktree Capital Management, which is experienced in both the hospitality and maritime sectors.

In November 2017, Ritz-Carlton signed an agreement with Rescompany Systems for the implementation of a Central Reservations Solution. The cruise booking engine was developed by Rescompany Systems LTD. Its modules provide custom booking solutions for package deals—cruise, tour, hotel, air.

In March 2019, Ritz-Carlton signed a deal with SES Networks (Luxembourg-based company specializing in satellite communications and network services) to provide fleetwide, fully managed hybrid broadband connectivity for network-enabled enrichment and entertainment media. SES Networks' maritime package combines the low latency of O3b MEO satellites ("medium earth orbit") with the coverage of geostationary SES satellites.

In December 2019, Ritz-Carlton Cruises and Oaktree Capital Management (part of Oaktree Capital Group Holdings) signed a deal to finance the Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Barreras to ensure the delivery of Ritz-Carlton's first ship (Evrima). The cruise company also signed with CESCE (Spanish ECA-Export Credit Agency) to cover the newbuild's cost overruns and to secure the construction of the second ship. This deal also saved the shipyard from bankruptcy. Due to the shipyard's financial difficulties, Evrima's delivery was delayed and postponed several times (from November 2019 to August 2022).

In May 2021, Ritz-Carlton launched the "Patron of the Arts Program" (complimentary), with special guests (celebrities as well as local talents) participating in pre-scheduled onboard events—ranging from arts (visual and performing), science, literature, and gastronomy (including culinary tastings).

Company Changes in 2022

In early February 2022, it was announced that Ritz-Carlton (via its subsidiary The Yacht Portfolio) had acquired the Hamburg-based company Sea Cloud Cruises GmbH (operating under the travel brand "Sea Cloud Cruises"/fleet), adding three tall-sailing ships to its fleet.

• The "Sea Cloud Cruises" brand was planned to remain, along with the company's employees and management team, led by Managing Director Hermann Ebel.
• It was later revealed that only a letter of intent (LoI) had been signed between both companies, meaning the acquisition could take place in the future.
• In late February 2023, Sea Cloud announced it was no longer interested in selling.

In late June 2022, Ritz-Carlton signed an exclusive partnership deal with LVMH for the shipboard retail shopping experience at "The Boutique" venue.

• LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (founded in 1987 and based in Paris) is a French corporation specializing in luxury goods. LVMH was formed from the merger of Louis Vuitton (a fashion house) and Moet Hennessy (formed in 1971 as a merger of Moet & Chandon, a champagne producer, and Hennessy, a cognac producer).
• LVMH's products include ultra-premium brand clothing, footwear, cosmetics, perfumes, fashion accessories, watches, jewelry, spirits, and wines.
• In 2021, LVMH was ranked Europe's most valuable company (USD 329 billion) with total assets of EUR 125.3 billion and revenue of EUR 64.2 billion.
• For The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, LVMH also provides exclusive (Ritz-Carlton-branded) merchandise, including apparel, home goods, and travel essentials.

Ritz-Carlton's onboard retail services are managed by Starboard Cruise Services (founded in 1958 and based in Florida, USA), which is part of LVMH.

Company Changes 2023

In June 2023, Ritz-Carlton signed a partnership deal with Allianz (founded in 1890 and based in Munich, Germany). Under this deal, Ritz-Carlton's cruise passengers are provided with Allianz Travel Insurance (via local Allianz Partners), covering all expenses and providing support in the event of unexpected circumstances before or during the voyage. This includes cruise cancellations or interruptions, land and air travel delays, and missed connections. The deal was signed by Jim Murren (Ritz-Carlton) and Tom Trotta (Vice President of Sales at Allianz Partners USA).

In August 2023, Ritz-Carlton signed a partnership deal with Candela Mamajuana (a distillery founded by Alejandro Russo in 2016 in the Dominican Republic producing the Candela Mamajuana Spice Rum brand). This partnership resulted in the launch of the limited-edition Candela MAREA rum, crafted exclusively for Ritz-Carlton's cruise line. Candela MAREA (introduced on the Evrima yacht) features the 40-year-old "Kirk & Sweeney Gran Reserva Superior Dominican Rum," mixed with honey and spices. Candela MAREA rum (distilled from fresh-pressed Dominican sugarcane juice) and rum-based cocktails are available at various shipboard dining venues and bars.

