Ritz-Carlton Has Unveiled a New Yacht—We Explored Aboard to See If It Matches Their Hotels

I stepped aboard the luxurious 448-passenger "Ilma," the second yacht in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, expecting to indulge in lavish amenities like endless servings of Moët & Chandon champagne and the exceptional service typical of the Ritz-Carlton brand. What surprised me was the sheer joy I found in the water activities as well.

In August, I had the chance to preview the yacht on a three-night voyage from Barcelona, where I was particularly eager to experience its unique floating beach club concept. Those familiar with private super yachts might have encountered inflatable cabanas from AquaBanas, but on the "Ilma," the crew created a miniature resort of inflatable and sturdy structures surrounding a natural pool, set up off the ship’s drop-down marina on calm sea days, like when we anchored near Saint-Tropez.

Dressed in my bathing suit, I carefully stepped onto the gently swaying setup, which included shaded cabanas and floating chairs, and enjoyed a refreshing dip in the netted saltwater pool. This proved to be a wonderful and novel way to relish the sea's tranquility, with kayaks and paddleboards also available for further aquatic adventures.

Water—and a deeper connection to it—serves as a central theme on the Ilma. Named after the Maltese word for water, this Maltese-flagged super yacht features oceanic colors and wave motifs not just in the stunning views from numerous plush loungers and outdoor dining areas, but also in the artwork and contemporary design throughout. You will be continually reminded of your oceanic surroundings, a deliberate choice by a luxury hotel brand expanding into the realm of high-end cruising.

Feedback from passengers on the first ship, the 298-passenger, Spanish-built Evrima—the world's first hotel-branded yacht launched in 2022—indicated a desire for more water time. In response, the French-crafted Ilma boasts an additional swimming pool on its top deck, unlike the single infinity pool found on Evrima. This new pool is accompanied by daybeds, offering views reminiscent of a rooftop pool at an upscale hotel, overlooking the picturesque French coastline. The advantage of this luxurious hotel is its mobility, letting guests transport their floating luxury to sought-after destinations worldwide.

Similar to Evrima, the Ilma caters to those who can afford all-inclusive rates starting at $2,600 per night. (A key advantage of the Ritz-Carlton yachts compared to land resorts is that meals, drinks, entertainment, onboard activities, Wi-Fi, and tips are all included in the fare.) The majority of guests hail from North America, with some bringing children to enjoy the Ritz Kids program. (This kids' club, tailored to the number of children on board, charges $45 for morning and afternoon sessions and $65 for evening sessions for kids aged 4 to 12.) The average age of guests is 53, younger than many ultra-luxury cruise lines, which typically cater to an older demographic.

Accommodations consisting entirely of suites

Every guest enjoys a suite complete with an outdoor terrace and personalized service from a Suite Ambassador. My friend and I experienced the 750-square-foot Grand Suite (including the terrace), which was so generously spacious both inside and outside that it felt like we could easily move in permanently (especially with the two walk-in closets). There was ample space for entertaining, featuring a dining table for four and outdoor seating for four, should we decide to invite friends on board.

Our suite was not the highest tier available. The Ilma offers seven categories of suites, starting from 402-square-foot accommodations (including the terrace) to lavish Owner’s Suites priced at $80,000 per week, featuring outdoor living rooms with private whirlpools and open-air showers, encompassing over 1,200 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space.

An exceptional standard of service is what you would anticipate from any Ritz-Carlton offering, and for the most part, Ilma met those expectations, even as new crew members were adjusting during our preview voyage just before the ship's September launch. For example, one day our Suite Ambassador noticed my crumpled blazer thrown onto a chair and had it sent out for pressing without me even having to ask.

Stunning art and design elements

The yacht boasts an array of luxurious amenities and art pieces, featuring everything from Dyson hairdryers in the suites to a distinctive Bulgari jewelry boutique. An impressive collection of 700 art pieces, including sculptures, paintings, and tapestries, adorns the vessel. Noteworthy highlights include an Andy Warhol sea turtle sculpture in the Living Room lounge, a David Hockney diver scene in the spa, and vibrant sea anemone sculptures commissioned from German artist Pa Maria Raeder.

I admired the contemporary, custom sofas designed by French design firm Ligne Roset, featuring gray couches with black accents located in the Living Room—a favorite gathering spot for lattes during the day and cocktails mixed by skilled bartenders accompanied by live music at night (plus complimentary champagne available at all times). In the Living Room area, thousands of handblown Murano glass "seeds" embellish the dividers and chandeliers, creating a visual delight.

Wellness, fitness, and culinary delights

Guests aboard Ilma’s predecessor, Evrima, had voiced a desire for enhanced spa and fitness amenities. In response, Ilma now features 11 treatment rooms, a new cycling studio, a barber shop, and a beauty salon. Additionally, there are complimentary his and hers sauna and steam rooms within the marble-clad changing areas, along with a spacious ocean-view gym that exceeds expectations for such an intimate vessel.

Dining experiences soared from the outset, with touches of edible gold leaf and caviar enhancing the five restaurants' offerings. My travel companion and I indulged in room service each morning, selecting from an impressively diverse breakfast menu. Choosing was a challenge, whether it was shakshuka, a full breakfast available in traditional, vegan, or vegetarian styles, Belgian waffles, crème brûlée French toast, or crafting our own omelets from 16 different ingredients.

Ritz-Carlton enlisted top-tier American culinary talent to oversee two of the restaurants. Be sure to try the tiger prawn burger on a brioche bun or the black truffle empanadas crafted by James Beard Award winner Michael Mina at the Beach House, where diners can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating with views of the ship’s infinity pool. If you’re willing to splurge an extra $350 per person for a wine pairing, the exquisite dozen-course tasting menu by award-winning chef Fabio Trabocchi includes delights like his signature Maine lobster ravioli with ginger emulsion and wagyu beef accompanied by a 25-year-aged balsamic emulsion and bone marrow sauce.

Activities and entertainment options

While it’s difficult to gauge the full atmosphere of the nightlife when the ship is at capacity, the open-air bars come alive at night with DJs spinning tracks, encouraging guests to dance until dawn.

In Saint-Tropez, we got a taste of the shore excursion offerings (available at an additional cost). Alongside another couple, we enjoyed a private walking tour that included a stop at a café for the town’s famous tarte tropézienne (a cream-filled brioche) and a friendly game of boules (similar to bocce). Our entertaining guide, Jean Jacques, proudly pointed out, “We have 18 five-star hotels, and now the Ritz-Carlton yacht.”

Onboard Ilma, Tina Edmundson, president of Marriott International’s luxury division, shared that Ritz-Carlton hotels aim for “experiences that linger long after you’ve checked out.” Ilma certainly delivers on that promise.

Following its grand launch in September in the Mediterranean, Ilma is set to spend the winter months in the Caribbean. Three additional sister ships are planned to follow, starting with Luminara in 2025.