evrima yacht wiki

Review: Ritz-Carlton Evrima

What is the cruise line?  Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Name of ship?   Evrima

Passenger occupancy?  298

Itinerary?  European (Mediterranean), Transatlantic, & Caribbean itineraries

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?  Ritz-Carlton’s foray into cruising melds small-ship (or mega yacht, depending on your past sea experience) journeys with plenty of scenery options: the European Mediterranean (with routes ranging from Turkey to the Canary Islands) spring through fall, and the Caribbean (San Juan to St. Bart’s) in winter. The 624-foot Evrima , which is the first in a fleet of three ships emerging over the next few years, is an antidote to mega cruises that still feels massive to anyone who’s ever truly yachted.

Guests are on the younger side of the luxury cruising market (the majority being under 55) and primarily culture-loving travelers with a dearth of cruising experience—about 80 percent of guests (so far) have never cruised before, Ritz-Carlton says—eager to explore fabulous ports of call ranging from small (French villages like Sanary-sur-mer) to standard (Bridgetown, Barbados). Clear focuses on cuisine, relaxation, and small entertainment offerings like live music trios and high tea make this feel like a luxury hotel you never want to leave—one that just so happens to be floating at sea. The first of two sister ships, dubbed Ilma, debuts in 2024. A twin ship to the Evrima is slated for arrival in 2025.

Tell us about the ship in general Five deck levels (of nine total) open to guests and hold six restaurants, 149 suite-style cabins, four pools, cigar humidor, two bars (the interior Living Room and top-floor al fresco Observation Deck), a beauty salon and  spa deck , a water-level marina terrace with water toys, and a fitness center. Launched in late 2022 after several years of planning and 14 months of delays, it’s a mega-yachting experience that feels more focused on connections with the destination and the people around you—guests and staff alike. Only very slightly smaller than comparable ships by Crystal, Regent, Silversea, and Seabourn vessels, Evrima manages to feel incredibly intimate thanks to its fewer guests (guest capacity is about  half those of its competitors), relaxed pace, and overnight ports of call for plenty of time to go ashore.

Who is onboard?  Parents in need of a getaway without their teenagers, newly retired folks, and the occasional family with one or two (very well-behaved) kids who can spend their afternoons at the kid’s club. This is not a particularly family-focused offering—there’s one medium-sized pool and a few pool/hot tub options placed around the decks—but thanks to a small daycare option onboard there may be a few token kids around during the day. By night, the vibe is more adults-only, with rowdy singalongs at the Observation Deck champagne and piano bar, and sultry jazz vibes taking over the interior Living Room common space. Dining options also have a squarely adult feel, although they range in formality from casual light bites and bowls between pool sessions, to the 28-seat, reservations-required venue S.E.A., whose Mediterranean-inspired menu includes trademark dishes from the Michelin-starred restaurant Aqua, of the Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg in Germany.

Describe the cabins  All 149 cabins are suites with their own sea-facing balcony—no interior rooms here. Sizes range from 300-square-foot Terrace suites to 575-square-foot View suites, 600-square-foot two-story Lofts, and the crown jewel Owner’s Suite for over 1,000 square feet of luxury complete with a hot tub on the additional 635 square feet of terrace. The base level Terrace suites are spacious in themselves, with double vanities, a walk-in shower stocked with Dyptique toiletries, a tea and coffee bar, wine-stocked mini fridge, and six-by-ten-foot balconies—but upgrading to a Signature or Grand doesn’t hurt if you want some extra space in the form of a sitting area or bathtub.

Tell us about the crew   Evrima crew are about as seasoned as they come—Marriott vetted tens of thousands of industry veterans to select 250 staff, ranging from deck crew to your cabin’s personal butler (also called concierge), all of whom are dubbed the ship’s Ladies and Gentlemen. Personal concierges are unstuffy (it’s less white-glove butler service and more of a blazer-donning personal assistant) and can handle everything from dinner and shore-experience reservations to arranging the unpacking of your suitcase—all while you’re off enjoying the ship or a docking; a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Journeys app downloaded to your phone on arrival keeps them just a text message away at all time. Servers and deck crew are cordially chatty, full of recommendations, and can be one in the same at times—you may notice some swapping their daytime deck uniform for server’s clothes to pour your wine or bartend in the evenings. Impressively, there’s also an art curator onboard offering up tours of the ship’s sprawling collection.

But titles feel almost superfluous aboard Evrima , where everyone from the tender drivers to food and beverage leads will pause to actually get to know you, and recall your name and story (and even your drink order) throughout your stay to make the entire experience feel organic and warm. It’s almost like you’re spending the night in someone’s home (which just so happens to be a 624-foot mega yacht). There were some service issues on the inaugural sailing that I joined (no doubt the result of staffing and sourcing shortages) but each snag was met with a graceful recovery or some spell-binding experience that would make you forget. The personal feel of the ship lended to some truly magical moments; one spirited deck crew/dining server on my sailing hitting the Observation Deck lounge’s piano-bar stage to sing Adele one evening (after some fellow staff let slip she was an incredible singer) is one example that had the ship buzzing for days on end.

What food and drink options are available on board?  All meals and drinks (with some exceptions; see below) are included on Evrima . The ship’s six dining venues range in formality from the bow-nestled Pool House for light bites and breakfast, to the 28-seat, reservations-required tasting menu at S.E.A. created by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld of the Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg in Germany. In between there’s the elevated-casual Mistral for al fresco Mediterranean favorites like rack of lamb and seared scallops; the Evrima Room for white-table-cloth dining with wine pairings; and Talaat Nam for Thai-fusion and sushi options. There’s also the Living Room for pastries, coffee, and snacks (plus high tea once or so per sailing), in-suite dining all day long, and the Observation Deck champagne bar for drinks near the adjacent whiskey-stocked humidor.

S.E.A. is an add-on fee for the multi-course tasting menu (plus extra if you want wine pairings), but well worthwhile if you’re interested in experiencing the signature dishes of a Michelin-star restaurant to mix up the dining scenery on the ship—the plates are small tasting sizes, but come well-paced and along with a bread basket; the experience is slightly more laid back than most Michelin-star venues, and you’ll certainly be full by the conclusion. (There are also some wine and dining upgrades available at other dining spaces around the ship that cost extra, mostly in the high-end Evrima Room.)

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?   Evrima 's spa is a must-do thanks to its sprawling relaxation deck perfect for a post-treatment nap or hot tub soak with a fresh juice or champagne in hand—all while the picturesque shoreline goes by (Monaco was in view on my particular visit to the spa deck). As Ritz-Carlton already has the firepower of a beloved spa concept, the at-sea version of its signature massage delivers: Knowledgeable and experienced therapists who customize treatments to your needs, plus aromatherapy-forward techniques, ESPA products, and high-tech treatment rooms all had me feeling more like I was at a spa retreat rather than floating somewhere off the Cote d’Azur.

Activities and entertainment  The antidote to big cruises, Evrima has plenty of free time and overnight ports of call in its sailings so you can head ashore for a day, or even an entire evening late into the night—gallavanting, dining, and imbibing with new friends met aboard. And the replacement for shore excursions? Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's “shore experiences” with local guides leave plenty of free time for your own adventures (also for a fee), plus multi-day dockings encouraging passengers to step ashore on their own to explore the mainland by day or night. Onboard, live-music in communal bar areas await groups when they return to the ship in the evening.

If you're set on staying aboard however, there's plenty to do between the pool's loungers, scattered hot tubs, the marina terrace's water toys, five included restaurants (only S.E.A. costs extra), high tea in the Living Room on sea days, endless spa treatments plus the onboard salon (haircuts, man/pedis, and facials galore), morning yoga sessions on the bow, humidor for a scotch and cigar in the evenings, or—if you care to even bother—the state of the art gym complete with a trainer.

How was the experience for families?  The kids club is small and limited-use, but there for anyone with kids in tow—CEO Doug Prothero's own two kids tested out the program on the inaugural sailing in 2022 to make sure it has all the trappings little ones need: a play room and soft-play area, books, games, and in-house nannies borrowed from the staff when they're needed. This service is also an extra cost, with rates of $45 per three-hour window, per child.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?  Excursions on the Europe circuit include historic city-center tours, winery visits, and workshops like perfume-making and cooking classes. Ports of call can be surprisingly small, resulting in anchorings well offshore that mean guests take a small boat (called a tender) to port—which allows the relatively small vessel to reach areas most cruise ships can't, like quaint South of France villages and idyllic Caribbean ports. On sea days, enjoy programming like high tea and live entertainment while the shoreline whizzes by.

Anything we missed As someone who's prone to motion sickness (and was nervous about spending a few days aboard a small ship, accordingly) I had no issue thanks to the brisk speed of the brief morning sailings (the France route only sails for a few hours at a time during the day, and overnight) and mostly smooth water conditions. But it's wise to pack some non-drowsy motion sickness medicine for any rough sailings spent in the interior of the ship, especially if you're sensitive to vertigo.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking. There's no denying the 623-foot, 300-guest ship is still something of a playground—you could fit three mega yachts (which start at about 60 meters) on the length of Evrima . It’s perfect for those who dream of a Below Deck -style getaway with enough space to make new friends. But it still manages to feel special, especially in its quiet spaces and the moments between tiring yourself out ashore and getting a nightcap amid the Observation Deck’s rowdy piano bar singalongs.

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Cruiseclout score: 95.0, evrima: chic sailings on a superyacht from the ritz-carlton.

The 298-passenger Evrima launched in May 2022 as the first of three yacht-like ships that will start sailing for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

The company has positioned its ship as an ultra-luxury experience that takes guests to small, out-the-way enclaves like the island of Formentera in Spain, Saint-Malo in France and Mayreau in the Grenadines as well as more well-trod destinations. 

Ritz-Carlton calls the 298-guest craft a superyacht that's been “designed to fuse the spacious, residential feel of The Ritz-Carlton properties with the innovative design quality of the world’s most stylish yacht interiors.” Sailings will be “energizing yet relaxed, seamlessly weaving moments of serene repose and blissful indulgence into a journey of discovery.” And with one of the highest space-to-guest ratios of any cruise ship and nearly one crew member for every guest on board, the emphasis with be on personalized, sophisticated service. 

All accommodations are suites, and the small ship offers five different dining venues as well as around-the-clock in-room dining. Guests will also be treated to multiple high-end dining experiences, and the main lounge is home to a café serving freshly roasted coffee and pastries as well as a contemporary twist on afternoon tea.

Destination immersion is the main focus here. Evrima will offer itineraries beyond the Mediterranean and Caribbean and into Canada and New England, Northern Europe and elsewhere.

Who will enjoy a cruise on Evrima

The ship was designed for discerning luxury travelers who are looking for a customized and immersive experience that takes them to charming, off-the-beaten-track destinations. The company expects travelers who've stayed at a Ritz-Carlton to find themselves right at home on Evrima.

Where Evrima sails

Evrima sails to charming Mediterranean ports such as  Casablanca and Tangier, Morocco;  Malaga , Formentera, Ibiza , Mallorca and Menorca, Spain, as well as larger ports like  Barcelona . These destinations give you a sense of the kind of cultural immersion that's possible on small-ship Evrima. 

During fall and winter, Evrima sails 5- to 7-night itineraries out of Bridgetown ( Barbados ), Philipsburg ( St. Maarten ), San Juan , Panama City and Ft. Lauderdale . 

