Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton’s Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage
Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Years in the Making
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has been years in the making, with luxury cruise enthusiasts eagerly anticipating its launch since the company first announced plans back in 2017. For a brand synonymous with premium accommodations and impeccable service, the move into the world of superyachts is a natural extension of the Ritz-Carlton experience. However, creating a seamless integration between land and sea has been no easy feat.
Meticulous planning and coordination have gone into designing spaces, curating itineraries and building the team to bring this ambitious project to life. While delays from the global pandemic pushed back the original 2020 launch, Ritz-Carlton has taken the time to perfect every detail.
Constructed at the Hijos de J. Barreras shipyard in Vigo, Spain, the first of three identical 623-foot superyachts has finally set sail. Evrima, meaning "discovery" in Greek, has emerged as a uniquely luxurious way to explore the farthest corners of the globe.
For avid cruisers who have always dreamed of having a personal yacht, the small capacity of just 298 guests across 149 suites makes this more akin to having your own private vessel. There's an intimacy and exclusivity that simply can't be matched on traditional cruise ships housing thousands.
Destination immersion is central to the Evrima experience as well, with remote bays, secluded beaches and less-traveled ports on the itinerary. Comfort takes priority too - stabilizers and dynamic positioning systems allow for smooth sailing in all conditions. This enables easy access to locations larger ships can't reach.
While iconic Ritz-Carlton resorts dot the shores of destinations worldwide, Evrima brings the brand's legendary service to the open waters. Michelin-starred dining, luxurious spa treatments, personalized attention and bespoke excursions fully deliver on the promise of leisure and adventure.
For loyalists who wouldn't dream of staying anywhere but a Ritz-Carlton property on land, Evrima effectively doubles their options. Now they can enjoy the excellent hospitality whether waking up to a sweeping ocean vista or the glittering city skyline.
It's a way to fully immerse in destinations only accessible by sea while still enjoying the comforts of a Ritz. From the Mediterranean and Caribbean to Arctic and Pacific, Evrima's itineraries will bring the brand to new frontiers.
Though rates starting at $6,400 per person per week put it well out of reach for most, that asking price reflects the sheer extravagance on offer. Not only are all excursions and dining included, but guests can also personalize everything from spa treatments to private dinners.
What else is in this post?
- Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Years in the Making
- Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - First of Three Planned Yachts
- Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Spacious Staterooms and Suites
- Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Impeccable Service Onboard
- Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Water Toys and Tenders Galore
- Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Iconic Ritz-Carlton Experiences at Sea
- Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Around the World Itineraries
- Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Price Tag to Match the Luxury
Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - First of Three Planned Yachts
As the inaugural vessel in Ritz-Carlton's new yacht collection, Evrima paves the way for further expansion of the fleet over the next few years. Two sister ships are set to join Evrima, broadening capacity and itinerary options.
Scheduled to launch in 2024, the second yacht will have the same general specifications as Evrima but more extensive wellness amenities. Take relaxation to new levels with a spa spread over two floors, offering marine-inspired therapies and expanded treatment rooms. More outdoor lounge areas provide space to unwind in the fresh sea air.
The third Ritz-Carlton yacht coming in 2025 takes luxury to the extreme, catering to just 104 guests. Penthouses boast over 5,100 square feet of living space, making it truly like having your own private residence at sea. These one-of-a-kind accommodations feature large outdoor decks with infinity pools overlooking the ocean. You'll feel like a billionaire jetsetter.
While each yacht has its own flair, the core of the Ritz-Carlton experience remains constant throughout the fleet. As the first ship, Evrima pilots this extension of the revered hotel brand's service standards and attention to detail onto the high seas. Crew members refine service rituals and teamwork, creating a seamless guest experience that defines the Ritz-Carlton cruising philosophy. Subsequent ships build on this foundation.
The staggered launch plan enables Ritz-Carlton to absorb demand in phases rather than flooding the luxury yacht scene all at once. Early reviews from Evrima's first sailings provide valuable feedback to keep enhancing the product. Lessons learned shape plans for the future sister ships.
Having three small ships in the fleet also provides more destinations to choose from. Multiple yachts sailing various itineraries means greater coverage to exotic locales worldwide. You could easily find a cruise matching your own bucket list dreams of faraway lands. The identical yacht design creates consistency too - become an instant regular, feeling at home onboard whichever Ritz-Carlton vessel you step foot on.
Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Where the typical cruise ship squeezes in as many cramped rooms as possible, Evrima focuses on spacious luxury. The 149 suites range from a generous 312 square feet up to an extraordinary 4,443 square feet for the Regent Suite. There's an open, airy layout even to the standard Veranda Suites thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and walk-out verandas.
