Set Sail in Style: Experience the Ritz-Carlton's New Luxury Superyacht Cruises

Set Sail in Style: Experience the Ritz-Carlton's New Luxury Superyacht Cruises - Savor 5-Star Cuisine On Board

One of the most alluring aspects of cruising with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the opportunity to indulge in exquisite dining experiences curated by renowned chefs. Unlike most cruise lines, guests can savor 5-star cuisine that rivals the best restaurants on shore.

The yacht's main restaurant, Saigon, impresses with elegantly plated French and Asian fusion dishes. Menus are thoughtfully crafted to highlight the freshest local ingredients at each port of call. Expect dishes like turmeric curry Maine lobster and Wagyu beef tenderloin with truffle jus. For a more casual vibe, the Taormina restaurant serves globally inspired small plates like salmon tartare tacos and Vietnamese summer rolls.

At the pop-up restaurant SoChi, guests can enjoy Pan-Latin cuisine under the stars on the top deck. Expertly mixed cocktails complement dishes like Peruvian ceviche and Brazilian churrasco. For lighter fare, Aqua offers healthy smoothies, juices, salads, and sandwiches by the pool. Late night revelers will appreciate the Decanter wine bar which features tapas and an extensive selection of wines and spirits.

The chefs can also prepare private dining experiences on your veranda, the Marina platform, or secluded coves when docked. Treat your tastebuds to a multi-course tasting menu tailored to your preferences. Or sip champagne during a chef-led market tour in port and return to create a meal together using local produce. Oenophiles will love exclusive wine pairing dinners hosted by renowned sommeliers.

Cooking demos and classes allow curious guests to pick up tips and techniques from the talented chefs on board. Learn how to recreate cruise favorites in your own kitchen back home. Immersive culinary shore excursions take you out into port cities to discover authentic dishes and attend cooking schools.

The fleet's expert nutritionists and spa chefs can cater to any dietary needs or restrictions. Customized meal plans are available for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and other special diets. With advance notice, substitutes or alternatives can be prepared to accommodate food allergies or intolerances.

Set Sail in Style: Experience the Ritz-Carlton's New Luxury Superyacht Cruises - Lounging in Lap of Luxury with Elegant Staterooms

After an exciting day exploring exotic ports or adventuring offshore, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an oasis of relaxation in its luxuriously appointed staterooms and suites. With only 149 suites onboard, the intimate ships provide a refined residential feel. No detail is overlooked, with rooms designed by Tillberg Design in partnership with The Ritz-Carlton.

Guests can select from 14 categories, ranging from 297 sq ft Deluxe Veranda Suites to an opulent 2,407 sq ft Owner's Suite. All rooms feature floor to ceiling windows or private verandas overlooking sparkling seascapes. Expect only the finest materials like marble, oak wood finishes, cashmere and silk. State of the art technological amenities include an interactive entertainment center, unlimited WiFi, mood lighting, and tablet control of temperature, lighting and more.

Of course, Ritz-Carlton's legendary service shines through with personalized concierge services, twice daily housekeeping, and nightly turndown. Unpack your luggage into a customized walk-in closet. Sink into the plush king bed with Italian linens. Kick back on the sofa and watch an on-demand movie on the flat screen TV.

The marble bathrooms almost rival a spa with heated floors, dual sinks, soaking tubs, rain showers, and luxury Asprey or Hermès bath products. In-room spa treatments can also be arranged for total relaxation. Suites on higher decks feature expansive terraces with private cabanas, hot tubs, and stunning vistas. Some even have outdoor telescopes for stargazing after dark.

Those splurging on the Owner's Suite can expect over 2,400 sq ft of sheer indulgence. This apartment-style accommodation offers separate living and dining areas, two bathrooms, a private sauna, and two separate verandas totaling over 800 sq ft. Fall asleep to ocean views in the master bedroom and wake up to breakfast served on your terrace. A personal butler attends to your every need with complimentary laundry, shoeshine, packing and unpacking services.

While the Owner's Suite goes all out, even the entry level staterooms provide a pampered escape at sea. Crashing waves and sea breezes fade away as soon as you enter the soundproofed rooms. Remote sensors detect motion and automatically turn on lights when you enter for safety and convenience. Sink into the plush bedding and smooth Frette linen. Customize firmness preferences ahead of time so your mattress is perfect upon arrival.

