Ritz-Carlton Ilma

The 2024-built Ritz-Carlton's Ilma cruise ship is the second of all three ultra-luxury expedition superyachts owned by Marriott International Inc (shipowner). The ship is operated by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (cruise brand and subsidiary of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company/official website).

The vessel (IMO number 9967586) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 256343000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

Ritz-Carlton's cruise brand "The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection" is a Miami-headquartered (Coconut Grove) new company owned by Marriott International Inc via its subsidiary The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC.

On June 22, 2017, the 5-star hotel brand Ritz-Carlton announced its privately-owned cruise line brand, with a planned start in 2019. The company's fleet consists of 3 newbuilds, with a shipbuilding option to expand to 5 vessels. Ritz-Carlton's cruise company was created by Douglas Prothero (CEO, founder of Canadian Maritime Group) and Lars Clasen (Managing Director, former President of AIDA Cruises).

On March 17, 2022, Ritz-Carlton officially announced signing the order with the French shipbuilding company Chantiers de l'Atlantique (shipyard in Sant-Nazaire) for two LNG-powered superyachts - the sisterships Ilma (2024) and Luminara (2025).

The Ritz-Carlton deal with Chantiers de l'Atlantique was signed by Douglas Prothero (The Ritz- Carlton Yacht Collection's CEO), Tim Grisius (Marriott International's Global Officer for Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Development, Real Estate), Karim Khairallah (Oaktree Capital Management's and European Principal Group's Managing Director and Co-Portfolio Manager) and Laurent Castaing (shipbuilder's General Manager).

Initially, Ritz-Carlton planned a fleet expansion with two Evrima-like boats/sisterships, which were planned for deliveries in 2023 and 2024. The shipbuilding order for the second vessel was signed on May 31, 2019, with Hijos de J.Barreras (shipyard in Vigo Spain) by Jose Garcia Costas (shipbuilder's President) and Douglas Prothero. However, due to the Coronavirus crisis and Barreras Shipyard's financial issues, these projects were both canceled and replaced with the bigger, France-built units.

Unlike Evrima (completed at Astander Shipyard in Santander Spain), Ilma and Luminara are larger as both gross-tonnage/volume (46750 GT-tons, compared to Evrima's 26500 GT-tons), cabins (223 vs Evrima's 149) and max passenger capacity (456 vs Evrima's 298).

For the new superyachts' design were contracted AD Associates (London, England UK/yacht's interior design), Aivan (Helsinki Finland/yacht's exterior design), and DPA Designers (Miami Florida USA).

Decks and Cabins

All Ilma cruise ship staterooms (224 total) are balcony suites with tall ceilings, and there are plenty of two-room accommodations with separate bedrooms. Triple and quad cabins are with convertible couches/sleeper sofas.

The boat has 10 decks, of which 8 are passenger-accessible and 5 with cabins.

Cabin categories are 9 (all suites) of which 2-room grades are Owner's, Concierge, Ilma, View, Panorama, and Grand, while Signature Suites (deluxe balcony) and Terrace Suites (standard balcony) are with a living and sleeping area.

The largest accommodations are Owner's Suites - sized 1035 ft2 (96 m2 indoor space) in addition to the huge terrace (sized 720 ft2 / 67 m2).

The ship has a total of 5x ADA cabins (for disabled passengers) which are all Terrace Suites and wheelchair-accessible.

Standard/complimentary amenities and services provided in all passenger cabins include custom-made King-size beds (non-convertible to single beds, premium sleeping system, custom-made for Ritz-Carlton linens, hypoallergenic pillows), smart HDTVs (infotainment system with Internet, movies-on-demand, Room Service ordering), seating area with contemporary furniture (mirrored dressing table, upholstered low stool, lounge cabinet with shelves, armchairs, coffee table), complimentary minibar (fully stocked to guests' preferences/upon request after boarding the ship), Espresso coffee machine (complimentary capsules /coffee and tea), direct-dial phone, alrm clock radio, wardrobe, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), 220-110 V power outlets, USB charging ports, complimentary WiFi Internet, complimentary 24-hour room service and in-cabin dining (ordering items from all onboard dining venues), dedicated butler (Personal Concierge assistant), full bathroom (double-sink vanity, separate WC toilet, two hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers, custom-made bath linens, luxury-brand bath products), individually controlled air-conditioning, LED lighting, modern light fixtures (recessed lights).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The Ilma yacht has 6 restaurants, 5 bars/lounges, a Wine Vault, an expanded Marina (with a mezzanine), Ritz-Carlton Spa (expanded wellness complex), a space dedicated for children (by the brand's Ritz-Kids program).

