The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: what it is, how it works, and what to expect in 2026
Luxury cruise guide · Updated 2026 · Ultra-luxury · All-suite · All-terrace · Hotel-branded · Marriott Bonvoy
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the most consequential hotel brand entry into luxury cruising since the segment took shape.
In February 2026, Ilma became the first cruise ship in history to receive a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, a distinction no vessel had ever earned in the guide’s 68-year history. That recognition says something important about what this collection is trying to do and, by most accounts, succeeding at.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the brand, its three-ship fleet, all-inclusive model, suite categories, dining with Sven Elverfeld, wellness programme, itineraries, Marriott Bonvoy integration, and how it compares to other options in 2026.
A brief history of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was announced in June 2017, when the Ritz-Carlton brand revealed plans for a private luxury cruise line with a three-ship fleet and a planned launch in 2019. The concept was straightforward in ambition if complex in execution: bring the Ritz-Carlton standard of service, design, and hospitality directly onto the water, without compromise or dilution.
An important detail worth understanding from the outset: the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is technically a licensing agreement rather than a direct Marriott venture. The cruise line is operated independently, not owned by Marriott International. The Ritz-Carlton name, brand standards, and Marriott Bonvoy integration are part of that licensing arrangement. In practice, the distinction matters less than the outcome: the product is genuine, the service standards are enforced, and the Bonvoy partnership functions as guests would expect.
Construction delays pushed the launch from 2019 through multiple postponements, with the first ship, Evrima, finally setting sail in 2022. Ilma followed in 2024, and Luminara in 2025, completing the initial fleet. The growth has been fast and deliberate, and the industry recognition has followed accordingly.
The fleet in 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection currently operates three ships. They share the same philosophical DNA but differ meaningfully in size and personality, and understanding those differences matters when choosing a voyage.
Evrima
Evrima is the founding vessel and the most intimate ship in the collection. At 25,400 gross tons and 624 feet in length, she carries just 149 suites and a maximum of 298 guests. The crew numbers 246, putting the ratio at approximately 1 crew member to 1.2 guests.
She was designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden with the explicit brief of creating a mega-yacht and cruise ship hybrid, deliberately described by the brand at launch as an “anti-cruise ship.” The result is a vessel with the atmosphere of a very refined private yacht: calm, unhurried, and socially intimate.
Evrima holds a Four-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide 2026.
Ilma
Ilma entered service in September 2024 and is the current flagship of the collection. At 46,750 gross tons and 791 feet, she carries 224 suites and up to 448 guests. She was built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, and is powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), making her the first ship in the fleet to operate on cleaner-burning fuel. Her design, by AD Associates, builds on the Evrima formula with more space, a wider dining programme, and expanded deck areas including 64 private cabanas across the outdoor pools.
Ilma received the Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide in February 2026, the first cruise ship in history to earn that distinction.
Luminara
Luminara is the newest and largest ship in the collection, entering service in July 2025. At 46,750 gross tons and 790 feet, she carries 226 suites and up to 452 guests. She is also LNG-powered and represents the most developed interpretation of the collection’s concept, with the largest suites in the fleet, the most extensive outdoor spaces, and an expanded restaurant programme. Her inaugural season covered the Mediterranean before transitioning to Asia-Pacific and Alaska in late 2025 and 2026.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet at a glance
Evrima: 298 guests, 149 suites, 624 feet, launched 2022, Forbes Four-Star
Ilma: 448 guests, 224 suites, 791 feet, launched 2024, LNG-powered, Forbes Five-Star
Luminara: 452 guests, 226 suites, 790 feet, launched 2025, LNG-powered
All three ships: all-suite, all-terrace, all-inclusive, Marriott Bonvoy integrated
Itinerary range: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, Asia-Pacific, Northern Europe, South Pacific
What all-inclusive means on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The all-inclusive model covers the essentials that define the daily experience on board. Every voyage includes the following regardless of suite category:
All dining across the included restaurants (all venues except the specialty S.E.A. restaurant)
Beverages throughout the yacht and in-suite, including select wines and spirits, Moët et Chandon champagne, Bombay Sapphire gin, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and bottled water
24-hour in-suite dining from the menus of all included restaurants
Unlimited Wi-Fi
Gratuities for housekeeping, dining, and bar staff (gratuities for spa and salon services are not included)
Watersports access from the marina platform: paddleboarding, kayaking, Seabobs, and electric foiling boards
Access to a Personal Concierge in all suite categories
Shore excursions are not included in the standard fare, a deliberate choice by the brand to allow guests to curate their own experiences ashore. The Concierge Ashore service can arrange everything from private tours and cooking classes with local chefs to tickets to private events. S.E.A., the collection’s signature fine dining experience, carries an additional charge on all ships.