Fares begin at $5,200 per person. 

Ratings & awards

About Ratings & awards

A sailing on Evrima is all-inclusive. Your fare covers alcoholic beverages, onboard gratuities, Wi-Fi and meals at all restaurants except one: S.E.A. from a three-star Michelin chef. As we understand this, your fare does not include air fare, pre- or post-hotel accommodations, transfers, luggage handling, individual shore excursions or onboard spa treatments.

No buffet lines here! With five main restaurants available, guests can choose to dine in a casual, al fresco or sophisticated setting. Dining venues include:

The Evrima Room: The yacht's main restaurant was designed to balance privacy and social connection within a spacious setting. The menu will feature locally inspired creatins. Groups of up to 10 can reserve Dining Privée, a private space for a fully customized lunch or dinner. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Talaat Nam: The venue, whose name means water market or floating market in Thai, will serve creative small plate interpretations of Southeast Asian cuisine within a sleek, contemporary space of big ocean views.

S.E.A.: Three-star Michelin chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany, designed this intimate experience as a five-course culinary journey paired with fine wines and Champagne for 28 diners.

Mistral:  For al fresco dining, head to this venue, which offers a fresh seafood bar and steaks grilled to order for lunch and dinner. You'll find it aft on Deck 8, with sweeping views of sea and land.

The Pool House: Next to the main pool on Deck 5 is this casual eatery for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a variety of cuisines prepared à la minute.

The Marina Terrace: Open when the ship is anchored, this venue will feature handcrafted cocktails and light bites to nibble at the water’s edge.

Guest can also order in-suite dining from an all-day menu, featuring selections from every dining venue on board.

Each stateroom on Evrima is a suite with a private balcony. Terrace Suites and Mid Suites are 312 square feet and come furnished with modern amenities.

Terrace Suites include:

• Dedicated Personal Assistant (for all suite categories)
• Private terrace overlooking the ocean
• Luxury queen or twin bed sleep system
• Luxury bed and bath linens, and bath amenities
• Double vanity bathrooms
• Modern, sleek shower system
• 24-hour in-suite dining
• State of the art espresso machine, with complimentary coffees and teas
• In-suite refrigerator, stocked with complimentary craft beers, juices, soft drinks and water.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Larger suites include all of the above and more. Signature Suites are 474 square feet. A Grand Suite runs 635 square feet. A Loft Suite sleeps three and is 700 square feet. A View Suite is 571-624 square feet, and the sumptuous Owner's Suite is 1,098 square feet. 

Like others in its class — say,  SeaDream — the focus of the itineraries is on the destinations. On board you'll find a social gathering place and piano bar in The Living Room, an Observation Lounge to take in the sights at sea or in port and the Marinta Terrance for drinks and light bites. At times the Observation Lounge and Living Room will feature performances by in-house entertainment and local celebrity musicians.

Designed with spaciousness in mind, the ship offers open areas for guests to be able to lounge, meet with friends or enjoy a cocktail by the pool. Looking to relax?  Treat yourself to a restorative spa experience in the Spa Treatment Room, which offers the option of an outdoor spa area.

At the aft of the ship, the Marina features a multi-function platform that allows guests direct access to the water. Those looking to explore outside the yacht can use the kayaks and paddle boards at no extra charge. 

The ship has 10 decks, eight of them accessible to guests.

Port visits

Unlike larger ships, where you have to be back on board by 4 or 6 pm, the pace permits in-depth exploration of the villages and seaside towns, with itineraries that often include extended stays and overnights in port.

The name Evrima (pronounced EV-ruh-muh) comes from the Greek word for "discovery."

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

If you're interested in a cruise on Evrima, contact a  Cruiseable travel consultant at  1-877-322-3773  or  by email . We can usually offer a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.

JD Lasica I'm Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of Cruiseable. Follow your cruise bliss to any land where it may lead. Let's connect! I'm @jdlasica on Twitter.

Top highlights on this ship

• What: The Living Room
• Where: Deck 4

• What: Marina Terrace
• Where: Deck 3

• What: All-suite accommodations
• Where: Throughout ship

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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's First Ship Sets Sail in October — and We Got a Sneak Peek Inside

Evrima sets sail this fall on the Mediterranean Sea.

Two-story lofts, floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and high ceilings may sound like features of an ultra-luxe residence in a city like New York or London, but it is actually what awaits travelers that board Evrima , the first ship in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection . The hospitality company will make its long-anticipated debut into the yachting space this October when Evrima sets sail on its inaugural voyage in the Mediterranean.

The 623-foot-long Evrima will feature 149 spacious suites with a contemporary look reminiscent of The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Sunny Isles, Miami Beach, and Los Angeles. In addition to the sleek interiors, all suites will have higher ceilings resulting in expansive, light-filled guest rooms. And if you're traveling with family, you'll have the option to combine neighboring suites into larger, open-concept spaces. Signature Ritz-Carlton amenities such as king-size beds, double-vanity bathrooms, and luxury linens will make guests feel like they are checking into their favorite Ritz-Carlton property.

"Thoughtful, anticipatory, and genuine service is a hallmark of our brand and plays a vital role in translating The Ritz-Carlton experience to sea. It is also important to us that our guests feel at home when staying with us, so Evrima was designed to perfectly blend the lifestyle of one of our resorts with the casual freedom of a yachting holiday," Donna McNamara, vice president and global brand leader for The Ritz-Carlton, told Travel + Leisure .

The onboard experiences will be just as exclusive as the suites. Evrima's signature restaurant, S.E.A, led by acclaimed chef Sven Elverfeld will treat patrons to a European tasting menu in a sophisticated setting. The ship's facilities also include a tranquil spa where travelers can indulge in beauty and wellness treatments while enjoying the stunning ocean views.

New York City Is Getting a Brand-New Ritz-Carlton Hotel — and Bookings Just Went Live

Voyages will venture to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, and most journeys will be sail for seven to 10 days. Each itinerary includes a variety of shore excursions led by local guides. Experiences include truffle hunting in Croatia, exclusive tours of the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, and exploring the glamour of the French Riviera in a vintage car.

"The debut of Evrima signifies an incredibly exciting moment for The Ritz-Carlton brand. Over the past several years, we have been thoughtfully expanding and evolving our portfolio, continuing to create the type of exceptional experiences that the modern luxury traveler is seeking," McNamara said.

"An important element of that evolution is our brand extensions," McNamara continued. "With the launch of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, travelers will be able to experience the brand in an entirely new way. In fact, many of the bookings have come from those who are entirely new to the cruising space. I find this particularly exciting because it illustrates a desire for innovation and deep trust in the brand. The Ritz-Carlton has always led the way in luxury hospitality, and we are thrilled to be the first to offer luxury accommodations both on land and at sea."

The hospitality company recently announced that it is already working on two more superyachts with renowned French shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Ilma and Luminara , slated to set sail in 2024 and 2025, respectively, will each feature more than 200 suites with private terraces. London-based design studio AD Associates has teamed up with Finnish yacht stylist Aivan to work on both vessels' interior and exterior design. The yachts will also feature five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault, and a Ritz-Carlton Spa, among other facilities.

Prices for a room aboard Evrima may vary depending on the voyage, and the ship is also available for private charters. A seven-day Caribbean voyage aboard Evrima starts from $5,100 per person in a double-occupancy suite.

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The ultimate guide to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

• The 298-passenger Evrima — the first ship in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — set sail in October.
• The all-suite yacht offers six types of accommodations — all with balconies and 24/7 room service.
• Enjoy fine food aboard: A three-star Michelin chef designed some dining experiences.

In one of my favorite movies, "Almost Famous," fictional groupie Penny Lane opined that "It's all happening!" The rock band closest to her heart was finally making it big and she could not contain her glee. I felt that same sense of enthusiasm when The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection finally set sail on Oct. 15, 2022.

It's been a long time coming. The launch of the line was delayed for three years due to a variety of circumstances that included slowdowns at the shipyard , the pandemic and moving its first yacht to a new shipyard for completion. So it was a thrilling moment when its first ship, Evrima, welcomed guests in Barcelona on Saturday.

Way back in 2017, executives at The Ritz-Carlton announced the development of a line of brand-new yachts that would supposedly change the face of luxury cruising — at least for Marriott loyalists and anyone that prefers a small-ship experience.

Whether you're road-tripping or globetrotting, the suite life is always better. Download the free TPG App to upgrade your travel!

Evrima is the first superyacht in the Ritz trio. Ilma and Luminara will join it in the future.

Luxury travel fans that love small-ship sailing with a focus on "greatest hits" cruise destinations, suite-style accommodations and Michelin-level dining want to know if The Ritz-Carlton is worth the wait. Read on for a guide to this brand-new cruise line.

3 things TPG loves about The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

• The superyacht Evrima is intimate, accommodating 298 passengers.
• The aft Marina platform affords easy entry to the sea for swimming and nonmotorized water sports.
• An all-inclusive fare includes beverages, tips, all dining, Wi-Fi, a personal concierge and more.

What we could do without

• We wish the tie-in with Marriott Bonvoy's loyalty program was a bit more advantageous for elites. You need to be Marriott Titanium or higher to receive complimentary priority boarding and departure benefits. We'd love to see the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card add priority boarding as a benefit in the future.
• We'd also love to see some more unusual ports of call once the line hits its stride. For example, while Ritz's Athens (Piraeus), Greece round-trip itinerary with an overnight call on Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey plus Santoniri and Milos, Greece may entice new-to-cruisers, those who take several luxury cruises a year have probably already been to all of those ports of call — more than once or twice. (We know: first-world problems.)

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's fleet

At the inception of the cruise line, the company announced it would sail three identical yachts. While three yachts are still the plan — Ilma and Luminara are set to join Evrima in 2024 and 2025, respectively — the ships will not have the same design.

The line tapped Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, to build ships two and three, and Ilma and Luminara will be much larger than Evrima. They'll be 171 feet longer than their sister ship and measure 46,750 gross register tons compared with Evrima's roughly 24,000 gross register tons. Like Evrima, the second and third ships will be all-suite ships, but they will feature 228 suites instead of 149. Additionally, the next-generation ships will have a higher percentage of larger suites than Evrima.

According to the cruise line, it has an eye toward sustainability. In regards to Ilma and Luminara, it says "each vessel will be fitted with four dual-fuel engines and utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its main fuel source, significantly reducing emissions as compared to traditional practices. Additionally, the yachts will include advanced water treatment systems, an efficient heat recovery loop, LED lighting, and more, with the goal of minimizing environmental impact."

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has an option to order two additional yachts from the shipyard. It will be interesting to see if the line sticks to its three initial ships or expands to a five-ship fleet.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Destinations and itineraries

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has solved a problem I've had for a long time with the luxury cruise market: the length of the sailings offered. Often, luxury lines program incredible voyages of 14 or more nights. Sure, they sound wonderful and I'd love to go ahead and book them. But, my husband is a small business owner, and my job is busy too; it's hard for us to take two weeks or more of vacation at once. We prefer high-end vacations that are on the shorter side.

The Ritz yacht offers a nice mix of voyages that span four to 12 nights, making it much easier for working professionals to book them. But if you do have more time, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection can also accommodate you with back-to-back sailings. That makes it a snap to customize a longer sailing.