Company Changes 2024

In July 2024, Ritz-Carlton made executive changes with leadership reinforcements, new appointments, and promotions, including Jens Gorka (Chief Officer of Shipboard Operations, promoted from Senior VP of Shipboard Operations), Phillip Herbert (VP of Hotel Operations), Andrea Leistner (VP of Procurement & Supply Chain/Hotel and Marine Operations, and IT), Chris Graham (Culinary Director), Frank Koppelkamm (Senior Director of Culinary Operations), and Sebastian Seward (VP & General Manager for Asia Pacific).

In November, Spyros Almpertis was appointed VP of Port and Destinations.

Ritz-Carlton Ships

Initially, the three vessels were planned to be identical sisterships with a maximum passenger capacity of 298, crew capacity of 246, a volume of 26,500 GT tons, a length of 190 meters (623 feet), and 149 passenger staterooms (all with balconies). However, the design was later altered, and only the first vessel (Evrima) was constructed with these specifications (designed by Tillberg Design Sweden).

Ritz-Carlton's superyachts are referred to as "anti-cruise ships."

All passenger staterooms and balcony suites feature tall ceilings and include Duplex Suites and forward-located Owner Suites (each with a large wraparound balcony and outdoor Jacuzzi). Other cabin types include Signature Suites, Grand Suites, and Loft Suites, with the majority being Terrace Suites. The Lofts are duplexes, with bedrooms on the lower level, designed to ensure the vessel is entirely balcony-equipped. Terrace Suites can be easily combined to reduce the number of accommodations when the ship is privately chartered.

Ship Technology

The first ship (Evrima) is powered by MAN marine diesel engines, while the other fleetmates (Ilma, Luminara) are LNG-powered. The electric propulsion consists of two ABB Azipods. Both units (Azipod D) are 360-degree azimuthing thrusters ideal for smaller-sized vessels as they require lower installed power.

• The electric drive motor is installed in the pod and submerged outside the hull, allowing more space for passenger cabins. The patented Azipod system also produces less vibration. The thrusters have the ability to turn 360 degrees, increasing the ship's maneuverability and enabling access to ports without the need for tugboat assistance.
• The Azipods are part of ABB's medium-voltage power plant, which includes sensors that provide real-time data that can be tracked from land-based facilities operated by both ABB Operations Centers and the customer.
• The Azipod thrusters are approximately 10% more fuel-efficient compared to shaft line propulsion systems, leading to a significant reduction in the vessel's operating costs and emissions. The lack of traditional rudders also optimizes the hull's hydrodynamics.
• "ABB Ability" is a remote diagnostic system using Microsoft Azure (cloud computing), which monitors the vessel's electrical systems and is connected 24/7 to ABB's infrastructure ashore. The system tracks all linked devices and sends real-time data analytics for predictive maintenance and online support.

In late September 2018, ABB contracted Raytheon Anschutz (a Singapore-based manufacturer) to provide the ship's Integrated Navigation System "Synapsis NX" (bridge and navigation equipment). Synapsis NX includes autopilot, track control, radars, navigation sensors, communications, and multifunctional navigation workstations (with software).

The Evrima ship was built by Astilleros Barreras Shipyard (Vigo, Spain). The keel-laying ceremony for the first vessel ("Yacht 1"/formerly Azora) took place on January 11, 2018. The ceremony was attended by José García Costas (shipyard's Chairman and President), Fredrik Johansson (Tillberg Design's owner), Timothy Grisius (Marriott International's Global M&A and Real Estate Officer), and Douglas Prothero (cruise company's Managing Director).

The first ship (Evrima) was initially scheduled for delivery in November 2019. Bookings opened in May 2018. On May 30, 2019, Ritz-Carlton announced the start of construction on its second ship.

On March 17, 2022, Ritz-Carlton signed an order with the French shipbuilding company Chantiers de l'Atlantique (a shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France) for two LNG-powered superyachts—Ilma (2024) and Luminara (2025). Unlike the Spain-built Evrima, the France-built sisterships Ilma and Luminara are larger, with both gross tonnage/volume (46,750 GT tons, compared to Evrima's 26,500 GT tons), cabins (224 vs Evrima's 149), and maximum passenger capacity (456 vs Evrima's 298).