One meaningful element of the all-inclusive model worth understanding: the beverage programme is genuinely comprehensive. Champagne by Moët et Chandon is part of the standard offering, as are spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening. There is no drink package to purchase, no running tab to manage, and no moment when a guest is asked to make a financial decision.
All suites, every guest, every terrace
Every accommodation across all three ships is a suite with an ocean view and a private outdoor terrace. There are no interior cabins, no windowless rooms, and no category without a private outdoor space. This is the foundational design commitment of the collection and one that distinguishes it immediately from most luxury cruise competitors.
Suites on Evrima
On Evrima, entry-level Terrace Suites offer approximately 300 square feet of interior space and between 54 and 81 square feet of private terrace. The Owner’s Suite sits at the top of the hierarchy with 1,091 square feet of interior space and 635 square feet of terrace. All suites feature spa-like double-vanity bathrooms, in-suite espresso machines, premium minibar, and 24-hour service from a dedicated suite attendant. Suite categories between entry and the Owner’s Suite include Terrace Suite Plus, Panoramic Suite, and Grand Suite configurations.
Suites on Ilma and Luminara
Ilma and Luminara are larger ships and carry a broader suite hierarchy, including two upper categories not available on Evrima. Entry-level suites on both ships start at approximately 310 to 350 square feet with private terrace. The upper categories on Ilma and Luminara reach up to 1,076 square feet, and several configurations can be connected to create multi-room Grand Suite arrangements. Forbes Travel Guide specifically highlighted the “suite ambassadors” on Ilma, noting their ability to handle everything from unpacking luggage to arranging bespoke reservations, as a key factor in the Five-Star rating.
All suites across the fleet include Frette bath robes, the brand’s signature bath amenities, in-suite espresso machines, and daily service from a dedicated attendant. The terrace in every category functions as a genuine outdoor living space with lounge furniture rather than a token balcony.
Service: the Ritz-Carlton standard translated to sea
The core service proposition of the collection is precisely what the name suggests: to deliver the Ritz-Carlton standard of personalised, anticipatory service in a maritime context. The crew-to-guest ratio supports this across all three ships, with approximately one crew member for every 1.2 guests.
In practice, this produces service that is recognisable to anyone who has stayed at a Ritz-Carlton or comparable luxury hotel property. Preferences are noted and remembered. Requests are handled without friction. The Personal Concierge in every suite category manages reservations, shore arrangements, and daily logistics. Suite ambassadors, particularly on Ilma and Luminara, handle the more intimate details of the suite experience.
The brand’s service training is grounded in the same standards that apply across Ritz-Carlton hotel properties worldwide, which gives it a consistency and depth that newer entrants to luxury cruising have not yet had time to develop. Approximately half of all guests on Evrima are first-time cruisers, many of them existing Ritz-Carlton hotel loyalists making their first voyage. The product is deliberately designed to feel continuous with the land-based experience they already trust.
Dress codes are kept relaxed. Daytime is Yacht Casual, with shirts and shoes required outside pool areas. Evenings move to Yacht Sophisticated, where bathing suits and sleeveless shirts are not permitted but formal attire is never required. There are no formal nights on any ship in the collection.