Evrima began its sailing career in October 2022 with plans for a series of five European itineraries before it is set to reposition to the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Bahamas for the winter.

The yacht's inaugural "warm weather" season offers five-, seven-, 10- and 12-night itineraries, including:

• Bridgetown, Barbados round trips.
• Bridgetown, Barbados to Philipsburg, St. Martin (and reverse).
• Philipsburg to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• San Juan round trip.
• San Juan to Bridgetown (and reverse).
• Bridgetown to Panama City, Panama.
• Panama City to San Jose (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica.
• San Jose round trip.
• San Jose to Fort Lauderdale.
• Fort Lauderdale round trip.

If you love transatlantic sailings, check out Evrima's 13-night April 14 itinerary that departs San Juan and arrives in Lisbon, Portugal with calls on Hamilton, Bermuda; Horta and Ponta Delgada in The Azores; plus nine sea days.

The ship then tours the Mediterranean through October 2023.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

You'll love this line if…

OK. You got us here. The line just started sailing and we haven't been on board just yet so we can't tell you exactly what you'll love about this line. But we can make some educated guesses based on The Ritz's track record, the marketing material we've seen so far and early reviews from other sailors.

The Ritz-Carlton brand is all about exemplary service. We expect this drive to deliver an authentic, above-average experience to find its way onto the yachts. The Ritz offers luxury but it's never stuffy or stodgy. Instead, the line and yacht offer modern and elegant decor (nothing fussy), personalized service and Michelin-star quality dining.

One of the appealing things about The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is its all-inclusive fares — something it will have in common with many luxury cruise lines.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fares include:

• ocean-view accommodations with a private balcony, which The Ritz calls a "terrace."
• a dedicated Personal Concierge.
• all dining at multiple restaurants as well as 24-hour in-suite room service.
• beverages (all nonalcoholic, bottled water, coffee and tea plus select wines and liquors) throughout the yacht and in your suite.
• onboard entertainment and enrichment.
• a marina-style platform with access to nonmotorized watersports while at anchor.
• onboard gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff. (You will need to tip for salon and spa services.)

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Cabins and suites

If you gravitate toward modern interior design with sleek surfaces, mixed textures and muted earth tones, you'll appreciate the suites aboard Evrima. (Each cabin type is referred to as a "suite" in The Ritz-Carlton yacht world even if it's not technically two or more rooms.)

The line tapped Tillberg Design of Sweden to envision its cabins. With a private yacht feel, akin to The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Florida's Sunny Isles Beach and Miami Beach, along with Los Angeles, the emphasis is on comfortable open-concept spaces and natural light.

Upon arrival at your suite, a chilled bottle of Moët et Chandon (Grande Marque Champagne, Brut Imperial, Non-Vintage, according to a publicist we spoke to) will greet you. Enjoy that out on your private balcony before getting to know the intricacies of your cabin. All suites offer a king-size bed with high-end Frette linens, digital flat-screen TV, a minibar stocked with your preferences (bottled water is Perrier) and an in-suite safe. Each suite has a Nespresso machine and a selection of complimentary specially roasted coffee and teas from Illy Cafè and Dammann Frères. If you want hypoallergenic pillows, those are available upon request.

The bathroom features a double vanity, luxury bath amenities, robes and slippers, a vanity mirror and a hair dryer.

You can order 24-hour room service. The All-Day Dining menu features influences from every dining venue on board and a Late-Night Dining menu will also be available.

Each suite is also assigned a personal concierge. According to Ritz-Carlton, this person "is your single onboard touchpoint to ensure a flawless, seamless journey from beginning to end."

Finally, the yacht also offers connecting and convertible suites for families and friends traveling together.

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship

Let's take a look at what the suites look like:

Terrace Suites

Entry-level cabins are called Terrace Suites. Ninety cabins in this category are 300 square feet with a 67-square-foot balcony. Two Terrace Suites are ADA-compliant (adhering to standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act).

Signature Suites

The next cabin category covers more floor space at 429 square feet and accommodates a king bed plus a convertible sleeper sofa. The balcony is 101 square feet. There are 27 Signature Suites and one is ADA-compliant.

Grand Suites

Are you the type that tends to overpack for a voyage? Then a Grand Suite — there are 14 of them on the ship — may be right for you since it offers dual walk-in closets. It also offers a king bed plus a convertible sleeper sofa. The suite interior is 587 square feet and the terrace is 108 square feet.

2-Story Loft Suites

The yacht's 611-square-foot, bi-level Loft Suites are interesting because they separate the living space (upstairs) from your sleeping quarters (downstairs). The plus is that you can enter the suite from hallways on both levels. The bathroom situation is also upgraded, with a double vanity master bathroom that includes a soaking tub and a separate shower (on the lower level) and a powder room on the upper level. Adding a bit of privacy, the convertible sleeper sofa in this stateroom is on the upper level that's otherwise devoted to living/dining space. The terrace is also on the upper level, at 76 square feet, and downstairs features a panoramic picture window for sea views. The yacht features 12 Loft Suites.

View Suites

At first blush on the deck plan, the four View Suites may seem similar to the Grand Suites. But, there's an important difference: floor-to-ceiling windows throughout that offer incredible views of the ocean and port. Suites 732 and 733 are 544 square feet with an 86-square-foot balcony while suites 734 and 735 are larger, at 574 square feet with a 97-square-foot balcony. This cabin category features a king bed and a convertible sleeper sofa.

Owner's Suites

The ship's two Owner's Suites, at 1,091 square feet, are larger than most Manhattan apartments. There are two nice things about this accommodation: a second full bath and a 592-square-foot balcony. The terrace is outfitted with upgrades such as outdoor furniture (a full sofa, two chairs, a coffee table, two loungers and two cocktail tables) and a dining table for four. The piece de resistance, however, is the private hot tub.

Inside, you'll find plenty of room to spread out with a dining table for six, a sitting area with four chairs and a table and a second sitting area with a loveseat, coffee table and two chairs. Beds includes a king bed and a convertible sleeper sofa. One more extra amenity is a pair of high-end binoculars for guest use.

Restaurants and dining

Even though the yachts will only host up to 298 passengers at full capacity, there are several distinct dining venues — including S.E.A, designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg in Germany.

All venues feature fresh, local ingredients while serving cuisine influenced by the destinations the yacht visits.

Related: The 9 best cruise ship steakhouses and steak-serving restaurants

The Evrima Room

While Ritz yachts won't have main dining rooms the way you're used to seeing them aboard mega-ships — huge cavernous venues that pack everyone in tight during meal service — The Evrima Room is the ship's main restaurant. Here, you can dine as a couple or join other travelers in an intimate and relaxed setting. The restaurant is on Deck 4, aft, and the menu will change with the seasons.

This is one of the most romantic spots on the ship. On Deck 8, aft, in front of the pool, this laidback venue was designed for a lunch under the sun or a romantic alfresco meal in the evening. The Mediterranean-style menu features the local catch, and you can order prime cuts of meat from the grill. You can enjoy drinks here, too, as you take in the beauty of the yacht.

Every ship needs a sushi bar, and you'll find one aboard Evrima on Deck 6 at Talaat Nam, which also offers a family-style table experience and outdoor dining with a view of the ship's wake. While we haven't yet seen the sushi menu, a passenger shared the dinner menu and it looks fantastic.

Starters include a Thai mango salad, chicken satay, Vietnamese-style spring rolls, hamachi, gyoza, beef tataki, red miso soup and edamame. Entrees are appealing and include beef rendang, chicken adobo, Thai prawn curry, Thai red curry, pancit noodles, ramen, chicken laksa and kimchee fried rice. Desserts include one of my favorite flavors: pandan. The leaves of this aromatic plant remind me of coconut and vanilla. That's presented in a custard delicacy. You can also order mango sticky rice or an almond sago avocado concoction with coconut ice cream.

The Pool House

When you want to enjoy a more relaxed meal, be it an early-risers breakfast, lunch or late-night nosh, The Pool House — on Deck 5 directly in front of the aft pool — will punch the ticket. Menu items are prepared a la minute in this open-air space.

Passengers on the first sailing reported a breakfast menu that ranged from challah French toast with berries and syrup to a garden frittata, lobster omelet with Hackleback caviar, breakfast tacos, bagels with lox, avocado toast and more. Coffee is by Illy and tea by Dammann Freres.

Lunchtime and afternoon "to share" items looked yummy, too: guacamole, fried calamari, blistered shishito peppers, sticky chicken wings, Peruvian ceviche, baked cauliflower and wild mushroom flatbread.

More substantial menu items included burgers, buttermilk fried chicken, lobster and shrimp rolls, beer-battered cod, steak sandwiches, roasted salmon BBQ baby back ribs and four interesting salads. Dessert is limited but includes ice cream, chocolate fudge brownies and creme brulee.

If you're a fan of chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, his three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, head to S.E.A., on Deck 6 where he's created a "specialty dining experience." In cruise lingo, that usually means it carries an extra surcharge and that is the case here. (We're reaching out to The Ritz to find out the exact cost, but a passenger reported it cost $625 for her and her boyfriend to dine there.) In terms of food, it's a "European tasting menu;" more details to come. Reservations are required.

The Living Room

Coffee drinkers and snackers need to memorize the location of The Living Room on Deck 4. It's a place to socialize or just sink into its comfy chairs to read a book from the library. Throughout the day and night, you can order freshly roasted coffees and espresso and pick up pastries and other treats.

The Marina Terrace

Just above the Marina, you'll find this spot that serves drinks and "light bites."

You'll no doubt spend plenty of time at The Bar. Kick-start each night of your voyage with a special cocktail or Champagne toast and stop by for a nightcap after dinner. Looking for something decadent? This lounge serves premium Champagnes paired with caviar.

In-suite dining

There is an All-Day Dining menu that can be served in your suite or on your balcony 24/7.

Entertainment and activities

Life aboard any yacht is naturally a bit more laid-back than the vibe you'll find on mega-ships that offer dozens of bars, a comedy club, Broadway-style productions, karaoke, casino games and more.

Theaters and shows

While there is no theater on board the ship, there are opportunities to enjoy live music. Initial reports from passengers indicate that evenings are a bit on the quiet side so far.

The Observation Lounge

As twilight descends, passengers seek out The Observation Lounge on Deck 10. With incredible sea views, it's the place to get to know your fellow passengers over a drink at sunset followed by late-night dancing.

As mentioned above, The Living Room does double duty. It's a library and coffee house during the day, but it morphs into a piano bar and dance hall at night. Enjoy live music here in the evening hours. It's expected to be the go-to cocktail lounge on the ship.

Other interior attractions and activities

Despite the ship's intimate stature, it offers the amenities you'd expect of a luxury cruise ship. You'll find a spa, fitness center, cigar bar and boutique. Here are more details.

Forward on Deck 9, The Spa — open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily — is quite well equipped for such a small ship. Here you'll find all manner of salon and beauty services as well as treatments ranging from deep muscle to hot stone massage.

The complete spa oasis includes a Relaxation Lounge and outdoor relaxation areas, including a hot tub all the way forward on that deck. There also are separate "Heat Experience" facilities — aroma steam rooms and dry saunas — for male and female passengers. They're in the changing areas. The spa provides lockers, robes, slippers, shower caps, towels and all the other accouterments you'd expect.

