The award-winning luxury hotel brand, The Ritz-Carlton, is entering into luxury yachting and cruises.
Created by The Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, in collaboration with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., The Ritz-Carlton will provide luxury hospitality service under a long-term operating agreement.
Named The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, this venture represents a unique foray into the cruise industry for a luxury hotel operator and a first in the cruise industry. The Ritz Hotel Company is part of Marriott International.
The first of three lavish cruising yachts in this series is scheduled to take to sea in the fourth quarter of 2019, and will make Marriott International the only provider of luxury accommodations both on land and at sea.
Itineraries are being developed designed to combine the lifestyle of The Ritz’s luxury resorts and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation. Voyages will range from seven to ten days, and include port calls at both intimate and signature destinations, says the company.
The first ship will cruise a vari-ety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediter-ranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.
Due to the intimate size of the vessel, the yacht will call at locations typically not accessible to large cruise ships, from Capri and Portofino to St. Barths and the old town of Cartagena.
The specially designed small capacity vessel will measure 190-meters, accommodate up to 298 passengers, and feature 149 suites, each with its own private balcony. The yacht will also feature two 138 square-meter lavish duplex penthouse suites.
Reservations will open in May 2018. The ships of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter.
No word yet on duty free opportunities onboard.