Dining: five experiences and Chef Sven Elverfeld
The dining programme across the fleet is built around five restaurants, of which four are included in the fare and one carries a supplemental charge.
The main restaurant (Evrima Room on Evrima)
The main dining venue is designed with intimate nooks and corners rather than as a single open space, creating a series of semi-private dining environments within a larger room. The menu changes daily and is built around regionally inspired cuisine that reflects the destinations currently on the itinerary. Fresh ingredients sourced from ports visited during the voyage are integrated into the daily menu.
The S.E.A. (Sven Elverfeld at the Collection)
S.E.A. is the collection’s signature fine dining experience and the only restaurant that carries an additional charge. It serves a seven-course European tasting menu designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld, holder of three Michelin stars for his restaurant Aqua at The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg in Germany. The setting is sophisticated and intimate, with a contemporary atmosphere. Reservations are required. For guests celebrating special occasions or seeking a pure fine dining event at sea, S.E.A. is the centrepiece.
Asian fusion restaurant (Talaat Nam on Evrima)
The Asian fusion restaurant offers creative interpretations of Southeast Asian cuisine, including a dedicated sushi bar, family-style sharing options, and al fresco dining. The menu draws on Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian traditions and pairs well with the sake and Asian spirits programme.
Mistral and poolside dining
The al fresco restaurant at the pool deck offers a more casual setting for lunch and dinner, with a seafood bar featuring fresh local catches and prime cuts from the grill. The atmosphere is relaxed and sunlit, and it serves as one of the most social spaces on the ship during the day.
In-suite dining
In-suite dining is available 24 hours a day, with the full menus of all included restaurants available during regular service hours and a dedicated 24-hour menu for off-hours requests. The terrace in every suite functions as a private dining space with lounge furniture, and many guests choose to take breakfast or late-night meals outdoors.
On Ilma and Luminara, the dining programme is expanded further, with culinary concepts developed in collaboration with chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina alongside Elverfeld’s S.E.A. restaurant. Multiple bars and lounges, including a dedicated wine vault, complement the food programme across both ships.
The marina: a direct connection to the sea
One of the most distinctive features of the collection, shared across all three ships, is the aft marina platform. This retractable deck lowers to sea level at anchorage and provides direct access to the water without needing to transfer to a tender or go ashore. From the marina, guests can kayak, paddleboard, use Seabobs, or try electric foiling boards, all included in the fare.
On Ilma and Luminara, the marina has been expanded with a mezzanine feature that creates a more generous deck area at the water level. The marina also serves as a social gathering point during anchorage days, with the Marina Terrace functioning as an informal bar and lounge space directly above the water.
Wellness: the Ritz-Carlton Spa
Each ship in the collection carries a full Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering a range of treatments drawing on partnerships with ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi. Treatment rooms vary by ship, with Ilma featuring both indoor and outdoor rooms. A thermal suite, sauna, steam room, and beauty lounge for hair and nail services are standard across the fleet.
The fitness centre is equipped with Technogym equipment on all ships, including Pilates reformers, cardio machines, and free weights. Fitness classes and personal training sessions are available throughout the voyage. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is not included in the standard fare; treatments are booked and charged separately, consistent with the brand’s hotel properties.
Itineraries and the collection’s approach to ports
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection operates a seasonal deployment that broadly follows the same logic as other luxury lines, with European summers and Caribbean winters, but the specific port selection is one of the brand’s most meaningful differentiators.
Because the ships are smaller than most luxury cruise vessels, they can access harbours that are simply unavailable to larger ships: boutique Mediterranean anchorages, smaller island ports in the Caribbean, and intimate coastal stops in Northern Europe and Alaska. The 2026 summer season on Evrima and Ilma covers over 90 ports across more than 20 countries, with highlights including six new ports: Naxos in Greece, Opatija in Croatia, A Coruña in Spain, London, Waterford in Ireland, and Turku in Finland.