Treatment prices are similar to what you'd find on land. In the beauty salon, a shampoo and style starts at $80 for short hair, $90 for medium and $100 for long. A haircut and style are a bit more expensive, starting at $100 for short hair, $125 for medium and $140 for long hair. Hair straightening or curling (with no wash) is a bargain at $55. If you want a manicure, the 45-minute "Supreme" will set you back $95. For men, a beard trim starts at $35 while a shave starts at $75.

But it's the spa treatments most people get excited about. Aboard the yacht, there are several massage options, such as the 60-or 90-minute signature "Evrima" massage (starting at $255), where light to moderate pressure is paired with aromatherapy essential oils. Also available are deep muscle massages (starting at $205) and piedras calientes therapy treatments, which use warmed stones (starting at $275). After a day in port, you might want the hour-long black masque Leg Renewal Treatment ($130) that alleviates tired legs by reducing inflammation and encouraging enhanced circulation.

An array of facials are also available, including the 90-minute Ultimate Radiance and Renewal Facial ($320) that uses ESPA skincare-brand products.

If you plan to book several treatments, your best bet may be buying one of these packages:

If you didn't prebook a treatment before boarding, your personal concierge can assist you on board; otherwise, call or visit The Spa. A receptionist will explain the options and make your arrangements.

If you use Technogym equipment at home, you'll recognize the gear in the yacht's fitness center on Deck 9 near The Spa. You'll find treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, free weights and more.

In addition to the exercise equipment, you can also sign up for personal training sessions (30 minutes starting at $75), private yoga sessions (an hour starts at $100) and fitness consultations (starting at $275). The Gym is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Talk with The Spa to make reservations.

Guests can also take advantage of complimentary group exercise programs and presentations on such wellness topics as nutrition. Consult the onboard activity guide for more details.

Note that the gym can only be used by passengers who are 18 and older. Sixteen and 17-year-olds can use the facility when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (or upon filling out an authorized consent form).

The Humidor

Most luxury ships have a cigar bar, and Evirma is no different. The Humidor on Deck 10 offers premium cognac paired with hand-rolled cigars.

The Boutique

While you won't find a veritable shopping mall aboard Evrima in the style of Royal Caribbean's Royal Promenade, you will find The Boutique on Deck 4. The line promises leading luxury labels and artwork from local craftspeople.

Deck-top attractions

On Evrima, the deck attractions focus on the great outdoors. The aft Marina will wow anyone that loves watching the waves and jumping into the water to enjoy snorkeling or paddleboarding. Here's what you can expect on the deck of the Ritz-Carlton yachts.

While not on the top deck, The Marina is a standout feature of the yacht. It's on Deck 3 with direct access to the water. Here, you can borrow gear — like paddleboards, windsurf boards, kayaks, sailboats and snorkel equipment — for complimentary watersports. As with similar watersports platforms on other ships, the Marina will only open when weather conditions are right and local authorities permit its usage.

Even if you don't plan to get in the water, The Marina is an ideal spot to spend a sunny day. Multiple seating areas afford incredible views.

This deck is especially atmospheric at night with accent lighting that creates a beautiful blue glow.

Evrima has three pools. The main pool is on Deck 5, aft, near The Pool House restaurant.

A smaller pool is on Deck 8 near Mistral and the Ritz Kidz club.

A small, round pool — with a shade canopy — is located on Deck 9, forward, at The Spa Terrace.

Observation Terrace

The Observation Terrace is all the way forward on Deck 10, in front of the Observation Lounge. This is your perch for a bird's-eye view from the ship. Comfy seating areas abound where you can grab a drink and chat with newfound friends.

Children's programs

Where other cruise lines such as Viking and Virgin Voyages have barred children from their ships, Ritz-Carlton has no such limitations on its yachts. Children as young as 6 months can sail with the line.

The line purposely carved out space aboard each vessel for a Ritz-Kids club on Deck 8 aft. Children ages 4-12 are welcome to attend the programs in the club, which range from educational to arts and crafts. The program will be beefed up during the summer and holidays. There will be a nominal fee for each session.

While guests have access to Ritz-Kids, babysitting services are not offered.

A limited number of cribs are available upon request.

What to know before you go

Here are some big-picture details you should know before you cruise with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Dress codes

The line says it focuses on the "casual freedom of a yachting vacation," so you don't need to worry about packing formal wear. There are no formal nights on Ritz yachts. Passengers on the first sailing report that some gentlemen are wearing sportcoats in the evening while others aren't. Women are donning flowing palazzo pants and pretty blouses as well as cocktail dresses and sundresses.

Even so, when packing for your Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise, keep these two dress codes in mind:

Yacht Casual: At breakfast and lunch, shirts, shoes and bathing suit cover-ups are required unless you're at the pool. Then you can go barefoot and you don't need to cover up your swimsuit.

In the evening, put away the sleeveless T-shirts and bathing suits. Shirts and shoes are required throughout the yacht in the evening, even if you're sitting by the pool.

Yacht Sophisticated: If you plan to dine at chef Sven Elverfeld's specialty restaurant, collared shirts — though not required — are highly recommended.

Required documents

All passengers must bring aboard a passport that's valid at least six months after the voyage's disembarkation date. Visa requirements vary by destination, and it's up to you to determine what paperwork you need to sail. The line recommends that passengers coordinate visa requests with Pinnacle Travel Document Systems at 1-888-838-4867.

There is no need to tip the staff on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessels. A service charge — except for spa treatments and salon appointments — is included in the cruise fare. Of course, feel free to tip any crew member that goes above and beyond during your voyage.

Related: Cruise ship gratuity, service charge and tipping guide

Wi-Fi is included in the cruise fare. Early reports indicate that it's stable and some have even taken Zoom calls from their suites.

Carry-on drinks policy

You can bring wine aboard the yacht. However, there will be a $20 corkage fee if you enjoy it in a dining room. You can't bring liquor aboard.

Smoking policy

There is only one place to go on the ship if you want to smoke (and that includes e-cigarettes): The Humidor on Deck 10. You can't smoke anywhere else — not even on an open deck. If the smell of smoke is detected in your suite, you will be tagged with a $1,000 cleaning fee.

Pressing, laundry and dry-cleaning services are available upon request through in-suite services for an additional cost. A self-service Guest Launderette is located on Deck 9, where an iron, washer, dryer and detergent will be available at no additional cost.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

Suites have both 230v and 120v outlets plus USB charging capabilities.

The U.S. dollar is the official currency of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. When you board, you'll put down a credit card to which all of your onboard purchases will be charged.

Drinking age

According to the line's ticket contract, "Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served wine and beer, and at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer. When docked or anchored in U.S. ports, or within the U.S. territorial sea, guests must be at least 21 years old to be served any alcoholic beverage."

The loyalty program

You can earn and burn Marriott points on Evrima sailings.

The good news first: Marriott Bonvoy members earn 5 points per $1 spent on cruise fares as well as hotel packages at participating Marriott hotels booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

You'll also earn one elite night credit for each night you sail. Note that the passenger paying for the cruise will earn the points and elite night credits.

Now for the not-so-hot news: Redemption rates aren't terrific. Redeem 180,000 points for $1,000 off your cruise fare. You can then spend increments of 90,000 points to get an additional $500 off.

TPG values Marriott points at $0.84 each. That means we'd prefer to use 180,000 points for redemptions that would cost $1,512 or more in cash. The offer to use points on a sailing is below our preferred threshold.

However, sometimes RCYC will offer a more lucrative special promotion; for example, book select sailings and earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points in addition to what you'll earn per dollar paid on the cruise fare. Check the "Offers" tab of the line's website to check for deals like that.

If you are a Marriott elite, here's what you can expect onboard.

Related: The award traveler's guide to Marriott Bonvoy

What it costs

As you may imagine, you can't book a yacht experience on a shoestring budget, but there are some good values to be had during The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's first sailing season. For a luxury experience of this caliber, expect to pay about $700 to $900 per person per night for Caribbean sailings and from about $1,100-plus per person per night for Mediterranean itineraries.

Maybe this will change in the future, but the line's cruise fares aren't solo traveler-friendly. All suites carry a 200% single supplement (i.e., you will pay double the per-person rate based on double occupancy when you travel in a cabin alone).

Staterooms can accommodate third and fourth guests at a rate of 50% of the first and second berth rate. Those additional guests must be under 14. Note that a limited number of roll-away beds are available upon request.

You'll pay 25% of the first and second berth for infants and toddlers 6 months to 2 years old when reserved as the third berth in a suite. A parent or guardian who's 21 or older must accompany any child. Note that on voyages with three or more consecutive days at sea, the minimum age for children is one year. Children under the age of 5 cannot board the Zodiacs.

Related: 15 ways cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

How to book

At TPG, we recommend that travelers always use a travel agent that specializes in cruise travel to book their cruises. Using a knowledgeable travel agent won't cost you a penny, and it can provide many advantages. First and foremost, travel agents understand the nuances of each cruise line and ship and can recommend the best options for you, from which stateroom to select to the perfect itinerary. Travel agents also often get access to special reduced cruise fares or perks that can add a lot of value to your sailing. If something goes wrong, you've got an ally that can work directly with the cruise line on your behalf for a resolution.

If you don't use a travel agent, you can book directly through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Just give them a call or shoot them an email, and they will match you with an internal cruise adviser.

Or, you can book your voyage online. There are all sorts of online travel agents and discounters from which to choose.

You can even book a Ritz-Carlton yacht adventure through Delta's SkyMiles Cruises. For example, at press time, you can book a seven-night Central America voyage aboard Evrima for $5,400 per person. Bonuses include $1,000 in travel credits to get to/from the ship (that can be used on things such as an upgrade to first-class seats, a limo transfer and pier parking), and you can earn up to 10,000 SkyMiles.

No matter which method you use to book your voyage, maximize your credit card points when paying for the sailing by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which offers 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining.

And, of course, you may want to use the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card , Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card .

Related: 6 tips for booking your first cruise

Bottom line

Pairing The Ritz's long history in the luxury hospitality market with small-ship cruising is a big win for cruisers. The line's participation in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program further sets it apart from other lines that don't have a points partner in the hotel space. While the redemption rate isn't amazing, we still call it a win to be able to book a cruise with points.

More stories to help you plan your next cruise:

• Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly
• Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 7 best meals at sea
• The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler
• What to pack for your first cruise

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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Debuts Its First Ship, Evrima

Katie Seemann

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The luxury cruise industry has a new player with the debut of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. This new luxury yacht brand’s first ship, Evrima, set sail on October 15, 2022, on her first voyage.

Let’s take a look at the details of the new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and how it’s participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program.

Fans of the Ritz-Carlton brand will be excited to check out the new luxury yacht, Evrima , which made her debut sailing this month on a journey from Barcelona, Spain to Nice, France.

This 190-meter yacht can accommodate 298 passengers in 149 luxury suites. Every room has a private terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-sized bed, and double vanity. There are even some 2-story suites onboard for the ultimate in luxury at sea.

Guests will have unique dining options onboard Evrima, including locally-inspired dishes in The Evrima Room, a sushi bar called Talaat Nam, and S.E.A., a program designed by chef Sven Elverfeld   of Aqua, a 3-star Michelin restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg. The in-house jazz band and classical musicians are part of the onboard entertainment as are expert-led discussions, and additional partnerships with local artists and musicians.

