Setting Sail on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The old saying “Life is a journey, not a destination” rings especially true aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s inaugural superyacht, Evrima. Since embarking on its maiden voyage in 2022, the boat, whose name is Greek for “discovery,” has been setting a new standard for luxury at sea, taking passengers on highly curated and all-inclusive five-to-10-day journeys through the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

On a recent cruise from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and Bermuda, humpback whales breached from deep waters as the ship’s dark blue hull shone under the sun. The launch of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection marks the first time a high-end hospitality brand has entered the cruising category, with one of the strongest crew-to-guest ratios on the market. Despite spanning over 190 metres, the 25,400-ton yacht feels intimate compared to other cruise ships, while still permitting access to destinations from Saint-Tropez to St. Barths.

Up to 298 guests and 246 officers and crew can sleep onboard the Evrima, yet with 8 decks there is ample space to unwind and explore. During the day, sun and sea sparkle outside The Living Room’s wide picture windows, illuminating the plush furniture and well-stocked library, while on the top deck, an elegant humidor and airy observation lounge beckon guests for late-night cocktails beneath starry skies. A full-service beauty salon and spa offer a range of 111Skin and Espa treatments that leave passengers feeling pampered and relaxed, and the adjacent fitness centre invites with its floor-to-ceiling glass and private studio space for daily strength training, meditation, and stretching classes.

The programming aboard offers something for everyone, from flower arranging to mixology workshops, and there’s a roster of staff musicians and visiting entertainers, such as the Las Vegas-based magician Jason Bird. On days at anchor, the ship’s stern transforms into a lively, sun-drenched marina, inviting guests for cocktails, ocean swims, and water sports like sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Some take full advantage of the private curated excursions at each port of call, while others prefer sunbathing on the adults-only outdoor decks, where pillowy daybeds and warm Jacuzzis await.

The boat’s food and beverage options are multifaceted. Talaat Nam serves fresh sushi alongside steamed dumplings, savoury spring rolls, and bowls of thick ramen, and Mistral offers Mediterranean cuisine in a breezy al fresco setting. The yacht’s main restaurant, The Evrima Room, also offers an intimate private dining venue with a rotating menu of seasonal specials alongside a robust international wine list. Meanwhile, The Pool House entertains passengers all day, with a large swimming pool, hot tubs, and a menu of classics like lobster rolls, build-your-own burgers, and boozy poolside sorbets. The pièce de résistance, however, is S.E.A., the fine dining restaurant by chef Sven Elverfelt of Aqua, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg. The venue’s multicourse tasting menu, complete with wine pairings, makes the palate sing long after the meal is served.

Evrima’s elegant interior features sleek teak floors, wood-panelled walls, polished-chrome handrails, and fresh flowers at every turn. The 149 suites, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and private terraces that flood the rooms with fresh air and natural light, are spacious, ranging from 300 square feet for the Terrace Suites to the 587-square-foot Grand Suites, which boast separate living rooms and dining spaces, his-and-her closets, and deep soaking tubs.

One of the cruise’s highlights is the personal concierges who ensure each passenger’s voyage is an intimate and unforgettable experience. From fresh-baked cookies to champagne on ice and handwritten correspondence, their personalized attention and five-star service reflects The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary hospitality.

No matter where or how one decides to spend their time on Evrima, guests of this impressive, state-of-the-art superyacht are never far away from a glass of Moet & Chandon, or “Ritz Water,” as it’s playfully nicknamed onboard. After all, there is always something to celebrate, be it a glorious ocean sunrise, a magical magenta sunset, or the promise of new adventures .

Soon, the brand will introduce two new superyachts, Ilma, slated to set sail in September 2024, and Luminara in July 2025.