Select sailings include exclusive shore events arranged specifically for guests: private beach soirées at clubs in Ibiza, Mykonos, Santorini, and Saint-Tropez, and privileged access to private venues across Europe. These events, called Destination Experiences, are curated by the brand in partnership with local operators and are available to a limited number of guests per sailing.
Luminara’s deployment in 2026 takes the collection into Alaska and Asia for the first time at scale, with 13 Alaskan voyages visiting 11 ports including Juneau, Sitka, Valdez, and the Hubbard Glacier, and an Asia-Pacific programme covering Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Most voyages range from 5 to 11 nights, with the brand placing strong emphasis on overnight port stays that allow genuine immersion in each destination rather than the compressed one-day visits common on larger ships.
Marriott Bonvoy integration
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s integration with Marriott Bonvoy is one of the most practical aspects of the product for existing Marriott loyalists and a meaningful point of differentiation from competing hotel-branded cruise lines.
Members of Marriott Bonvoy earn 5 points per dollar spent on cruise fares. Every night aboard counts as one elite night credit toward Bonvoy tier status, and spending counts toward the annual thresholds for Ambassador Elite status. Points can be redeemed toward cruise fares: 180,000 points provide a $1,000 saving, with further savings of $500 available for every increment of 90,000 points thereafter.
Elite members receive an invitation to an onboard elite reception, and higher-tier members receive additional recognition benefits tailored to the yacht environment rather than the standard hotel perks. The integration functions smoothly in practice: points post within days of disembarkation, and the reservation system accepts Bonvoy numbers in the same way as a hotel booking.
For guests already accumulating significant Bonvoy balances through hotel stays and co-branded credit cards, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection represents a genuinely interesting redemption option that did not exist before 2022.
How The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection compares to other luxury cruise lines
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Best for: Hotel-standard service, brand familiarity, and Marriott Bonvoy integration
The only Forbes Five-Star-rated cruise ship in history (Ilma, 2026). Small ships with intimate atmosphere, all-terrace suites, Sven Elverfeld dining, and seamless integration with the world’s largest hotel loyalty programme.
Seabourn
Best for: Intimacy and culinary partnership
Even smaller ships (264 to 600 guests), a longer track record (founded 1986), Thomas Keller dining included in the fare with no supplement, and a well-developed expedition programme with submarines. The most established brand in the ultra-luxury segment.
Explora Journeys
Best for: Contemporary design and wellness
Newer ships (922 guests), a stronger onboard wellness programme with thermal suite access included in the fare, nine culinary experiences with eight included, and a fresh European hotel aesthetic. A very similar positioning to Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection but without the hotel brand loyalty integration.
Silversea
Best for: Expedition range and destination depth
The broadest expedition fleet in ultra-luxury cruising, S.A.L.T. culinary programme, and the most comprehensive polar and remote destination coverage. Larger ships on the ocean fleet than Ritz-Carlton.
Four Seasons Yachts
Best for: The ultimate in space and per-guest investment
Launched in 2025, Four Seasons Yachts carries only 95 suites with entry suites starting at 473 square feet. No cover charge anywhere. Positioned a clear step above Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in terms of space per guest and per-suite investment. Correspondingly higher price.
Who The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is best suited for
The collection works best for a specific kind of traveller, and understanding that fit matters before booking.
Ritz-Carlton and luxury hotel loyalists looking for a maritime experience that feels continuous with the land-based hospitality they already trust
Marriott Bonvoy members with significant points balances who want a fresh and high-value redemption option
First-time luxury cruisers who may feel more comfortable boarding a known hotel brand than an unfamiliar cruise line
Guests who value intimate ships, uncrowded spaces, and a social atmosphere free of the scale of mainstream cruising
Couples and solo travellers drawn to the marina lifestyle, boutique port access, and the Sven Elverfeld fine dining experience
Those who want all-inclusive coverage without formal nights, dress codes, or the structured entertainment of traditional cruise lines
The collection is less suited to travellers seeking a well-developed expedition programme, polar itineraries, the deepest all-inclusive model in the market, or a brand with four decades of consistency behind it. It is also worth noting that shore excursions are not included, which is a meaningful distinction compared to Regent Seven Seas.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection truly all-inclusive?