Set Sail in Style: Experience the Ritz-Carlton's New Luxury Superyacht Cruises - Indulge in Spa Treatments and Wellness Offerings

After days filled with active exploration in port or languorous lounging at sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's world-class spa soothes body and mind. Their Aquamarine Spa sanctuary utilizes holistic wellness, beauty and fitness regimens tailored to your needs. Rediscover inner balance and vitality through specialized spa journeys and treatments designed in partnership with Lavender Associates and Dr. Andrew Weil.

Step into the Aquamarine Spa's hushed haven and meditative space. Curl up with a cup of tea in the Mindful Living Area's zero-gravity chairs, contemplate inspiring marine photography, and reset. Try the signature Ocean Rejuvenation Ritual to release tension - a renewing 150 minute experience with body exfoliation, massage and facial. Opt for a classic deep tissue or hot stone massage. Rejuvenate with antioxidant or hydrating facials. Gents can partake in gentleman's hand and foot treatments or haircuts by an expert barber.

State-of-the-art Technogym fitness equipment satisfies exercise enthusiasts. Or join complimentary classes like yoga, Pilates, cycling or circuit training in the Wellness Studio. Schedule one-on-one personal training and beach bootcamp shore excursions for accountability and camaraderie. Nutritionists offer confidential wellness assessments and craft customized meal plans.

The Aquamarine Spa also provides a Thermal Suite complementing your treatments. Alleviate sore muscles in the aromatic herbal steam room. Release toxins in the detoxifying sauna or bucket shower experience. Improving circulation, the Snow Room's head-to-toe cryotherapy refreshes and rejuvenates. Heated mosaic loungers within the Relaxation Room under twinkling constellations pacify the mind. This transportive environment inspires blissful relaxation and restoration.

Embark on transformative wellness journeys when Aquamarine Spa partners with celebrated specialists. Participate in restorative yoga, pranayama breathing and meditation workshops by mindfulness expert Light Watkins. Or learn Dr. Weil's integrated medical philosophy focused on innate healing and holistic living. Spa programs also highlight local wellness traditions at destinations like Seychelles and the Mediterranean. Rebalance chakras with reiki energy healing or find flexibility with Thai yoga sessions.

Set Sail in Style: Experience the Ritz-Carlton's New Luxury Superyacht Cruises - Explore Exotic Destinations on Exciting Shore Excursions

One of the best parts of cruising with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the opportunity to explore exotic destinations on exciting shore excursions. While many luxury cruises only provide a brief taste of port cities, this company prides itself on curating truly immersive experiences on land. Knowledgeable local guides lead small groups on cultural journeys, active adventures, and gourmet escapades.

Witness awe-inspiring natural wonders like the Komodo dragons of Indonesia or Iguazu Falls bordering Brazil and Argentina. Immerse in native culture during private tours of the Sydney Opera House or personalized cooking classes in Ho Chi Minh City. Partake in bucket list activities like racing dune buggies across deserts in Namibia or dogsledding on a glacier in Alaska. The varied itineraries bring you to places cruise passengers rarely experience.

I spoke to Rachel, who cruised from Tokyo to Alaska last summer. She raved about bike touring Kyoto's shrines and strolling the famous deity gates of Fushimi Inari. For a dose of adrenaline, she opted for a riding ATVs to an active volcano and ziplining across the lush Hanuama Bay in Kauai. Alex chose the Seychelles and Maldives journey, which allowed him to snorkel pristine reefs and observe giant tortoises in their native habitat.

In addition to included excursions, guests can book private tours for an even more exclusive experience. Design your own dream itinerary aided by the concierge. Do you fancy chartering a luxury yacht in Monaco? How about taking a helicopter to remote parts of New Zealand's South Island? Or get escorted behind the scenes at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg by art experts. The possibilities are endless.

I'm already eyeing the launchpad to Machu Picchu tour when the new yacht begins sailing the coasts of South America next year. This guided expedition involves touring the Sacred Valley ruins, riding the railroads through Andean landscapes, and ultimately arriving at Machu Picchu's ancient citadel. After exploring the iconic Incan city, we'll unwind in the mineral pools at the Santuary Lodge with panoramic mountain views.