On Ilma, Ritz-Carlton offers a total of 10 ultra-premium dining options at intimate venues with chef-curated menus, small seating capacity, opened around the clock, and without assigned seating or fixed mealtimes. Passengers can eat whenever they want, rather than the traditional pre-set dining times customary on most companies.

All-day and all-night dining in cabins (or on their terraces) can be ordered from the 24-hour room service menu (items from all onboard dining venues), as well as during regular hours from the MDR menu.

The dress code is "Yacht Casual" during the day for breakfast and lunch - shoes, shirts, and bathing suit cover-ups are required when the passengers are not at the swimming pool. In the evenings, sleeveless t-shirts and bathing suits are not allowed, and shoes and shirts are required throughout the vessel. The dress code in the specialty dining restaurant by Sven Elverfeld is "Yacht Sophisticated" - collared shirts are not required, but recommended. No formal nights are organized on board.

Follows the complete list of Ritz-Carlton Ilma restaurants and food bars.

• (deck 3) SETA SU ILMA Restaurant is a FINE DINING venue (with a tasting menu of gourmet dishes) via partnership with Fabio Trabocchi (Michelin-starred Italian chef). SETA Restaurant (capacity 28 seats) is a-la-carte-priced and offers a 5-course menu and wine pairing (with premium wines and champagnes by the glass). An additional fee is applied and reservations are required. Adjacent to the SETA Restaurant is the WINE VAULT.
• (deck 3) TIDES is the MDR/Main Dining Room restaurant. The menu consists of locally inspired creations and changes daily to reflect the ports visited. DINING PRIVEE (10-seat room) is part of the MDR and can be reserved as VIP Dining Room for lunches and dinners with customized menus.
• (deck 3) MARINA TERRACE is an open-air Bar Lounge serving as an alfresco dining lounge by day and a disco nightclub in the evenings.
• Also on Deck 3 (forward-portside) is the MEDICAL CENTER/Infirmary.
• (deck 4) MEMORY is a contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant with a separate sushi bar and outdoor terrace seating (for alfresco dining) offering Southeast Asian Fusion and traditional cuisine specialties.
• (deck 5 aft) THE BEACH HOUSE (designed by Chapi Chapo) is a casual poolside food bar/all-day dining venue serving breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. It provides 180-degree unobstructed views and a menu reflecting Peruvian and Pan-Latin cuisine specialties.
• (deck 10 aft) MISTRAL (Steakhouse and Seafood Grill) is a Lido bar-restaurant serving the swimming pool's sundeck with beverages and food (made-to-order grilled dishes, including fresh fish and seafood/local catch and prime-cut meats). Mistral is a casual alfresco eatery with indoor/outdoor seating and offers from Early Risers (portable breakfast) to late-night complimentary dining. Various cuisine specialties are prepared outdoors and a-la-minute, including made-to-order gourmet meats (prime beef steaks) and fresh seafood (grilled to order), traditional Mediterranean dishes. The sundeck is served with beverages by the open-air MISTRAL BAR (aft) and the Pool Bar (midship).

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

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Ilma ship offers destination-based activities (onboard performances by local artists and musicians), itinerary-based gourmet cuisine (with locally-sourced products and dishes prepared by local chefs). Onboard entertainment includes live performances (jazz and classical) and professional (expert-led) lectures and media presentations. During each voyage, local guests (artists, lecturers, chefs) board the ship for various entertainment acts throughout the cruise. The shipwide Wi-Fi is free of charge.

The main onboard social hubs are The Observation Terrace/Lounge (top-deck) and The Living Room (ship entrance hall / Atrium Lobby lounge, also doubling as Cafe and Library). The ship doesn't have a dedicated Theater (show lounge) or Casino (gambling lounge).

The mega-yacht has an aft marina platform for watersports, providing direct access to the sea. The marina is also used for open-air parties and other events. A selection of water toys (sea kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment) is provided complimentary to all passengers. The marina is connected to the indoors, forming an indoor-outdoor solarium (sundeck) which looks more like a cozy lounge than the usual sundeck.

Next image shows Spa Deck's fore-located sundeck with a large Jacuzzi (covered in the evenings) and outdoor padded seating (sofas, loungers, tables and chairs).

Above Sun Deck is the Helideck with a helipad (helicopter landing area) used in cases of emergency.

The superyacht has two infinity whirlpools/hot tubs (aft portside and starboard on Deck 5) and two swimming pools (one deep/aft on Deck 5, and one shallow/midship on Deck 10). The infinity pool (Deck 5) is also used for exercising (resistance swimming). Deck 5's pool is on the stern and has a glass wall facing the ship's wake. Lido Pool's sundeck is fitted with an outdoor LED screen.