You might think the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is just for adults, but it’s actually family-friendly. There’s a dedicated space on board for Ritz Kids, the kids’ club for 4-12-year-olds offering activities designed for young travelers with an emphasis on marine conservation.

The yacht’s small size allows her to navigate smaller and more unique ports than a larger cruise ship, offering guests an immersive experience worthy of the Ritz-Carlton name.

Bottom Line: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection debuted in October 2022, with the inaugural sailing of the brand’s first ship, Evrima.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program , which means guests can earn or redeem Marriott points for luxury cruises, and nights at sea count toward Marriott elite status .

Marriott members will earn 5 points per $1 spent on Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection sailings. Marriott points can be redeemed for discounts on sailing too. Your first 180,000 points will result in a $1,000 discount. After that, increments of 90,000 points can be redeemed for a $500 savings. That results in a value of 0.56 cents per point , which is less than the 0.7 value we assign to Marriott points.

Marriott elite members are also eligible for enhanced benefits based on their status tier including perks like:

• Marriott Bonvoy elite reception
• In-suite welcome gift
• Priority boarding
• Complimentary laundry

Hot Tip: Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points when you book a sailing by October 31, 2022, for select 2023 departures in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Panama.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first ship, Evrima, debuted on October 15, 2022. This new luxury cruise line will be sailing to popular destinations like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean and will offer guests an immersive experience through locally-inspired food and thoughtful shore excursions. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem Marriott points on Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection sailings.

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My Experience on the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima

• February 28, 2024
• 43 Comments

My review of the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection’s new luxury yacht, Evrima, and what you can expect. Plus 8 tips to help plan your luxury cruise adventure.

We recently returned from a 5-night Caribbean cruise with Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection .

Aboard the Evrima .

Can I tell you about it?

Oh good, because you know I’m dying to …

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Jim’s been following the launch of the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection for several years.

And last year he booked us on a 5-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Evrima .

Come along as I relive our amazing experience.

Evrima , the first yacht of the collection launched in 2022, is a 149 cabin, 298 passenger ship.

Excuse me, yacht.

One does not refer to the yacht as a boat or a ship.

Now that we’ve got that straight, let’s talk more about the Evrima yachting experience.

GETTING THERE

First things first, we had to make our way to San Juan Puerto Rico. We flew American Airlines from San Francisco through Miami to San Juan arriving the evening prior to departure. We checked into the La Concha Renaissance Hotel, recommended by Ritz Carlton, using Bonvoy points for our one-night stay.

The next morning we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on our balcony overlooking the ocean and made the easy transition to island time.

By noon we were in the hotel lobby being ushered into a waiting car to be whisk away to board the yacht at the Pan American Dock. The boarding process was a breeze and before we knew it we were making our way up the gangway, enjoying a welcome cocktail and exploring our suite.

Jim and I have very different approaches to settling into a new environment. While I sipped my welcome cocktail and took in the view, Jim set about getting a handle on the technology situation.

THE YACHT – EVRIMA

Evrima set sail in October 2022 under the direction of Captain Kevin Falconer of Scotland (currently residing in Kansas City, when not captaining the yacht.). The yacht has five restaurants, six lounges, at least two pools, a spa and fitness center, cigar humidor/smoking room, boutique and, when at anchor, a marina with kayaks, paddles boards and other water toys available to enjoy right off the back of the yacht. And so much more.

The main gathering spaces are The Living Room and The Observation Lounge. Both popular spots to enjoy morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and, of course, after dinner and late night drinks and music. There are four or five really great musicians onboard who played solo and together, as well as a DJ. We were well entertained.

The yacht is elegant and understated, but the vibe onboard is friendly and casual. The dress code is ‘yacht casual’ and three of the restaurants suggest ‘yacht sophisticated’ attire. Interpretations vary. Widely.

Yacht Journey is an onboard app for guests to keep track of their cruise itinerary, maps for navigating the yacht, onboard activities and events, shore excursions, spa appointments, etc. What it does not do is update dining reservations which are booked once onboard the yacht. The app only functions onboard when connected to the yacht’s wifi. The app leaves a lot to be desired, but not to worry, a good old fashioned bulletin is deposited in each suite during evening turndown service and everything you need to know about the next day’s adventures (except dining reservations which you need to keep track of yourself) can be found there.

Evrima doesn’t have a cruise director so to speak. Andrew Kim is the yacht’s General Manager, and there are many concierges always available by phone or in the Living Room gathering space to assist with anything you need.

We booked a Signature Suite located on the 6th deck, roughly mid-ship. I loved everything about it and would choose the exact same room again.

Nothing says welcome like a chilled bottle of French bubbles.

The suite has a long entry hall, small dining and sitting areas, a nice bedroom with good storage and fairly spacious outdoor terrace … we couldn’t ask for anything more. Oh, the bathroom was a nice surprise too … more about that in a bit.

All our clothes fit easily into the his and her closets with plenty of room to spare. We packed way too much and I shared everything I packed and wore here .

The entry hall contains lots of storage with hooks, shoe shelves, and a bench. As well as a desk space, espresso machine, a nice selection of coffee pods and teas, a mini-fridge, electric kettle, ice bucket, and coasters. All the things.

While the sitting and dining areas are nice to have and make the room feel more spacious, we spent very little time using them. The table functioned more as a drop zone, and buffet table for our morning breakfast tray. The sofa converts to a bed but I can’t imagine traveling with more than two people in this suite.

The terrace is spacious with a couple of chairs, small tables and one chaise lounge. I wish there were two chaises … I hogged ours and spent quite a bit of time on the terrace with my book. I read Anderson Cooper’s Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune over the course of the voyage.

The very best part of the room, the king size bed. The most comfortable bed ever. Ever. We slept like babies and we chatted with other guest who said the same thing. I took a peek at the mattress, it’s Matermoll. Upon further investigation it appears this is a brand specifically for cruise ships and yachts. I’m sure the Frette bedding added to the comfort level. Speaking of Frette, the yachts bathrobes are the softest and coziest I’ve ever experienced. Same goes for the towels … also Frette. Whatever the cost, they’re worth it.

While we’re on the topic of bathrobes and towels, the suite bathroom was a nice surprise. Double vanity, plenty of storage, rain head shower and separate, full-size bathtub. The water closet contains another sink … as well as a second door opening into the entry hall (think Jack & Jill) which I guess makes it a powder room. A nice feature if entertaining others in your suite. I also appreciated the lighted makeup mirror … there’s also a large, lighted pull-up mirror in the bedroom’s vanity.

Leave your hair dryer at home. There’s a hairdryer in the bathroom, in a drawer and plugged in behind so you can’t move it around. I was unable to book a blow-out in the salon mid-cruise so I brought my hair dryer brush along. Unfortunately, the plug is too large for the available outlets near mirrors in the suite, so I used the hairdryer provided and it was fine. My curling iron plugged in without any issues.

THE RESTAURANTS & LOUNGES

Let’s talk about the food. It’s very good. There are five restaurants on the yacht (but no main dining room like a traditional cruise). We enjoyed all the restaurants multiples times. Except for S.E.A. which I’ll talk more about later. Restaurant reservations are made after boarding the yacht. Do this immediately, especially if you’re particular about your dining time.

The Pool House – the most casual restaurant on the yacht overlooking the main pool. It offers breakfast, lunch, dinner at late night dining. The taco trio is delicious and my favorite thing on the menu … that I ordered on repeat. They have a really good burger too.

Mistral  – Mediterranean style cuisine, serving lunch and dinner.

Talaat Nam – serving southeast Asian food, Talaat Nam was our favorite restaurant for dinner. The spring rolls are amazing. Everyone on the yacht raved about them.  Hot tip – they’re available on the in-room dining menu too. Jim said their sushi was excellent.

The Evrima Room – the largest restaurant on the ship and has the feel of a main dining room. We had dinner here the first night, and it was very good, but it’s all indoor seating and we didn’t return. Had we been on a longer cruise we definitely would have gone back.

S.E.A. – is the only restaurant with an additional charge of $289 per person, plus wine pairings for a five-course European tasting menu designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Ritz Carlton’s three Michelin-star restaurant, Aqua. This is the only restaurant that offers advance (before departure) reservations.

The Living Room – The Living Room, on the main deck, serves as a community gathering spot and there are nibbles available throughout the day. This is really nice especially to grab something on your way back from an exhausting day onshore. Afternoon tea is served around 3:00pm and I recommend partaking at least once. And after dinner guests head here to socialize, play board games, listen to live music, dance and enjoy a nightcap.

The Observation Lounge – The Observation Lounge on the top deck is also a gathering spot with amazing views, but for whatever reason we spent more time in The Living Room.

The Bar – At the entrance to Mistral and Talaat Nam

Marina Terrace – on the third deck overlooking the marina  is the Marina Terrace that I never made it too. Jim got down there while we were anchored at Virgin Gorda. It’s hard to believe that on a relatively small ship there are many things I missed or didn’t have time to see … bottom line, it never gets boring.

The Humidor – On the top deck just before entering The Observation Lounge is the Humidor. Jim visited The Humidor a couple of times for a cigar and nightcap. I would have joined him just to be sociable, but cigar smoking (any kind of smoking) is only allowed inside the Humidor, and not on the adjacent deck. I didn’t want to get my clothes and hair all smokey.

In addition to the restaurants and lounges, in-suite dining is available 24/7. We opted for breakfast in our suite each morning and placed our breakfast card out before bed every night. Our breakfast always arrived right on time and we ate on our terrace.

All meals and beverages are included in the cruise fare, except S.E.A. There’s a standard wine and spirits menu which is wide ranging and quite good (so says Jim). In addition, specialty spirits and rarer wines are also available at an additional charge.

OUR ITINERARY

We chose a 5-night itinerary. Which is just the right amount of time for a cruise in my opinion. Any longer and I’d have to be carried off the ship in a food induced stupor.   Evrima’s itineraries vary from cruise to cruise both in duration and ports of call. The yacht traverses the Mediterranean and the Caribbean depending on time of year. And I believe they offer repositioning voyages. The yacht can also be chartered and the cruise after ours was an 8-day corporate charter. Crew members told us that the yacht has been chartered for weddings, family reunions and other events. How nice!

Ritz Carlton’s The Shore Collection offers a limited number of excursion options in most (not all) ports that can be booked about 30-days before sailing. Make sure to make you reservations right away because they fill up fast.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Our boarding time was 12:30pm so we weren’t able to spend any time exploring San Juan. I’ve visited San Juan in the past and highly recommend a pre or post cruise stay at one of the fabulous resorts on the island. The El Morro fortress in Old San Juan is not to be missed. I suppose we could have asked for a later boarding time, the ship didn’t depart until 7:00pm, and spent the day in San Juan but this was our first Ritz Carlton Yacht adventure so we went with the flow.

Our concierge led us to our suite where we took a quick tour and made our way to The Pool House for lunch. By the time we returned from lunch our luggage had arrived so we unpacked and set off again to explore the yacht.

A Welcome Aboard reception kicked off in the Observation Lounge. Champagne and other cocktails flowed and the Captain and ships officers circulated before scurrying back to the bridge. By 7:00pm we were seated for dinner in The Evrima Room as the ship got underway.

SANDY GROUND, ANGUILLA

We woke up the next morning at sea and enjoyed breakfast on our terrace before anchoring at Sandy Ground around noon.