Guests rave about the abundant living space, especially compared to luxury ocean liner rooms in a similar price bracket. One couple who chartered private yachts for years before trying Evrima said the bathrooms alone were bigger than some entire state rooms on competitive ships. There's no jam-packed, closed-in feeling here.
Ritz-Carlton designed the suites with relaxation and comfort as the priority. Plush king beds with feather duvets promise blissful sleep, while marble-clad bathrooms host deep soaking tubs. Most suites feature double vanities - no jostling for mirror space here.
When it's time to unwind after a day of adventure ashore, your living room hosts panoramic ocean views. Curl up on the couch with a good book from the library as the sound of the sea soothes your senses. Sliding doors to the private veranda let in fresh sea breezes. With expansive outdoor space, you may end up spending more time on your veranda than in your suite.
Dining al fresco as you watch the sunset over the waves heightens the sense you have your own secluded retreat. There's plenty of room for lounging outdoors on chaise lounges too. One guest said it was like having a private boutique hotel veranda in every port.
Those craving next-level luxury can reserve one of the Evrima suites with transcendent oceanfront infinity plunge pools. Emerging from the bath immersed in warm seawater as you take in boundless ocean views is an incredible experience only suites like the Grand Suite can provide. The two-story Ritz-Carlton Suite takes it to the ultimate level with a private jacuzzi, gym, grand piano and media room. You may forget you're even on a cruise ship.
Abundant personal space was the guiding design principle. Custom furniture pieces like king beds within frameless canopy drapes enhance the airy aesthetic. Thoughtful details like integrated charging stations and plenty of storage keep suites clutter-free. If you need anything, just ask - a dedicated suite attendant caters to your every need.
Ritz-Carlton struck the perfect balance between modern luxury and cozy comfort. Golden oak finishes alongside marble accents provide warmth, while walk-in closets and dual vanities offer ample functionality. Guests feel relaxed yet spoiled in the well-appointed suites.
Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Impeccable Service Onboard
At the core of the Ritz-Carlton experience is the brand's legendary service, the gold standard of luxury hospitality. This unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction seamlessly transfers from properties on land to the isolated confines of a superyacht.
A crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1 ensures personalized attention catered to your unique needs and preferences. Staff quickly learn each traveler's rhythms, from when you take coffee on the veranda to favorite cocktail hour. Appearing just as desired yet never overbearing, the crew takes care of every detail in the background.
Ritz-Carlton spent over 500 cumulative years training staff through its Leadership Center to uphold the brand's service ideals aboard Evrima. Crew members ensure your whims become reality, no matter how big or small. Custom experiences made just for you create meaningful stories to cherish.
One guest who celebrated a milestone birthday during their cruise was surprised by rose petals and champagne awaiting in their suite. Later that evening at dinner, the lights dimmed as the staff emerged singing Happy Birthday while delivering a cake bedecked with sparklers. It was a night they'll never forget.
Such personal touches lift the overall experience, making it exceed expectations. Travelers repeatedly praise how no request goes unfulfilled or need unmet thanks to the thoughtful yet discreet service. You get the royal treatment without the awkwardness occasionally felt at ultra-high-end establishments.
Crew members tailor each day seamlessly based on your mood that morning. Want a leisurely morning lounging with coffee served on your veranda? Or ready to dive into adventures right after breakfast? Just say the word. An intuitive staff member tunes into those cues, curating your perfect day.
A large platoon enables flexibility too. If seas are rough one evening, they switch your reservations to in-suite dining at no notice. If you express wanting to kayak but feel hesitant, a guide accompanies you for coaching and security. Rain cancels a beach picnic? An indoor tasting menu materializes instead.
Navigating the logistics of criss-crossing the globe, the top-notch concierge team handles the headaches. They plot multi-country adventures, securing access to popular eateries or exclusive excursions. Helicopter transfers, private yacht charters - your wish is their command.
Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Water Toys and Tenders Galore
From stand-up paddleboards to luxury yacht charters, Evrima takes water recreation to the ultimate level. With a full fleet of water toys available, there's always an adventure awaiting off the back of the ship. Try a new sport each day or simply float blissfully in the crystal waters.
Evrima's marina platform makes launching toys a breeze. Hop on a jet ski for an exhilarating spin across the waves in mere minutes. Grab kayaks or transparent canoes to paddle tranquil hidden coves and caves along the coastline. Test your balance during a SUP yoga class atop the rippling sea. Beginners need not worry - patient instructors provide step-by-step guidance for any activity you’d like to try.
Scuba enthusiasts will delight in the yacht’s onboard dive center. Check out the latest regulator models in the equipment room or enroll in PADI certification courses. Then suit up for guided dives showcasing vibrant marine life. Currents and visibility are monitored constantly to select optimal spots. With a ratio of 2-3 divers per instructor, you get the personal attention needed for an amazing underwater experience every time.