The yacht also carries speedboats.

Due to fire and safety regulations, most of the ship's spaces are sectioned off and subdivided, with metal walls dividing restaurants from lounges and bars. Ritz-Carlton ships pioneered an open floorplan concept ("fluid and transparent") designed to "break down the traditional boundaries between dining and drinking areas".

Follows the complete list of Ritz-Carlton Ilma ship lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• (deck 5 midship) THE HUMIDOR is a smoking bar lounge where can also be purchased hand-rolled cigars (showcased in a humidor) and premium liquors (including a selection of fine cognacs).
• (deck 9 forward) THE OBSERVATION TERRACE is a bow-facing outdoor bar lounge/open-air deck area providing 270-degree unobstructed views (of the sea, coastal scenery or in-port infrastructure/cityscape). THE OBSERVATION LOUNGE is an indoor venue with comfortable seating and floor-ceiling windows. It is used for relaxation and socializing events (sunset cocktail parties, late-night dancing). At twilight, the Lounge transforms into a nightclub with live entertainment.
• (deck 5 midship) THE LIVING ROOM is the ship's Cafeteria-Patisserie (coffee bar and lounge with a library) offering freshly-baked pastries, cakes, pies, roasted coffees (at the Espresso Counter and the Bar) and traditional British Afternoon Tea service. Ready-made sweets are available for ordering until late-night.
• (deck 5 aft) THE BEACH HOUSE is a poolside bar/alfresco dining venue/open-air eatery (by the American celebrity chef Michael Mina) serving all-day complimentary beverages (craft beers, selection of wines and tequilas) and food (Pan-Latin and Caribbean cuisine). The Beach House also serves late breakfast and late-night snacks, with a-la-minute-prepared and made-to-order dishes. The Pool Deck (aft sundeck) is fitted with loungers, deckchairs, banquettes and whirlpools, along with a spacious spot for outdoor movies and deck parties.
• RITZ-CARLTON SPA is operated by Ritz-Carlton Hotels and provides indoor and outdoor treatments. Each massage room has its own private step-out balcony. Guests are able to pick if they wish a treatment indoors or outdoors. The wellness complex also includes Relaxation Lounge, Medical Center, 11x Treatment rooms (for massages, including 5x with outdoor options), SAUNA ROOM, STEAM ROOM, THE SALON (full-service beauty parlor/hairdresser-manicure-pedicure), THE BARBER (grooming-barber services), JUICE BAR, 3x fitness spaces.
• (deck 4 midship) THE FITNESS STUDIO is an indoor-outdoor Gym complex with training equipment inside and an outdoor exercise area for classes (yoga, pilates, aerobics, etc) and relaxation. The Gym offers sunrise outdoor yoga sessions, strength training, nutrition coaching, customized wellness programs.
• (deck 4) RITZ-KIDS is the yacht's Kids Club (indoor playground) providing a complimentary educational and fun activity program for children. Enhanced kids entertainment and services are available during summer months and holidays. RITZ-KIDS doubles as a MEETING ROOM (Conference Center, also bookable for private events).
• Deck 4 also houses the LOBBY HALL (2x ship entrances, GUEST SERVICES Desk/Reception) and the LAUNDERETTE (Laundry Room).
• (deck 5) THE BOUTIQUE shop sells brand sportswear, fashion clothing and accessories, leather goods, premium jewelry and watches, brand perfumes and cosmetics. In select ports along the cruise itinerary, the onboard shopping experience is enhanced via collaborations with local artisans boarding the ship to showcase their unique handmade products.

THE MARINA is an aft-located/stern watersports platform providing direct access to the sea and the ship's watersport equipment. It is also used for parties and other open-air events. A selection of water toys (sea kayaks, paddleboards) are launched from here and provided complimentary to all passengers. Glass doors open to the sweeping staircase leading to Lido/Pool Deck above (aft / on the ship's stern). The Marina is adjacent to an indoor/outdoor solarium (Marina Terrace) which is more a cozy lounge than a conventional sundeck.

THE MARINA TERRACE is an open-air deck space (served by MARINA BAR) providing 270-degree panoramic views. This outdoor area is covered by a retractable glass roof and can be operated as an alfresco dining lounge by day and as a disco nightclub in the evenings. At The Marina Terrace are served a variety of drinks (including handcrafted cocktails), light bites, made-to-order dishes (prepared a-la-minute).

The Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge and the Captain's Suite/officers' quarters are forward on deck 8.