The yacht’s daily bulletin suggested a couple of nearby destinations and restaurants and The Shore Collection offered excursions to Savi Beach or a snorkeling adventure (these are booked way in advance and most excursions were fully booked). The Marina was also open to guests wanting to snorkel, paddle board or use any of the other toys available off the back of the yacht. We opted to take the day as it came and took a tender ashore, wandered down the beach ending up at the Elvis Beach Bar. The Elvis is a total dive bar experience. Fabulous. We ordered ice cold beer, a couple of tequila shots and scored a couple of chaise lounges on the beach where we were happy to stay put for a couple of hours. We made our way back to the ship in the late afternoon in time to enjoy afternoon tea in The Living Room. A perfect first day.

GUSTAVIA, ST. BARTHELEMY (ST. BARTHS)

We opened our curtains on day two in Gustavia Harbor … and wowza! Jim said the harbor looked like an Oligarch convention in progress … the size of the yachts anchored around us was astounding. And looking toward the shore was the most charming Caribbean architecture … white buildings with red tile roofs surrounded by lush greenery. We were truly in paradise.

We booked a day at the Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa. One of two hotel-day pass options offered by The Shore Collection. The second group went to The Rosewood Le Guanahani which was pretty much next door. We compared notes once we were back on the yacht and it’s hard to say who had the more amazing experience.

While waiting to board our transportation to the hotels, we were all oh-my-gawding over the fabulousness that is the Gustavia port. This is not your average cruise port bustling with local vendors and tchotchke’s galore. No, this is a town full of hoity-toity designer boutiques … think Chanel, Dior, Cartier, Bulgaria, Hermes, Louis Vuitton. You get the idea. On our way to the hotels everyone plotted their plan of attack for our return. The yacht didn’t depart until 11:00pm, so we were free to book dinner reservations in town or shop to our hearts content. And many did exactly that. Later than night as we were enjoying a night cap in The Living Room we were highly entertained when a group of women traveling together (perhaps a birthday or bachlorette) stumbled off the last tender laden down with designer shopping bags and in very high spirits.

But back to the Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa . It was about a 30-minute drive to the other side of the island where we passed many more charming towns packed with high-end shops, restaurants and fabulous villas. We passed the Eden Rock St. Barths, owned by Pippa Middleton’s in-laws, and wondered why they weren’t offering day passes to the lowly Ritz Carlton cruise passengers. Anyway we arrived at the Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa and were ushered through the open air lobby to the infinity pool where we chose between umbrella covered chaises around the pool or on the Grand Cul de Sac beach. We opted for the beach and settled in for the day.

Our adventure included a leisurely 3-course lunch at Amis, the hotel’s French-Mediterranean restaurant. It was amazingly delicious and the bread was out of this world. Almost as good was the people watching at neighboring tables, guests parading up and down the beach, and table-side fashion show by the hotel’s boutique. We enjoyed seeing the French speaking servers traipse back and forth carrying magnums of chilled French rose. Jim wasn’t shy about waving them over to our table.

After lunch we took a walk down the beach and made our way back to our chaises before we reluctantly returned to the yacht. Before leaving we took a stroll through the Gypset La Boutique and Jim bought a fun shirt which he later regretted when he figured out he’d miscalculated the currency exchange. I was tempted by the cutest woven bag, but surprisingly I resisted. This is exactly how I want to spend everyday of vacation.

Here’s a page from Evrima’s St. Barths activity bulletin.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA 

Antigua is the only port (besides San Juan) where we docked and could walk on and off the yacht.

Two large scale cruise ships were also in port … not mega-ships, but we were dwarfed in comparison.

We wandered through the town and found our way up the hill to St. John’s Cathedral.

After touring the church and grounds we found a taxi to Casa Roots a beach bar and restaurant on Runaway Beach. We didn’t have a reservation which caused a moment of anxiety, but we were early and managed to snag one of the best tables in this totally enchanting location. I ordered a Painkiller, Jim a sparkling rose and we settled in for another delicious lunch.

Afterwards we took a few steps out onto the beach where the restaurant has a secondary bar and rows of chaise lounges. We wandered up and down the beach before returning to the yacht.

Back on board we headed to the spa for hot stone massages. Heavenly.

SPANISH TOWN, VIRGIN GORDA, BVI

Last stop, Virgin Gorda. We booked an excursion to the Virgin Gorda Beach Baths where we traversed the caves made by massive granite boulders forming ‘baths’ between two beautiful beaches. The seas were rough with red flags warnings so there was no swimming. Back on the yacht it was too rough for the Marina to open up. The Baths is a very popular destination and it was packed. Not exactly a tranquil experience.

Another downside, the tour concluded with a too sweet drink at a restaurant at the top of the hill and we were there way too long. Despite it all, we had fun and I’m glad we went.

The last night of a cruise can be somewhat of a shock when you’re asked to pack your bags and leave your luggage outside your suite by 11:00pm. We knew from past experiences that this is standard operating procedure, but wondered if it might be different on the yacht. Sadly it was not. So we packed our bags before heading off to dinner. After dinner we went to The Living Room for a fun night of music with all the musicians on board getting together to form a band. Then it was time to make our way back to the suite.  We pushed our luggage into the hallway at 11:00pm on the dot. It was the first time we’d seen many of our neighbors also out in the hallway suffering the indignity of this inhumane procedure.

SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO

Our vacation is over. What a rude awakening. No sleeping in, no room service … suites must be vacated by 8:00am. What?! We pushed the 8:00am deadline a bit and made it to The Living Room around 8:30am where we enjoyed our final croissants and pastries before disembarking. Everyone must be off the yacht by 9:30am. We headed down the gangway with 15 minutes to spare, claimed our luggage, found our car and were whisked back to where we started, La Concha Renaissance. The disembarking process was every bit as smooth and hassle free as boarding.

PRE & POST CRUISE

Ritz Carlton offers air and land packages both pre-and post cruise. San Juan is a wonderful city with a rich history and many places to explore. We would love to have extended our vacation by a few days, but it wasn’t in the cards.

Had we known we had to be off the ship by 9:30am we would have booked an earlier flight and headed straight to the airport. But we didn’t know so we arranged for a room at the La Concha Renaissance for the day using Marriott Bonvoy points. This is where we stayed the night before the cruise as recommended by Ritz Carlton. It’s an okay hotel but I would not recommend it for an extended stay. We arrived at the hotel before 10:00am, dropped luggage in our room, took a walk on the beach, and had lunch by the pool before heading to the airport.

What would we do differently? Well … not much other than book through a speciality travel agent who might have advised us about booking earlier flights, options for shore activities, and provided a clearer picture on what to expect onboard on onshore. Also providing us with a consistent and reliable point of contact. You don’t know what you don’t know and it would have been nice to have had an experienced source to guide us. And that is my number one tip:

• Book through a travel agent. Preferably a cruise specialist. Ritz Carlton’s booking services were frustrating and inconsistent. We were disappointed.
• Book air travel directly or through a trusted travel agent. Ritz Carlton’s air/land desk quoted us airfares at twice the rate we could purchase them directly. For the exact same flights.
• If your cruise departs from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Uber, and Lyft are readily available and significantly less expensive than Ritz Carlton arranged transfers. Significantly less.
• Start following the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Instagram account, and the Instagram account of Evrima’s 1st officer, Jack Ramsay . Jack offers glimpses into the yacht’s whereabouts and behind the scenes. Also follow hashtags like #ritzcarltonyachtcollection and #evrima to see what other passengers are saying, doing and wearing onboard.
• Book Shore Collection excursions, spa and salon appointments and S.E.A. reservations as soon as they are available. We received an email announcing that bookings were open about 30 days before sailing. Everything books up fast.
• Book dinner reservations early to get your choice of best tables. All restaurants open at 6:30pm, if you book between 6:30-7:00pm and show up 5 minutes early, you’re golden.
• If you’re not a Marriott Bonvoy member, consider becoming one so you can accrue points for your cruise. Being a member will also give you access to some additional benefits onboard.
• There is no ATM onboard, so bring some cash. U.S. currency is readily accepted in all the ports we visited. And we wanted to leave cash tips for our room stewards and a few others who went above and beyond during our voyage. Otherwise, tips are included in the fare and not expected, except in the spa and salon.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This was our first luxury cruise experience so we have nothing to compare it too. We’ve both been on larger ships, before we met, and one cruise together. That cruise was on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and we were accompanied by a posse of 10 kids ages 20 – 25 (Kyle, the nieces and one friend each). I thought it was great, so did the kids. Jim thought it was too darned big (although he seemed to be having a grand time).

The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection’s second yacht, Ilma , sets sail later this year. I believe they’re already taking reservations. Larger than Evrima , Ilma has a 456 guest capacity. A third yacht, Luminary, is expected to debut in 2025. You can learn more about Ritz Carlton’s Yacht Collection sailings here .

I asked Jim to share his thoughts … and favorite thing and he said …  ‘the humidor, obviously, but aside from that the trip exceeded my expectations in every way. From the size of the yacht that made it an intimate experience, never crowded, super low key, and great food, I loved the smaller, intimate feel of the yacht, favorite port St. Barths.’ He’s already looking for our next itinerary … maybe the Greek islands. Or back to the Caribbean?

So there you have it, a review of my Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection experience.

I’ll be back next week with part two of our Caribbean adventure …

Everything I and Wore on the Cruise

If you have questions, by all means drop them in the comments section.

Until then, cheers from Snowberry!

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what a fun trip and review Juliet! Rod and I are in desperate need for sun. Ironically we leave for Scotland/ Ireland in May with family ( not exactly a tropical destination).

Happy Leap Day

Oh my gosh, you’re going to have the best trip and maybe you’ll see some sun … and beautiful rainbows. I envy you … Scotland and Ireland are on my bucket list. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Can’t wait to hear all about your travels. xo

I really like your travel posts, pictures and little details. Your wit about other passengers dealing with the inhumane 11pm suitcase in hallway practice, funny! I like you two have fun together be it dive bar w cold beer and tequila shots or classy dinner. We’re more beach resorts vs cruising but the diversity of adventures is tempting.

Hi Carol, thanks for reading and appreciating my sarcasm. We’re totally beach resort people too and that’s why it’s been such a long time we considered a cruise. Jim’s been fascinated with Ritz Carlton’s small ship concept and I have to say, other than some booking frustrations, they’ve really pulled it off. I love unpacking once and letting my floating hotel room take me to many fabulous beach resort locations. And one of the great things about cruises is you don’t have to go tromping around on tours with the masses, you can go straight to one of the beautiful island resorts and spend the day lounging pool – or beach – side. Have an amazing day! xo

This morning we got an email about the Ritz Carlton Cruise Collection, and we also go the email with this overview. SO helpful! Thank you!! I can’t wait to see what you packed!

Hi Judy, Two RC emails this morning … could it be a sign?!!!! I hope so! xo

” Ritz Carlton’s booking services were frustrating and inconsistent. We were disappointed.” I had the same experience with Princess and canceled because of it. I kept giving them “one more chance” and they kept failing to meet basic expectations. I just felt like they did not care about the passengers. I am going to give Ritz yatch collection a serious consideration. The large ship did we were booked on, did not thrill me. To quote again “too darned big”. Thank you for your review, looking forward to reading more!