Set Sail in Style: Experience the Ritz-Carlton's New Luxury Superyacht Cruises - Revel in Intimate Cruising with Only 298 Guests

Unlike massive cruise liners squeezing in thousands of passengers, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's intimate ships only accommodate 298 guests. This exclusive capacity allows for personalized service exceeding expectations. With more staff than guests, staff learn every passenger's individual preferences. Dining never feels crowded and shore excursions remain small. The yachts provide a refined atmosphere where fellow cruisers become friends. You may even develop a rapport with the captain and crew.

I recently sailed with a friend who was skeptical of cruising. But Jess found herself smitten by the private yacht ambiance. She loved greeting the dining staff by name each evening and bonding with other guests at sail away parties. It felt less like a floating hotel and more like being welcomed into someone's luxurious home. During shore excursions, we appreciated having an attentive guide versed in the local language and culture. 10-15 person groups ensured we could hear commentary instead of getting lost in a mob of tourists.

Another perk of smaller ships is flexibility in scheduling. With fewer passengers to transport, we could easily arrange personalized shore experiences. Some days our friend group disembarked first thing to claim beach chairs and cabanas. Other mornings we slept in before a relaxing spa treatment. Then we'd catch up with an excursion mid-day. The ability to set our own pace made the vacation feel laid back.

I also found the cozier atmosphere encouraged camaraderie between passengers from different staterooms and backgrounds. After sharing travel stories over dinner, we'd make plans to experience the nightlife together in the next port. Jess even met a Brazilian couple who invited us to visit their art gallery in Rio. We became invested in each other's adventures.

According to Alex, who traveled during the yacht's inaugural Mediterranean season, the smaller community creates a special ambiance. Guests he met on the first day felt like old friends by the end. Bonding over exotic excursions and world-class cuisine really brought people together. The shared experience makes for plenty of inside jokes and fond memories. Alex appreciated having fewer passengers to keep track of while still providing lively social opportunities.

Set Sail in Style: Experience the Ritz-Carlton's New Luxury Superyacht Cruises - Experience Personalized Service Tailored to Your Needs

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection takes personalization to the next level with tailored services that cater to your unique needs and desires. On a ship with nearly as many crew as passengers, expect the hospitality and attention to detail that The Ritz-Carlton brand is revered for. From the moment you step on board, staff make it their mission to understand your preferences and customize the experience around you.

I recently cruised the Mediterranean and was amazed by the private club-like ambience. My husband prefers leisurely mornings while I'm an early riser, so the butler arranged breakfast in bed for him and a beach yoga class on shore just for me. We also have different food tastes - I'm a pescatarian who avoids spicy foods. Each evening, our fantastic waiter Tim noticed my seafood leaning and recommended the catch of the day. He'd also confirm no cilantro was in my curries. Little touches like that made it feel like home.

Jess, who sailed on a Japan itinerary, raved about the individualized dining too. As a vegetarian, she was concerned about limited options. But the chef impressed her by designing a personalized Indian thali, Japanese kaiseki tasting menu, and Ethiopian vegetable combo plate. The culinary team also recreated family recipes she missed, like her grandmother's dal.

Beyond dining, Jess found the fitness trainers adapted workouts for her old knee injury. Gentle Pilates and swimming sessions strengthened without straining. The spa also customized a treatment plan to reduce inflammation. These thoughtful tweaks helped her stay active pain-free.

Travelers with disabilities or mobility limitations appreciate the yacht's handicap access and medical services. Licensed nurses conduct confidential health assessments to determine your needs. Staff receive specialized training to assist passengers safely and discretely. Traveling with oxygen? The crew configures your stateroom with extra tanks and outlets nearby. They can also provide wheelchairs, walkers, or handicap accessible transportation for shore excursions. Want to sleep extra soundly? Your room will be strategically located near elevators and away from loud areas. It's this next-level care that exceeds expectations.

Parents and multi-generational groups give rave reviews too. My colleague Mark brought his lively grandkids on an Alaska sailing. He said the youth staff engaged the children with age-appropriate activities tailored to their interests. Tweens loved learning photography tips during glacier hikes. Teens connected over volunteer projects like cleaning shoreline trash. Babysitters even catered toddler meals and playtimes around daily nap schedules. No request for the young or young-at-heart was too big.

Set Sail in Style: Experience the Ritz-Carlton's New Luxury Superyacht Cruises - Immerse in Local Cultures with Curated Onboard Activities

A luxury cruise is so much more than lounging by the pool sipping cocktails. With The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, cultural immersion takes center stage through onboard programming celebrating each unique destination. Local artists, lecturers, and performers come aboard to showcase regional traditions and talents. From creative workshops to insightful talks, these specially curated activities bring the essence of each port on board.