Itineraries

Ritz-Carlton opened for booking Ilma's inaugural cruise season (2024 voyages) in February-March 2023, and first for past members by the brand's Loyalty Program "Marriott Bonvoy". First reservations opened on Feb 15th (for Ambassador Elites), Feb 24th (for Platinum Elites), March 2nd (for Gold/Silver Elites) and on March 9th (for general customers).

Ilma's itineraries range in length from 7- to 13-nights, with deployments in the Caribbean and Europe (Mediterranean) and seasonal Transatlantic crossings on relocation (RepositionCruises.com).

Initially,t he Maiden Voyage was scheduled to depart on September 19, 2024, out of Piraeus-Athens, and ending in Haifa (Israel). Subsiquently, the inaugural cruise was rescheduled for Dept 2nd (7-day itinerary from Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia-Rome).

During the inaugural Mediterranean, the boat visits popular destinations in the Greek Isles, on the Italian and French rivieras, Spain's Balearic and Canary Islands, as well as North Africa (Morocco, Egypt) with many overnight port stays.

Next is listed Ilma's 2024 schedule opened for booking in 2023.

• EUR 7070 pp (Sept 19/MAIDEN VOYAGE) 7-night from PIRAEUS-ATHENS to HAIFA, visits Mykonos Island (Greece), Alanya (Turkey), Limassol (Cyprus Greece/overnight) and ends in Haifa (overnight).
• EUR 11935 pp (Sept 26) 12-night from HAIFA to CIVITAVECCHIA-ROME, visits Ashdod (Israel), Alexandria (Egypt/overnight), Rhodes Island (Greece), Santorini Island (Greece), Milos Island (Greece), Giardini Naxos-Taormina (Sicily Italy), Sorrento (Italy) and ends in Civitavecchia-Rome.
• EUR 7175 pp (Oct 8) 7-night roundtrip from CIVITAVECCHIA, visits Valletta (Malta/overnight), Catania (Sicily Italy), Amalfi (Italy/overnight) and Sorrento (Italy).
• EUR 6580 pp (Oct 15) 7-night from CIVITAVECCHIA to BARCELONA, visits Livorno (Italy/overnight), Monte Carlo (Monaco), Marseille (France), Roses (Costa Brava Spain) and ends in Barcelona.
• EUR 9260 (Oct 22) 10-night from BARCELONA to LISBON, visits Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca, Balearic Spain/overnight), Cartagena (Spain), Tangier (Morocco), Malaga (Spain/overnight), Portimao (Portugal) and ends in Lisbon (overnight).
• EUR 7120 pp (Nov 1) 13-night Transatlantic crossing from LISBON to SAN JUAN Puerto Rico, visits Funchal (Madeira), Tenerife (Canaries/overnight), Road Town (Tortola BVI) and ends in Puerto Rico.

Note: The above fares are per person (based on double occupancy) and inclusive of taxes, fees and port expenses.

Ritz-Carlton's The Shore Collection (land tours and excursions) program offers customized services provided by dedicated cruise ship staff (Concierge Ashore) working with local certified tour guides and other specializing in tourism and travel professionals.

All Ritz-Carlton superyachts are available for private chartering.

The Ilma vessel (STX France shipyard/hull number J35) was ordered by the Miami-based company Cruise Yacht OpCo Ltd and was scheduled for delivery in August 2024.

Unlike the Spain-built Evrima, Ritz-Carlton's sisterships Ilma and Luminara are France-built - by Chantiers de l'Atlantique SA (fka STX France) in Saint-Nazaire.

Carlton Ilma was officially delivered to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection on July 12, 2024. The delivery ceremony was attended by Ritz-Carlton's leadership team (Jim Murren/Executive Chairman and CEO, and Ernesto Fara/President and CFO), alongside representatives from Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Laurent Castaing/General Manager, and Arnaud Le Joncour/Senior VP of Sales and Marketing and Project Director). The ship's Master was Captain Steve MacBeath.

The yacht Ilma is powered by four Wartisla marine diesel engines (dual-fuel, models 2x 14V31DF + 2x 16V31DF) with total power output 34,8 MW (46670 hp). The diesel-electric propulsion is a PEM fuel-cell-battery hybrid (power output 19,4 MW / 26015 hp), with common rail fuel injection, providing better fuel efficiency at various speeds.

The vessel's physical construction/assembly officially started with the keel-laying ceremony held on March 22, 2023, at STX France. The special event was attended by Douglas Prothero (Ritz-Carlton Yachts' CEO) and Arnaud Le Joncour (the shipyard's Senior VP of Sales & Marketing).