Hi Linda, I think booking through a travel agent, an experienced one, is key. It doesn’t cost anymore and the benefit it adds can really make or break a vacation experience. Once we were on the ship, the service was wonderful … everything about it was wonderful. So, I’m we persevered … but next time my first call will be to an experienced travel professional. Part two … coming next week. I hope. Ha! xo

Juliet, your trip looks amazing! I love all of the details and honesty about the service. Always good to know when booking a trip. I’ve only been on 2 cruises, one big ship(Caribbean)and one small in the Mediterranean and preferred the smaller one. Of course that could have been the location as well. Looking forward the the next post!

Good morning, Elizabeth … the size of the ship does make a difference. Although I love cruises, hard stop. This one was unique and special. And I’m so glad Jim talked me into it. xo

Well this sounds heavenly. I have never been remotely tempted by a cruise, but the greek isles! Great review!

Hi Cindy! I used to think the same thing. … then I took a cruise and changed my mind. The idea of unpacking only once, while my hotel room takes me to different and fabulous places was a key selling point. The Greek islands are too. Ha! xo

FABULOUS write up! I’m so happy I found you (have been following from your start:-) Looking forward to Part 2

Hi Sherry! Thank you so much for being here from the beginning. It means so much to me. I’d better get busy on part 2 and not drag my feet like I did with this on. Ha. Have a beautful day! xo

Looks like a fantastic trip. I’ve been on several cruises but they were the “big ship” cruises. Never done anything like this and it looks amazing!!! Your pictures are beautiful!! Thanks for the tips and tricks!! By the way, I read “Astor” and loved it!! I thought it was better than “Vanderbilt.” Have a blessed day!

Hi Robbin, I recently started Vanderbilt, and agree with you. As for the cruise, the difference between it and a big cruise was pretty amazing … lots of similarities too. Wishing you a beautiful day! xo

Hi Juliet, It sounds like you both had a swell time. You two know how to have fun together. You gave such detailed information I think you would be well suited as a travel agent. The views looked pretty and the food looked yummy. Look forward to what you have to share next. On a side note thank you so much for creating a much darker print to leave in the comment section. My eyes aren’t the best. Now I can see what I’m typing.

Hi Katherine, I’d love to be a travel agent but I think I’m too opinionated and bossy for that. I’d love all the freebie travel adventures though! Glad the comment section is working for you … keep those comments coming!!! xo

What a heavenly trip! Thanks for the vicarious sunny vacation!

Good morning, Molly … as I look out the window to another rainy day, I wish I was back in the islands! Thanks for stopping by. xo

I’ve been waiting for this post. The trip and yacht sound amazing!

Hi Leila … it was truly amazing! Thanks for checking in. xo

Juliet, I was looking forward to your review, since I researched this ship/yacht when you mentioned your upcoming trip. Some varied comments for sure. It looked like a very special itinerary. I am a fan of PONANT, a French line initially out of Brittany ( flying the Breton flag…stripes like the sweaters) . The Explorer ships, all fairly new with award winning interiors , have wonderful itineraries and only 92 cabins ,all with balconies, max 184 passengers. I do not like crowds, so perfect for me. On the three cruises I have enjoyed, there were less than 130 on board. The food, service and amenities are excellent. If booking early on , you can have a 25-30 % reduction. I went to the Caribbean, but I prefer sailing around Atlantic France and Great Britain. Because of the size of these smaller ships, one amazing perk is sailing under Tower Bridge on the Thames and tying up next to the HMS Belfast, a remaining warship opposite the Tower of London. Viking is way down the Thames , as are other ships. One itinerary that I’d like to choose sometime is sailing the Baltic from Stockholm across to the UK with stops in several ports in between. I love history, so this would be a good one, and know little about Denmark, Norway and Sweden. A funny story…a passenger packed up after the last dinner, got her suitcases collected at about 4:00 am while she slept. In the morning, after changing out of her nightie, she was horrified to find she’d neglected to leave out her clothes for that morning and leaving the ship! Ooops!

Hi Cath … oh my gosh, that’s too funny. Well, funny if you’re not the one left stranded without clothes. Oh no!!! PONANT is new to me, I’ll have to check it out and I’m going to forward your comment to Jim as he will be fascinated about these other options to explore. I always think of cruising as sort of a warm-weather resort style vacation … and I’ve never cruised in Europe but it certainly sounds appealing and a wonderful way to see many countries while moving around in high style. Thanks for all this great info. xo

I have to pick my jaw up off the floor. Looks so amazing. Thanks for the tour!

MA! You make me laugh. It was pretty cool. xo

What a wonderful post! Very informative! I will definitely look at that ship. We enjoy small ship cruises but are still very cautious.

Thanks, Kate. We really had a great time and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. Jim, who drove our decision to take this trip, can’t wait to do it again. xo

Juliet, I thoroughly enjoyed this post and all your details! I felt like I was on the trip with you , which I love. How awesome you got to see Saint Barts this way. The room on the ship look like a dream too. I like how it wasn’t crowded and you had different restaurants to go to. Sort of reminds me of Bora Bora. Thanks for all the tips at the end about booking with an agent and stuff. Max and I would’ve done the same as you and have no clue.

Now I’m looking forward to seeing what you packed you next!

Thanks, Kim … live and learn, right?! I know you’re not a cruise person, but this was very uncruise like … but still on a boat. Ha. That makes no sense. xo

I have been looking at the Ritz Carlton cruises- they look fabulous!! We have cruised with Seabourn-and did a 2 week cruise- it’s so great to not have to repack to go home , quite so quickly!! We just booked Silverseas to go to Alaska for Bob’s 70th!!! We are tying it into our time at the beach house, and was lucky to find a cruise that left out of Vancouver and met our time requirements!! Your vacation looked wonderful!! Currently pictures!

Marha! That sounds wonderful and to be able to go to and from Vancouver is great. Alaska will be so beautiful, and you’re right, the best part of a cruise is unpacking once and taking your hotel room to fabulous places. xo

That should have said cute pictures!

Thanks so much for taking us along! What a wonderful review!

Thanks, Leslie! xo

this was so helfpul, thank you, booked on Evrima for next week, based on my experience so far I am totally agreeing with you and appreciate the tips for the next steps!!

Oh my gosh, next week! Is that the last Caribbean cruise of the season? So excited for you … please keep me updated. Bon voyage! xo

Katie (Preppy Empty Nester) sent us here today and I’m so glad she did. What an experience!! I can feel the sunshine through your pictures and descriptions. Thank you for your advice at the end – those little tidbits are always so valuable and only something an “insider” can give.

Hello Jenni, Welcome! I adore Mrs. Katie Clooney and I’m so happy to have you here. Thank you for your kind words, the trip was amazing and I’ve heard from many others that they’re considering similar adventures. Are you planning any warm weather vacations soon?! xo

Fantastic, thorough review, Juliet!

We’ve sailed on Crystal (previous Hong Kong owner, not Abercrombie & Kent, the new owner), both ocean and river, and enjoyed those a lot. We sailed Viking river in France, which was a bit crowded and competitive for seating, so we will not do that again.

I wonder if RC is already thinking the smaller ship model of Evrima is less viable than 500 guests?

Hi Joan, you’ve certainly had a lot of luxury cruise experience. What fun! I think RC planned there three yachts from the beginning. I really liked the size of Evrima and would probably pick her again over the new slightly larger ships. xo

what a great review! can you suggest a travel agent to handle the booking?

Hi Robert, try You May be Wandering at sgtraveladvisors.com

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7 Facts About The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Sean O'Neill , Skift

January 30th, 2024 at 8:56 AM EST

Superyachts run by Marriott brand Ritz-Carlton are setting the pace in a new segment. If you're short on ideas for Valentine's Day, now's the time to drop a hint.

Sean O'Neill

• What distinguishes The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection from traditional luxury cruise liners?
• Can you provide details about the amenities and services offered on the Ilma?
• What are the potential destinations and itineraries for the Ilma's maiden voyage?

Select a question above or ask something else

• The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is expanding its fleet with new superyachts Ilma and Luminara.
• The luxury yachts offer high-end services, including all-inclusive dining and personalized staff ratios.
• Future plans include potential IPO, addressing environmental concerns, and expanding to Asia Pacific itineraries.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is expanding its fleet with the introduction of new superyachts like the Ilma and Luminara, following the success of its first ship, Evrima. These luxurious vessels offer high-end services and amenities, such as all-inclusive dining and personalized staff ratios. The collection aims to carve out a new $5 billion superyacht cruising market, facing competition from other luxury brands. Future plans include potential IPO discussions, addressing environmental concerns, and expanding to Asia Pacific itineraries.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection ‘s first ship, Evrima , saw sold-out bookings in its first summer at sea, so the brand’s executives are now discussing further fleet expansion.

The luxury brand will see the maiden voyage of its second ship, Ilma , in the second half of this year. Last month, it began taking reservations for its third ship, Luminara , which is set to sail in 2025.

Here are seven facts about The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

1. These superyachts aim to take service to a higher level than the standard luxury cruise liner.

• Sailings have typical fares of $21,000 a couple per weeklong journey in the high season.
• The so-called superyachts are, by definition, smaller than your typical ocean-going cruise ship. The Ilma , for instance, has only 224 suites. Sister ship Evrima is roughly two football fields long.
• Each suite is at least 1,000 square feet and has a private terrace.
• The Ilma will have a staff ratio of roughly one onboard employee for every guest.
• All meals are a la carte and complimentary. (There are no buffets at Ilma’s five restaurants, of course.) Moët & Chandon is free wherever you need it on this all-inclusive ship.
• While the ship’s costs are all-inclusive, even high-net-worth travelers face upsells and cross-sells. A children’s program offers activities for additional fees. The Ritz Spa includes treatments at extra cost, such as a facial treatment that somehow includes diamond dust.

2. Creating a new category of superyacht cruising worth $5 billion a year

So far, about half the passengers on Evrima have been taking a cruise for the first time. So the sector may not cannibalize the existing luxury cruise business — with players like Windstar , Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 7 , Silverseas’ Silver Endeavour , and Seabourne’s Venture .

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was the first to sea. However, it has competition in the emerging luxury yacht cruise segment it has pioneered.

Four Seasons, Aman Resorts (with Cruise Saudi), and Accor’s Orient Express have all recently taken steps to debut superyachts of their own.

Analysts estimate we’re seeing the creation of a $5 billion-a-year luxury yacht cruise market.

3. The second vessel, Ilma , will have its maiden voyage in September

The collection’s second ship, Ilma , will depart with its first 448 paying passengers on September 2, with a seven-night cruise from Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia (Rome). Fares start at $6,800 a person.

From there, Ilma will take a second week-long sailing to the Greek port of Piraeus.

It will seasonally switch between the Mediterranean and Caribbean, with select ports of call in Central America and South America, depending on the itinerary.

4. Executives are talking about an IPO for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Jim Murren , the former chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, became the CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in April. Murren has floated the idea of an initial public offering for the collection within a few years.

To credibly go public, the organization must generate enough cash flow and earnings to self-fund its fleet expansion.

Self-sufficiency is some years off. The current ownership structure includes Oaktree Capital Management (55%), Mohari Hospitality (30%), and Singapore (15%).

They’ve needed to seek financing in the debt market, such as for its recent and ongoing effort to raise hundreds of millions to add to its fleet of superyachts, Bloomberg reported.