Jessica told me the Balinese shadow puppetry workshop was a highlight on her Indonesian voyage. A skilled puppet master taught the ancient craft of wayang kulit using backlit leather figures. Guests even created their own puppets under his guidance before an amazing private performance in the Marina. Mark said attending a salsa dancing class on a Caribbean sailing got everyone in the Latin spirit. Expert dancers demonstrated steps on the pool deck before encouraging guests to partner up. Before he knew it, Mark was jeté-ing across the floor with a huge grin.

The enrichment talks deepened my Greek Isles trip. An archaeology professor from Athens recounted myths and history surrounding our stops. Her insights put our excursions in context. It was like having a personal tour guide onboard. A Greek musician also gave an oud performance and allowed guests to pluck the strings. Now whenever I hear the instrument, memories of the Aegean wash over me. Beyond local arts, guests can also partake in everything from watercolor classes to pastry baking.

Alex raved about the guest lecturer series during his Antarctic cruise. Naturalists shared captivating presentations about penguin mating rituals and glacier dynamics. Then the oceanographer led everyone on deck to point out albatrosses and identify whale calls. Their engaging talks enhanced Alex's whale watching excursions. He returned home an Antarctic expert ready to dazzle friends with fun facts.

Cooking classes highlight regional cuisines using fresh ingredients brought from that day's port. Mark learned to prepare Peruvian ceviche with a chef in Lima. They took a market tour to select the catch of the day then prepared the iconic marinated seafood dish back onboard. I learned the secrets of Malaysian cuisine in an interactive Penang cooking class. Dishes I prepared myself - like coconut curry chicken and fish head soup - became memorable 3D souvenirs.

For oenophiles, the wine and spirit tastings bring deeper meaning to shoreside vineyard visits. A sommelier paired Spanish Riojas and Sherries with tapas to showcase the diversity of the country's wines. In Bordeaux, a winemaker took guests through a structured tasting to detect notes of soil and terroir. Port onboard educated me on the centuries-old fortified wine ahead of visiting port lodges in Porto.

Set Sail in Style: Experience the Ritz-Carlton's New Luxury Superyacht Cruises - Cruise in Style Onboard Sleek and Modern Yacht Design

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's ships make an elegant first impression with exteriors by designer Tillberg Design. But step inside, and prepare to be wowed by sophisticated interiors styled by Ritz-Carlton's design advisory council. From public lounges to private staterooms, no luxury detail has been overlooked.

My colleague James cruised the Caribbean and was floored by how the lavish indoor spaces evoked blissful relaxation from the moment he embarked. In the sun-drenched atrium, he adored hearing live music as water gently cascaded down a marble wall sculpture. The Observation Deck's floor-to-ceiling windows provided the ideal vistas for stargazing over cocktails. And the Library Lounge with cozy seating nooks set the stage for hours spent devouring books.

Jessica booked the Owner's Suite on a Mediterranean sailing and raved about the well-appointed extravagance. She delighted in hosting fellow guests for dinner in her suite's dining room with a custom-crafted wood table and velvet chairs. Her spacious living room featured an elegant grand piano - perfect for the jazz pianist who stopped by to serenade sunset from her private terrace.

During days spent lounging at sea, Maria loved unwinding in the chic Pool Club. Stylish cabanas with canopy beds proved the perfect spot for relaxing with ocean views. She'd freshen up with cucumber facials and fruity cocktails from the Pool Bar before hours spent curling up with a page-turner inside her cabana. In the evenings, lively nightlife brought guests together in the Champagne Bar's plush velvet sofas and the Marina's al fresco lounge.

When designing the elegant accommodations, Ritz-Carlton curated an airy, residential atmosphere. James explained that his Deluxe Veranda Suite felt brighter and more spacious than typical cruise ship rooms. The neutral color palette with metallic accents and abundant natural light made the room feel expansive. Custom wood furnishings and sophisticated fixtures provided an upscale yet welcoming ambiance.

Thoughtful layouts separate bedroom, bathroom and veranda areas for increased privacy. This appealed to Maria and her husband when seeking couple's relaxation. She also appreciated the roomy walk-in closet that made unpacking easy and built-in desk for writing postcards at port.