Yes, to a substantial degree. The fare covers all dining across the included restaurants, beverages throughout the ship including champagne and spirits, 24-hour in-suite dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities for dining and housekeeping staff, and watersports from the marina. The S.E.A. specialty restaurant by Chef Sven Elverfeld carries an additional charge, as do spa treatments. Shore excursions are not included.
Are there standard cabins on Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection ships?
No. Every accommodation across all three ships is a suite with an ocean view and a private outdoor terrace. There are no interior cabins and no categories without a private terrace. Entry-level Terrace Suites start at approximately 300 square feet on Evrima and 310 to 350 square feet on Ilma and Luminara.
What is S.E.A. by Chef Sven Elverfeld?
S.E.A. stands for Sven Elverfeld at the Collection and is the signature fine dining restaurant available on all three ships. It presents a seven-course European tasting menu designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld, who holds three Michelin stars for his restaurant Aqua at The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg. Reservations are required and an additional charge applies.
What does the Forbes Five-Star rating mean for Ilma?
In February 2026, Ilma received the first Five-Star rating ever awarded to a cruise ship by Forbes Travel Guide in the guide’s 68-year history. Forbes evaluators specifically cited the level of personalised service, including the suite ambassador programme, as the defining factor. Evrima holds a Four-Star rating. Luminara had not yet been evaluated at the time of this guide’s publication.
Does The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection integrate with Marriott Bonvoy?
Yes. Guests earn 5 Bonvoy points per dollar spent on cruise fares, earn one elite night credit per night onboard, and can redeem points toward the cost of a voyage (180,000 points saves $1,000, with additional savings of $500 for every 90,000 points thereafter). Elite members receive an onboard elite reception and tier-appropriate recognition benefits.
Who owns The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
The collection operates under a licensing agreement with the Ritz-Carlton brand (a subsidiary of Marriott International). The cruise line itself is independently operated, not owned by Marriott. The agreement covers brand standards, the Ritz-Carlton name, and the Bonvoy loyalty integration.
How does The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection compare to Four Seasons Yachts?
Four Seasons Yachts, launched in 2025, carries only 95 suites with entry suites starting at 473 square feet and no cover charges anywhere on board, including its specialty restaurants. It is positioned a clear step above Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in per-guest space and per-suite investment, and is priced accordingly. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers broader itinerary access, three ships at varying price points, and the Bonvoy loyalty integration that Four Seasons does not have.
What makes Ritz-Carlton different from Seabourn?
Seabourn has been operating since 1988 and has built one of the most refined service cultures in the cruise industry over nearly four decades. It offers smaller ships than Ilma and Luminara (264 to 600 guests), a Thomas Keller dining partnership with no supplement, a full polar expedition programme with submarines, and the Seabourn Club loyalty programme. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brings the hotel brand familiarity that Seabourn does not have, the Bonvoy integration, and the Forbes Five-Star validation of Ilma. The choice often comes down to whether existing hotel loyalty and brand familiarity matter as much as cruise heritage and expedition capability.
Every traveller’s ideal voyage looks different depending on the ship, the itinerary, and what they are hoping to experience. I help clients navigate those questions, from choosing between Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara, to selecting the right suite category, to understanding how to use Bonvoy points most effectively toward a booking.
If you are curious about pricing, current availability, or whether The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the right fit for you, I would be glad to talk it through.
Yvan Junior Blanchette
Travel & Cruise Specialist
ÆRIA Voyages📩 yvanblanchette@aeriavoyages.com
📞 1-888-460-3388
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