5. Evrima’s review scores are up

As with any new hospitality launch, guests had constructive critiques about the services and amenities in the first voyages of the Evrima.

In recent months, the brand added 10 more staff people (and crew cabins) to improve service and added an improved internet connection for passengers via Elon Musk’s Starlink.

Guest satisfaction scores have been higher on its most recent sailings, as have its guest “intent to recommend” scores.

About one in eight passengers have booked a second trip so far, the company said.

6. Potential climate impact

The company hasn’t published sustainability data. But cruise ships can emit significant emissions.

An estimate by the Marine Program at the International Council on Clean Transportation  found that a typical U.S. cruise ship that sails 1,200 miles will emit roughly twice the number of greenhouse gases per passenger as a stay at a trip including a four-star U.S. hotel plus economy-class flights.

The company said the Evrima  intends to reduce emissions by operating on four dual-fuel engines with liquified natural gas, which generally have a lower impact than other options, and that the ship can be retrofitted when more sustainable fuel options become practical.

7. Plans are to add Asia Pacific itineraries as the fleet expands.

The world’s fastest-growing cruise market is in Asia Pacific. So it’s unsurprising that the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is considering stationing its upcoming fourth and fifth ships in Asian Pacific waters.

Executives recently said they may create multiple brands within the collection, with ships having different capabilities and themes.

They see the fleet reaching between eight and 10 yachts on the ocean by 2030.

All of the superyachts are also available for private charters, such as for corporate parties and retreats, award events, or birthday parties.

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Tags: cruise lines , future of lodging , luxury , marriott , ritz-carlton , yachts

Photo credit: Aerial drone view of guests dining on the marina terrace over water on the Evrima luxury yacht cruise ship. Source: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

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Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection debuts its first ship, Evrima

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is finally ready to debut its first ship. 

The 298-guest Evrima , originally due to debut in January 2020, is today (October 15) setting sail on her maiden voyage from Barcelona (Spain) to Nice/ Villefranche-sur-Mer (France) .

The superyacht will sail in the Americas (Central and South), the Caribbean, and Europe's Mediterranean Sea.

Evrima, which translates from Greek to "discovery," is expected to offer a menu of spa treatments and amenities like a sauna and steam room; watersports from the marina; and an infinity pool. 

Dining options include a specialty dining experience by Sven Elverfeld, head chef of Aqua, a restaurant at Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg in Germany. Aqua has 3 Michelin stars. 

Due to construction delays (shipbuilder's financial difficulties caused by the Coronavirus crisis), the vessel's delivery was first postponed for 6 months - from November 2020 to April 2021. Evrima's inauguration was rescheduled eight times - from 2020 (June 14) to 2021 (April 22, June 14, July 25, November 10) and 2022 (May 6th, June 25th, August 6th, and finally for October 15th). A total of 138 voyages (74x planned for 2020-2021 plus 64x planned for 2021-2022) were canceled.

Ritz-Carlton's  shipbuilder  is Astilleros Barreras Shipyard (Hijos de J. Barreras SA, with parent company Tropical Hoteles SA) in  Vigo Spain . The vessel's construction (yard/hull number 1705) officially started with the keel-laying ceremony held on January 11, 2018. 

On October 9, 2018, the vessel was launched (floated out from drydock) and moved to a shipyard pier for final outfitting. During the ceremony was also announced its initial name "Azora". In 2019, however, Ritz-Carlton decided to change the name and started to call the ship "Yacht 1". On October 14, 2019, was officially announced the vessel's new name "Evrima".

On March 20, 2021, the vessel (towed from Vigo) arrived at Astander Shipyard in  Santander  for exterior finishing (drydock works).

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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection unveils its first ship Evrima, ready to start sailing

The long-delayed debut of  The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , the new cruising arm of luxury hotel chain  Ritz-Carlton , will actually happen on Saturday, according to the company. Its first ship, the 298-passenger Evrima, is finally finished and will begin its first sailing. The brand even sent photos to prove it.

As the company promised when it announced the brand, the 10-deck-high vessel’s interiors have an elegant, residential look designed to appeal to Ritz-Carlton regulars. Among marquee spaces is the top-of-the-ship Observation Lounge, which offers views over the bow from curving, floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also an interior “living room” that will serve as a central gathering point on the ship, photos of which the brand did not provide.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima

The company didn’t provide images of the Owner’s Suites but offered a peek inside a Loft Suite and smaller Grand Suites and Signature Suites. The latter two categories of rooms still are large by cruise ship standards at 587 square feet and 427 square feet, respectively, not including balcony space. All of these suite categories offer living room space with spots for dining, as well as bedrooms.

There is a generous deck-top lounge space for sunbathing, including a back-of-the-ship area with a small pool on Deck 8 called the Mistral Terrace and a forward-looking area on Deck 9 called the Spa Terrace. The Mistral Terrace doubles as a venue for alfresco lunch and dinner, with a seafood bar and prime cuts of meat grilled to order. Another lounge space called the Marina Terrace is closer to the waterline at the ship’s rear-facing marina area.

In addition to a main restaurant called the Evrima Room, Evrima has four dining venues that, notably, include an a la carte restaurant designed by Sven Elverfeld of the three-Michelin-starred Aqua in The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg in Germany. There also is a spa on the vessel. The line didn’t provide images of the Elverfeld restaurant or the spa.

Evrima’s first sailing on Saturday will be a seven-night trip from Barcelona to Nice, France, that will include stops in Spain’s Balearic islands of Alcudia and Palma de Mallorca, plus an overnight in St. Tropez, France. The ship has been plagued by construction problems for years, resulting in a succession of eight delays that have pushed back its arrival by nearly three years. The company initially used a shipyard to build Evrima that had little experience constructing upscale vessels.

Evrima is just one of a number of relatively small, yachtlike cruise ships that are coming to market as hospitality brands see demand for intimate, high-end vessels. Emerald Cruises earlier this year unveiled its first yachtlike ocean cruise vessel, the 100-passenger Emerald Azzurra, after several years of only operating river ships. And just last month, luxury hotel chain Four Seasons announced plans to launch a yachtlike, 190-passenger cruise vessel by 2025.

Luxury cruise operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours also is in the midst of adding high-end, 228-passenger, yachtlike vessels. Rising 10 decks high and with capacity for nearly 300 passengers, Evrima is notably bigger than the vessels operated by these other brands, though it still has a yachtlike shape.

Evrima is just the first of several vessels that Ritz-Carlton plans for its new cruising arm. In March, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection announced that two more vessels for the brand would be built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard  in St. Nazaire, France — a shipyard with far more experience in cruise shipbuilding than the shipyard that initially built Evrima.

The two new Ritz-Carlton vessels, which will be bigger than Evrima, are scheduled to debut in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

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THROW OFF THE LINES AND STEP ABOARD.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection onboard features have been expertly designed to enlighten, enliven, and excite. Like the slower pace lifestyle of a superyacht, life on board is laid back and casual, with a sense of freedom and flexibility. Spaces are designed to embrace the natural surroundings, with walls of glass that flow seamlessly toward the sea and elegant yet comfortable décor. And thanks to a spectacular space ratio of more than 89 square feet per guest, there’s room to accommodate the luxuries of a boutique resort, including a full-service spa and a generous collection of aquatic recreational activities. Evenings can be enjoyed with cocktails and live music in the Living Room or late-night dancing in the Observation Lounge. A local celebrity may be on board for a specially curated performance. Or some may prefer to head for a club in town to take in the local scene. 

Immerse yourself in a life untethered aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s  luxury all-inclusive cruises . Discover standout luxury yacht features including a lounge, marina-style water sports, and the world-famous Ritz-Carlton onboard spa. Relax, unwind, and unplug among luxury cruise features that beckon guests to live elevated and unencumbered.  

MARINA AND MARINA TERRACE

Sitting right at the water’s edge, the Marina offers sun loungers and a generous choice of water toys. Like a private beach with seamless entry into the sea, it’s the go-to spot while at anchor. Just steps above, the Marina Terrace serves handcrafted cocktails and light bites with stunning views. 

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA®

Exceptional massages, facials, and a variety of locally inspired treatments await you within our serene onboard oasis. Enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment in one of five private rooms, or al fresco, paired with ocean views. Plus, a full-service Beauty Lounge, Gentleman’s Grooming Salon, as well as a sauna, steam room and quiet zones allow you to truly disconnect. Reservations required, additional fee applies.

An infinity oasis of blue is just steps away from The Pool House, where guests can enjoy all-day dining. Frozen treats, whirlpools to soak in, and refreshing water mistings pamper guests on the sun loungers and banquettes. A spacious venue for deck parties and open-air movies. 

THE FITNESS STUDIO

The Fitness Studio is home to a health and wellness program that integrates fitness and spa with lectures and nutrition that can be customized for each guest. From personal training to sunrise yoga and mat Pilates, each voyage has opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

THE LIVING ROOM

Bold shades of blue reflecting the sea provide a vibrant accent to the yacht’s gathering place, with its chic, comfortable furnishings and library with travel guides and best sellers. Diffused lighting transforms the space into a cocktail lounge with piano bar, dancing and live music later on, making The Living Room one of the most popular Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection onboard features.

THE BOUTIQUE

From exclusive sportswear and branded apparel to jewelry and leather goods, leading labels offer enticing options. In select ports, your shopping experience is further enhanced by bespoke collaborations with local artisans who come on board to showcase their offerings.

Entertainment and Enrichment

Like the yacht itself, entertainment and enrichment onboard are an intimate affair. Our in-house classical and jazz musicians will provide highly personal performances across the many venues onboard throughout each voyage. The yacht's leisurely pace offers the freedom and flexibility for our team to arrange fully immersive cultural experiences both onboard and ashore. From partnerships with the local arts and music communities to discussions led by renowned experts and lecturers, each experience is designed to stir the senses in an uncommonly profound way. Our commitment to immersive and enriching entertainment offerings sets our luxury cruise features apart from others.  

ONBOARD DRESS CODE

The dress code on board the yacht reflects the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton and casual freedom of a yachting vacation. During the day for breakfast and lunch, the dress code is Yacht Casual, wherein shirts, shoes, and bathing suit cover-ups are required when not at the pool. During the evening, for dinner, bathing suits and sleeveless t-shirts are not permitted, and shirts and shoes are required throughout the yacht. When dining in The Evrima Room, Talaat Nam and S.E.A. the dress code is Yacht Sophisticated — meaning collared shirts are not required, but highly recommended. Ball caps, hats, shorts, and flip-flops are not permitted during dinner service. There are no formal nights on board.

THE OBSERVATION LOUNGE

Top-deck views erase the borders between land and sea, an inspired setting for lounging, cocktails or socializing. At twilight, the space is transformed into a venue with cocktails and live entertainment, extending into a late-night hangout. Whether exploring on luxury repositioning cruises, luxury Baltic cruises, US-based cruises, or anything in between, The Observation Lounge is your vantage point for sightseeing anywhere at sea. 

Families exploring the world together are welcome aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. With its own dedicated space on board, Ritz Kids® is an educational and fun-filled program that encourages children to explore the world around them. Enhanced services will be available during holidays and summer months. 

THE HUMIDOR

Cap off your day with a premium cognac in this intimate lounge with its comfortable furnishings. An excellent selection of premium hand-rolled cigars is showcased in the state-of-the-art humidor.