Onboard Experience - Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

The yacht cruising experience includes:

• Unique cruise itineraries around the world
• Modern, thoughtfully designed interiors
• Ultra-premium dining (5 venues), including specialty dining by celebrity chef Sven Elverfeld (3 Michelin stars) who oversees Ritz-Carlton's "Aqua" restaurant in Wolfsburg, Germany, MDR (a 140-seat main dining room designed with nooks to resemble 10 small-sized restaurants), Asian fusion restaurant, poolside grill, and seafood grill. Intimate dining and drinking venues offer small seating capacities and are open around the clock (no assigned seats or fixed dining times). Passengers can dine whenever they wish, unlike the traditional set meal times customary on other cruises.
• Other social spaces include the Living Room (the arrival space onboard), which serves as a café and library. No show lounge or casino are available onboard.
• The Champagne Bar is an intimate cocktail lounge serving top labels from around the world along with premium champagnes paired with caviar.
• The Humidor is an intimate lounge offering fine, hand-rolled cigars and premium cognacs.
• Destination-based activities include onboard performances by local artists and musicians, as well as itinerary-based gourmet cuisine, including dishes prepared by local chefs. Onboard entertainment includes live performances (jazz and classical) and expert-led lectures and media presentations. Throughout each voyage, local talent (artists, guest lecturers, or chefs) participate in various forms of entertainment. Wi-Fi is free.
• Premium amenities include the Ritz-Carlton Spa, which has both indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, each with its own private balcony. Guests can choose whether to receive treatments inside or outside. The ship also features a medical wellness center, full-service Beauty Lounge, and Gentleman's Grooming Salon. The fitness area is an indoor/outdoor spot with equipment inside and yoga and relaxation spaces outside.
• The ship has whirlpools, as well as deep and shallow pools. An infinity-style pool is located aft, with a current for resistance swimming. The ship also features a marina-style watersports platform located at the aft, providing direct access to the water. It is also used for open-air parties and events. A selection of water toys is available for guest use.
• Glass doors open to a sweeping staircase leading to the pool deck (located at the aft, on the ship's stern). The marina features the yacht's sea kayaks and paddleboards. The connection to the outdoors continues with an indoor/outdoor solarium that resembles a cozy lounge rather than the typical ship solarium.
• An aft-located open-air deck space (Marina Bar) offers 270-degree panoramic views and is covered by a retractable glass roof. It serves as an al fresco dining lounge during the day and as a disco nightclub in the evening.
• Above the Sun Deck is the Helideck, with a helipad (a helicopter landing area for emergencies). The initial ship design included an onboard helicopter for private tours.

Due to fire and safety regulations, most onboard spaces are sectioned off and subdivided, with walls separating restaurants from lounges and bars. Ritz-Carlton ships pioneer an open floorplan concept ("fluid and transparent"), designed to "break down traditional boundaries between dining and drinking areas."

Ritz-Carlton cruise prices include staterooms, multiple onboard dining venues, activities, live entertainment, tips (onboard gratuities), and Wi-Fi. Fares vary by season and itinerary.

Ritz-Carlton's Cruise Loyalty Program (Marriott Bonvoy)

Since November 9, 2021, Ritz-Carlton's "Yacht Collection" brand's loyalty program has been part of the Ritz-Carlton-owned hotels' loyalty program. The announcement was made by David Flueck (Marriott International's Senior VP, Global Loyalty).

Trademarked "Marriott Bonvoy," it allows earning and redeeming points linked to the program's status. This means that the hotel brand's loyalists can benefit from travel discounts, special promotional offers, and perks from the cruise line as well.

• Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program members earn 5 points per US$1 spent on the cruise fare, as well as on the hotel package rate for participating hotels booked through the cruise company.
• Marriott Bonvoy members can redeem an initial 180,000 points toward a US$1,000 savings on the cruise fare, and increments of 90,000 points may be redeemed for a US$500 savings thereafter. Full redemption is also available.
• Marriott Bonvoy members receive one "elite night credit" per shipboard night toward achieving higher Elite status.
• For Marriott Bonvoy members striving for "Ambassador Elite" status, the cruise fare and hotel package rate are applied toward their annual qualifying spend.
• Marriott Bonvoy members can accelerate the points earned on their cruise purchase and more by using their co-branded credit cards (JPMorgan Chase and American Express).

Marriott Bonvoy members can also extend their pre- and post-cruise vacations by redeeming points at Marriott-owned hotels in various destinations.