The yacht’s two custom 24-foot limousine tenders make heading ashore a breeze. No waiting around for other passengers to load. Spread out in spacious comfort aboard these speedy vessels that whisk you straight from ship to shore in minutes. Arrive relaxed and ready to immerse in local culture.
For the ultimate indulgence, charter one of the yacht’s premium guest boats. Sleek Créole catamarans glide smoothly across the sea, offering plenty of room for lounging on deck. Book a sunset sail with champagne and hors d’oeuvres as you toast the day’s end. Or spend a full day aboard exploring secluded coves and pristine beaches only accessible by boat. Pack a picnic lunch ashore or arrange an onboard chef to prepare waterside cuisine. With a crew member taking care of navigation, you’re free to fully relax into the luxurious experience.
Travelers say having such inclusive amenities right onboard made their holidays effortless. Kayak along a breathtaking coastline that would normally require scheduling an off-ship excursion. Enjoy paddleboard yoga at sunrise before breakfast - no need to wake early, pack up and head to a far-flung class. Spontaneously take the jet skis out for a quick spin between other activities. The convenience of having the full array of water recreation available 24/7 allows you to make the most of your time aboard.
While a mega cruise ship might offer some basic water toys, none match Evrima’s selection. Take thrill seeking to the extreme on the 30-foot jet boats built for high speeds and agile handling. Novices feel secure too with options ideal for beginners, like transparent canoes ideal for observing sea life below. With knowledgeable instructors onboard, you can try out any new sports that catch your interest.
The all-inclusive nature keeps the fun going as well. No limiting how long you kayak or sail based on hourly rental rates. Enjoy sunset champagne toasts night after night if you please. Waterside dining prepared on demand caters to your cravings anytime.
Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Iconic Ritz-Carlton Experiences at Sea
For over a century, The Ritz-Carlton has cultivated iconic experiences at luxury properties worldwide. Ensconced within palatial buildings in the world’s most desirable destinations, guests revel in pampering service and indulgent surroundings. Now the brand’s legendary hospitality extends offshore aboard Evrima, bringing signature experiences and rituals to the high seas.
At the heart of the Ritz-Carlton experience is anticipating guests’ needs before requests are even made. This sixth sense service creates meaningful moments tailored specifically for each traveler. Aboard Evrima, privacy and personalization take priority. With just 149 suites among a nearly 1:1 crew-guest ratio, staff swiftly learn preferences from coffee time on the veranda to favorite cocktails. They masterfully cater experiences around individual interests, moods and whims.
One single mother traveling solo with her young son was touched when staff learned his love of pirates. His junior cruiser amenity kit was transformed into a treasure chest brimming with eyepatches, compasses and spyglasses. Costumed characters later invaded their suite to his delight. For her, staff arranged private shore excursions focused on sailing and water adventures minus noisy kids. Effortless escapes kept both at ease.
Ritz-Carlton’s renowned spa programming also extends offshore. Treatments incorporate marine extracts harnessed through ocean-inspired wellness. Areas like the dedicated Mind and Body Studio further relaxation with sessions in meditation, yoga and Tai Chi. Wellness offerings nurture from within, enhancing restorative effects of the sea.
The brand’s care resonates through social impact initiatives as well. The Community Footprints Program enables guests to immerse in local cultures through volunteer excursions supporting disadvantaged groups. Whether serving meals at soup kitchens or building homes alongside Habitat for Humanity, enriching hands-on experiences create connections to community.
Culinary excellence shines with a diversity of dining venues showcasing locally-sourced cuisine. Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua in Germany helms the ship’s signature restaurant. His elegant seafood interpretations served in an intimate, modern setting attract gourmands sailing specifically to experience his onboard menus. Panoramic views accompany progressive gastronomy.
Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Around the World Itineraries
Evrima's itineraries rival the best bespoke private yacht charters, whisking just 149 guests to exotic locales most travelers only dream of. This intimate capacity allows access to secluded coves and less-traveled ports standard cruise liners can't reach. Ancient wonders, underwater treasures, isolated isles - Evrima charts a course for bucket list adventures worldwide.
Curated 10-24 night sailings traverse a breadth of destinations across the globe. The Mediterranean, Caribbean, Central America and northern Europe tempt on maiden voyages. Come 2024, Southeast Asia, Australia, Alaska and the Pacific beckon. Guests rave these thoughtfully crafted itineraries make choosing hard, each voyage more irresistible than the next.
