Hitting the high seas often brings to mind crowded buffets, noisy children and oversized ships. The Ritz-Carlton aims to redefine that experience with a new cruise line that brings the brand’s signature service and refined style to small-ship cruising.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will feature 623-foot yachts, significantly smaller than conventional cruise liners. Their reduced size allows access to intimate ports that larger vessels cannot reach, including destinations such as St. Barths, Capri and Portofino. Each yacht is designed as an elegant floating hotel and will offer 149 guest suites plus two penthouse suites for a more private, residential feel.
Onboard dining is crafted to match the standards of luxury resorts. Guests will find thoughtfully curated restaurants, including a venue led by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld, ensuring a high level of culinary creativity and quality. The yachts also include The Ritz-Carlton Spa, where passengers can relax with treatments tailored to the cruising lifestyle.
Beyond the ship, the cruise line emphasizes immersive on-shore experiences. Curated excursions focus on authentic local culture—highlighting regional cuisine, music and art—so guests can connect with destinations in meaningful ways rather than just checking off major sights.
Accommodations, dining and curated shore programs combine to present an alternative to traditional mass-market cruising: an upscale, intimate voyage designed for travelers who value privacy, personalized service and destination-focused experiences. Rooms for The Ritz-Carlton’s inaugural sailings opened for booking, with the first voyages scheduled to begin in early 2019.