Marriott International (Shipowner via Ritz-Carlton)

Founded in 1927, Marriott International is a US multinational corporation headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland (Washington DC). The company specializes in managing and franchising hotels, resorts, and leisure lodging facilities. Its management team is led by Bill Marriott (Executive Chairman) and Arne Sorenson (President and CEO). Marriott International is currently ranked the world's largest hotel chain, with 30 brands and 7,900+ properties (1,333+ million rooms, 44,000+ Homes and Villas) worldwide (in 138 different countries and territories, as of 2021).

(FY2018 statistics) Marriott International had revenue of approximately USD 20.75 billion, total assets of USD 23.69 billion, and around 177,000 employees. The main shareholder (25%) is the Marriott family.

The company's biggest brands include Marriott (Marriott Hotels and Resorts LLC), Starwood (Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide LLC/1969-founded), Ritz-Carlton (The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC/1983-founded, 101 hotels), and Le Meridien (1972-founded/107 hotels).

Starwood additionally owns the brands St Regis Hotels, The Luxury Collection Hotels and Resorts, W Hotels, Sheraton Hotels (also Four Points by Sheraton), Westin Hotels and Resorts (also Element by Westin), Le Meridien Luxury Hotels and Resorts, Tribute Portfolio (independent hotels), Design Hotels, Aloft Hotels.

Other large luxury hotel brands owned by Marriott include Autograph Collection, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Fairfield Inn, JW Marriott, Gaylord Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, SpringHill Suites, and TownePlace Suites.

In 1993, Marriott Corporation was split into "Marriott International" and "Host Hotels and Resorts Inc" (acquired by Marriott Corporation in 1982).

In 1995, Marriott pioneered online hotel booking via the MARSHA platform (Marriott's Automatic Reservation System for Hotel Accommodations).

In April 1995, Marriott acquired a 49% stake in Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC for USD 200 million (cash and assumed debt). In January 2015, Marriott acquired Delta Hotels (Canada). In September 2016, Marriott merged with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc (1969-founded/2016-defunct). The acquisition cost USD 13 billion and resulted in 5,700+ hotel properties with 1.1+ million rooms and 30 brands worldwide. Approximately two-thirds of Starwood's revenues came from non-US markets.

In 1997, Marriott introduced the world's first hotel loyalty program (Marriott Rewards, renamed "Marriott Bonvoy" in 2019), allowing customers to earn points at limited-service hotels and redeem them at full-service hotels.

Ritz-Carlton cruise itineraries range from 7 to 13 nights/8 to 14 days and include many overnight ports of call. Doug Prothero, the company's Managing Director, announced that the first ship (Evrima/fka Azora) will be seasonally deployed in Europe, Canada, New England USA, the Caribbean, and Latin America, with Transatlantic crossings for seasonal relocations (RepositionCruises.com). The announcement also mentioned that the second ship, Ilma, will be deployed in Canada (specifically, the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes), while the third ship, Luminara, will be based in the South Pacific.

In March 2022, Ritz-Carlton ordered the construction of Evrima's sister ships: the larger Ilma (2024) and Luminara (2025).

All Ritz-Carlton yachts are also available for private charter.

Ritz-Carlton offers the industry's first "cruise and land vacation" deals, provided by a single operator. These packages include pre- and post-voyage stays at Ritz-Carlton hotels in port cities. The brand's mega-yacht sailings combine Ritz-Carlton's resort experience with the relaxed atmosphere of a yachting vacation. The itineraries visit many unique locations that are inaccessible to larger vessels.

Ritz-Carlton's shore excursion program, the "Caribbean Shore Collection," is divided into five categories: Active Explorations, Cultural Connections (wildlife), Iconic Sights (art and culture), Stirring the Senses (wellness), and Epicurean Experiences. Passengers enjoy dedicated Concierge Ashore service and extended port stays. These five categories cater to a range of activity levels and interests. All excursions are highly personalized, with a relaxed pace, and are led by experienced local guides.

• Active Explorations tours are centered on outdoor adventures, such as private sea kayaking off the coast of Reykjavik or swimming with turtles in Tobago Cays.
• Cultural Connections tours are eco-themed, such as spending a day helping to protect the natural environment or wildlife.
• Iconic Sights tours are culture-themed and focus on history, architecture, music, and other cultural aspects of each destination.
• Stirring the Senses tours are wellness-themed and include activities like sunrise and sunset yoga classes.
• Epicurean Experiences tours are culinary-themed, such as learning to grow baby oysters in a private Sete, France farm or visiting a winery in Bordeaux.