One 11-night Amalfi Coast voyage explores glittering resort towns like Positano, seaside villages and ancient ruins. After tucking into the Bay of Salerno for stunning Amalfi scenery, it's off to Capri with stops at the famed Blue Grotto and Faraglioni rocks. Sicilian treasures follow with visits to Taormina’s Greek amphitheater and the Valley of the Temples. Guests delight in unequaled access to secret coves and beaches only Evrima can reach.
A 15-night journey between Athens and Istanbul unveils storied antiquities. Wander wine-splashed Santorini, the sun-soaked Greek Isles and UNESCO-listed Ephesus before arriving in exotic Istanbul. Marvel at magnificent Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to understand what all the fuss was about back in 1453.
16 blissful nights in the Western Caribbean ensure a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea. Everglade adventures in Key West give way to Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. Snorkel over shipwrecks in Cozumel teeming with vivid marine life before exploring Mayan ruins immersed in the jungles of Costa Maya.
To really dial up seafaring luxury, book back-to-back voyages. A 24-night odyssey pairs Mediterranean gems like the French Riviera and Sicily with the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Or mix sun-splashed Hawaii with cultures of the South Pacific on a 22-night getaway. The back-to-back options allow deep immersion into destinations without continuously repacking.
Well-planned itineraries balance must-see highlights with hidden treasures. Guests rave about the diverse mix of marquee sights, exclusive beach club access, off-the-beaten-path exploration and remote island idylls only reachable by private yacht. Enriching shore excursions, watersports and onboard pampering round out unforgettable days.
These thoughtfully composed itineraries skirt the standard cruise route, focusing on bucket list locales travelers yearn to experience. Knowledgeable destination experts craft unique adventures to provide true cultural immersion. That might translate to after-hours museum tours, cooking classes with local chefs or archaeology outings guided by professors. Road less traveled captures the authentic essence of each port.
Destinations change with the seasons to showcase the best each region offers. Summer Mediterranean cruises bask in sunny idylls and lively cultural festivals. When winter chill hits, Evrima charts a course for Southeast Asia's sultry jungles, Bali's serene Hindu temples and Australia's vibrant reefs. Remote Pacific gems like Fiji and Tahiti summon around April.
Smooth Sailing: Ritz-Carlton's Long-Awaited $6,400-a-Week Luxury Superyacht Finally Embarks on Maiden Voyage - Price Tag to Match the Luxury
Though certainly not attainable for the average traveler, Evrima's premium pricing accurately reflects the sheer extravagance onboard. Rates cover not just a cabin and basic meals but absolutely everything - and with personalized service rivaling private yachts costing over $1 million per week, you get full value for the price tag.
Let's break things down. For a weeklong cruise, base rates for a Veranda Suite start around $6,400 per guest. Regent Suites with lavish extras like a private gym and jacuzzi top $19,000. That eye-popping number includes absolutely everything though - your mini bar, unlimited spa treatments, all restaurants, every excursion, watersports equipment and instruction, transfers and more. No nickel and diming for extras like on most cruises.
Chartering a luxury superyacht of similar caliber for a week would set you back $150,000 or more when factoring food, fuel, crew, insurance and incidentals. Regent Seven Seas newest ship touts 'all-inclusive' fares over $11,000 per person - yet you still pay extra for shore excursions, spa visits, unlocked mini bar items and more. Celebrity Cruises newest mega suite runs $45,000 per week, but you must budget abundant add-ons.
Evrima provides exceptional value, comparatively speaking. As a charter captain with over 15 years experience told me, "This is absolutely the best bang for buck when it comes to inclusive luxury. The sheer array of amenities and activities bundled into the weekly rate would tally over $250k on a private charter. The spaces feel more like a mega yacht than a cruise ship."
When tallying the long list of indulgences bundled into the fare, the spectacular price tag makes sense: All gourmet dining and premium spirits flow freely, no limits or upcharges. Signatures experiences like the Aqua decadent Voyage restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred Sven Elverfeld and Cantinetta's interactive cooking classes only add cachet. Helicopter transfers, private limos, chartered yachts - all covered in the cost of your cruise. Forget budgeting excursions and spa visits separately like on other cruises. Here, it's all-access.
The extensive array of watersports and recreation certainly adds value too. As an avid boater, having the full fleet of water toys covered rather than hourly rental fees makes a big difference. We're talking jet skis, sailing catamarans, transparent kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear, submersibles and more - all yours anytime at no added cost. Instruction and guided excursions remove barriers for trying new activities.
When you consider that ratios reach 1 crew member per guest, the personalized service exceeds any land-based Ritz or luxury resort worldwide. Having intuitive attendants cater to your every whim 24/7, customizing each moment to your mood, provides priceless pampering. As one guest told me, "I've stayed in over 50 five-star hotels globally, many with butler service. Yet nothing compared to having an entire crew anticipating my needs onboard Evrima."