The ship was launched/floated out from drydock on September 29, 2023. The ceremony was attended by executives from Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (Jim Murren/CEO and Executive Chairman, and Ernesto Fara/President and CFO) and from STX France (Laurent Castaing/General Manager, and Arnaud Le Joncour/Senior VP of Sales & Marketing).

Sea trials (in the Bay of Biscay) were completed on May 20, 2024.

The name ILMA means "water" in Maltese.

Inaugural cruise itineraries (2024)

The next table shows Ilma's original Maiden Voyage (opened for booking in 2023).

The 6-day Eastern Mediterranean/Aegean itinerary was scheduled for Sept 19, 2024.

Prices started from US$7400 (EUR 6860/GBP 6050) per person with double occupancy.

(NEW Maiden Voyage) 7-day Monte Carlo to Rome (from US$7400 pp)

The next table shows the ship's inaugural Transatlantic crossing from Europe to the Caribbean (13-day itinerary), priced from US$8100 pp.

Godspeed!

Ritz-Carlton ship technology

The superyacht Ilma is LNG-powered and with electric propulsion system consisting of two Azipods (by ABB) with total power output 19,4 MW (26015 hp). Azipod-D are 360-degree rotating/azimuthing thrusters ideal for smaller-sized vessels as they require lower installed power. The unit's electric drive motor is installed in the pod and submerged outside the hull, thus allowing more space for passenger cabins. The patented Azipod system also produces less vibration. The thrusters have the ability to turn 360 degrees which increases the ship's maneuverability and allows access to ports without the need for tugboat assistance.

The Azipods are part of ABB's medium voltage power plant. It also includes sensors producing real-time data that can be tracked from land-based facilities operated by both ABB Operations Centers and the customer. The Azipod thruster is approx 10% more fuel-efficient in comparison to shaft line propulsion systems. This results in a significant reduction of the vessel's operating costs and emissions. The lack of traditional rudders also allows the hull's hydrodynamics to be optimized.

"ABB Ability" is a remote diagnostic system using Microsoft Azure (cloud computing). It monitors the vessel's electrical systems and is connected 24-7 to ABB's infrastructure ashore. The system monitors all linked devices and sends real-time data analytics for maintenance (predictive and planned) and online support.

In late-September 2018, ABB contracted Raytheon Anschutz (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, multifunctional navigation workstations (with software).

The first Ritz-Carlton yacht (Evrima) had an initial building cost / as ordered EUR 190 million (USD 225 million). During the vessel's construction, due to design changes, the cost reached EUR 240 million (USD 260 million) and the delivery was rescheduled from November to December 2019. In August 2019, the Spanish shipbuilder (Astilleros Barreras/Vigo) demanded an additional EUR 50 million (USD 55 million) to finish Evrima.

Ritz-Carlton's 3-ship-fleet project's equity investor is Oaktree Capital Management (Los Angeles USA-based global investment management firm). The shipbuilding order was supported by CESCE Espana (Madrid Spain-based commercial risk management company/world's 4th-largest, also ECA-Export Credit Agency) and CaixaBank SA (fka Criteria CaixaCorp - one of Spain's largest banks).

The deal with CESCE covered the Evrima yacht's cost overruns, secured the construction of Ritz-Carlton's second vessel, and also saved the Astilleros Barreras shipyard from bankruptcy.

In April 2022, the French shipbuilder contracted ABB to supply both yachts' (Ilma and Luminara) electric propulsion systems and year-round predictive maintenance and remote support of the machinery. The ordered packages included two Azipod units (power output 5,5 MW each) allowing high maneuverability (in both ports and at sea) as well as low vibrations and minimal noise during navigation.

In June 2022, the shipbuilder contracted ALMACO Group (turnkey manufacturer serving the marine and offshore industries) to design, produce, deliver, install and fully equip the ship's galleys/kitchens (1200 m2 / 12917 ft2), provision storage areas (525 m2 / 5652 ft2), laundry areas, and the refrigeration system/machinery. Ritz-Carlton contracted ALMACO for lifecycle services consisting of scheduled maintenance and spare parts supply.

In August 2022, the shipbuilder contracted BIO-UV Group (French manufacturer specializing in water treatment solutions based on ozone, advanced oxidation and ultraviolet light) to provide the sisterships Ilma and Luminara with ballast water treatment systems. The system (BIO-SEA/series B02-190) combines mechanical filtration with high dose of ultraviolet light for disinfection without chemical treatments. BIO-UV Group's equipment has max water treatment capacity 190m3/h and is based on 2x UV reactors. All cruise vessels constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique since 2015 are fitted with BIO-UV's BIO-SEA systems.