Concierge Ashore services offer insider access to local attractions and the opportunity to explore local communities with private guides.

Ritz-Carlton Caribbean Itineraries 2025-2026

Ritz-Carlton's Caribbean 2024-2025 winter program (November through April) included 38 voyages, based on two ships (Evrima and Ilma), with a homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Roundtrips were also available from Florida USA (Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale) and Aruba (Oranjestad).

In January 2025, the company announced its inaugural Alaskan season (May through September 2026) for the Luminara ship.

Ritz-Carlton's first Alaskan deployment will feature 13 voyages visiting 11 ports in Alaska (USA) and British Columbia (Canada). The itineraries, ranging from 7 to 11 nights, will transit the Hubbard Glacier (Wrangell-St. Elias NP) and Sawyer Glacier (Tracy Arm Fjord). The ports of call will include Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Klawock, Hoonah/Icy Strait Point, Valdez, Petersburg, Haines, Wrangell, and Prince Rupert (Canada).

The voyages will depart from two homeports (Whittier, AK and Vancouver, BC) and include extended stays in select ports of call, as well as personalized land tours and shore excursions.

Ilma Yacht 2024-2025 Winter Itineraries

November 14, 2024 (6-night roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico) will be the inaugural Caribbean voyage, featuring a rainforest hike to St. Lucia's Pitons, the palm-shaded shores of Terre-de-Haut Island, Guadeloupe, Antigua's secluded sands, and Virgin Gorda Island, BVI's distinctive boulder-filled grottoes.

December 11, 2024 (9-night roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA) will visit Grand Turk and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. After an overnight stay in San Juan, Ilma will sail through the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

March 1, 2025 (7-night voyage from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Bridgetown, Barbados) will feature a hike to Le Chameau's peak (Terre-de-Haute), rainforest adventures, hidden waterfalls, and serene beach time on St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent.

Evrima Yacht 2024-2025 Winter Itineraries

December 5, 2024 (8-night roundtrip from Oranjestad, Aruba) will visit Cartagena, Colombia (colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife in the Getsemani district), offer hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains (Santa Marta, Colombia), then explore the tropical ABC Islands (Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba).

January 22, 2025 (6-night voyage from Bridgetown, Barbados to San Juan, Puerto Rico) will visit the harbors of Bequia Island and St. John's, Antigua, offering opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and delving into the history of Antigua and Barbuda, along with a beach party at South Friar's Bay (Virgin Gorda).

March 22, 2025 (5-night roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico) will visit St. John, Gustavia (St. Barths), Philipsburg (St. Maarten), and Virgin Gorda.

Inaugural Itineraries 2022-2023-2025

In early September 2020, Ritz-Carlton announced the company's winter 2022-2023 itineraries (November through April). The Evrima ship's program featured 15 new ports of call (including Golfito, Costa Rica; Portsmouth, Dominica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Bocas del Toro, Panama) and longer port stays.

In spring and summer 2022, Evrima was deployed in the Western Caribbean and Bahamas, Bermuda, and Europe/Mediterranean (also visiting the Holy Land/Israel and Cyprus). Themed voyages in 2022 included a Christmas Cruise (December 25th in Roseau, Dominica), New Year's Eve Cruise (December 31st in Saint Barthélemy Island), Casablanca overnight (tour to Marrakesh, Morocco), and the Monaco Grand Prix 2022 (Circuit de Monaco).

The 2023 Mediterranean season (April through November) featured five new/maiden ports, including Melilla (Spanish Morocco), San Sebastián de la Gomera (Canary Islands), Praia (Santiago Island, Cape Verde), Mindelo (São Vicente Island, Cape Verde), and Catania (Sicily, Italy). The Mediterranean season was extended (building on destinations introduced in 2022) with itineraries visiting the Greek Isles, Adriatic Coast towns, the French Riviera, and Spain's Balearic Islands. Evrima's itineraries featured longer in-port stays, offering more time on land, including overnights in Casablanca, Dubrovnik, Saint-Tropez, Ibiza, Monte Carlo (Monaco), Ravello (Italy's Amalfi Coast), and Valletta (Malta).

In June 2024, Ritz-Carlton announced that Luminara would be deployed in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025-2026 (December 30th through May 13th). The new ship was scheduled for 10 Asian voyages visiting 9 countries (Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, China), along with a USA visit during the Asia-Alaska relocation voyage on May 13 (16-day Tokyo to Seward). Luminara's inaugural season will take place in Europe/Mediterranean, starting with a 7-day Maiden Voyage from Barcelona to Civitavecchia-Rome (July 1, 2025).

Inaugural Itineraries 2021 (Canceled)

Ritz-Carlton's inaugural itineraries and shore excursions (in five categories) were initially planned for 2021 but were later canceled. The following themes were included in the planned itineraries:

• "Christmas Cruise" (Caribbean) - ports St. Barths, St. Maarten, Martinique, Union Island
• "New Year Cruise" (Caribbean) - ports Jost van Dyke Island, Tortola Island, Antigua, Montserrat Island
• Caribbean Yachtman's Voyage - ports Scarborough, St. Georges (Grenada), Union Island, Canouan Island, Bequia
• "Christening Voyage" (Caribbean) - ports Dominican Republic (Samana, Santo Domingo), Puerto Rico (San Juan, Vieques), Nevis Island, Guadeloupe, Martinique (Fort-de-France)
• "Caribbean Yachtman's Voyage" (Caribbean) - ports Montserrat Island, Nevis Island, Norman Island, Tortola Island, St. Barth Island
• "Caribbean Yachtman's Voyage" - ports Grenada (St. Georges), Trinidad (Scarborough, Tobago Cays), Grenadines (Canouan Island, Union Island)
• "Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise" - from the Caribbean to the Canary Islands (Las Palmas, Arrecife)
• "Greek Isles Cruise" - to the islands Kythira, Santorini, Mykonos, Nafplion
• "Monaco F1 Race" (Mediterranean - French Riviera) - ports Monte Carlo, Cannes, Calvi, Marseilles, Cassis
• "French Riviera Highlights" (Mediterranean) - ports Villefranche-Nice, Antibes, St. Tropez, Roses
• "Balearic Islands Yachtman's Voyage" (Mediterranean) - ports Ibiza, Formentera, Mahon, Soller, Palma de Mallorca
• "Return Home" (Mediterranean) - Vigo, Bilbao, Biarritz, Bordeaux
• "Baltic Highlights" (Baltic) - Copenhagen, Tallinn, St. Petersburg (Russia), Mariehamn (Åland Islands), Stockholm

In April 2018, Ritz-Carlton delayed its debut to February 1, 2020, when the fleet's first superyacht, Evrima, was planned to depart on a 4-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Initially, the company had announced a November 2019 start, with a planned inaugural cruise from PortMiami to Key West (Florida) and Bimini (Bahamas). The scheduled Caribbean program (through March 28) was to end with a 12-day Transatlantic crossing (Barbados to Lisbon).

Ritz-Carlton's 2021 voyages were planned to visit over 50 seaports, premium yacht marinas, and small port towns. Most were 7-night cruises designed not to repeat the same ports on B2B (back-to-back cruises). An extended 2021 Mediterranean season included ports in the Greek Isles and the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera), while the Caribbean 2021 season included Martinique, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Aruba, BVI (British Virgin Islands), and Eastern Canada/New England.

Highlights of the Caribbean Shore Collection included a tour of Aruba Aloe (one of the world's first companies to manufacture skin and hair products with aloe) in Oranjestad, Aruba, paired with an aloe-based treatment at Ritz-Carlton Spa Aruba. In Colombia, overland Bogota tours (overnight) were planned, with visits to mansions, museums, Monserrate (hilltop church), and gourmet dining experiences (including a cooking class with a local chef and a trip to Plaza de Paloquemao, the city's fruits and flowers market). In Belize, Ritz-Carlton offered a charter flight tour from Belize City with flightseeing over Lighthouse Reef (part of the Belize Barrier Reef), Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve (Cayo District), and the Great Blue Hole (giant marine sinkhole). The plane would then land in the jungle at an exclusive resort for food and wine pairing (4-course lunch).

However, due to the global health crisis, all of these programs were canceled through 2022, and Evrima's Maiden Voyage was eventually rescheduled for October 15th (from Barcelona).