Setting Sail: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Experience
As we approached the sleek silhouette of Evrima, the first vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, it was clear that this was no ordinary cruise ship. The elegant lines and gleaming white exterior hinted at the luxurious experience that awaited us onboard.
The embarkation process was smooth and efficient, a far cry from the lengthy queues often associated with larger cruise liners. We were greeted by name and escorted to a comfortable lounge where champagne flowed freely as we completed the necessary paperwork. The attention to detail was evident from the start, with staff members remembering our preferences and anticipating our needs.
Our initial tour of the yacht’s facilities left us in awe. The design was reminiscent of a high-end boutique hotel, with tasteful furnishings and artwork adorning every space. The intimate size of Evrima, accommodating just 298 guests, created an atmosphere of exclusivity and personalised service.
Luxurious Accommodations
Our suite, one of 149 onboard, was a haven of comfort and style. The layout was thoughtfully designed, maximising space and offering stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The king-sized bed, dressed in crisp linens, promised nights of restful sleep on the high seas.
The in-room amenities were nothing short of spectacular. A fully stocked bar, Nespresso machine, and a selection of teas catered to our every whim. The marble bathroom featured a deep soaking tub, separate rainfall shower, and luxurious Asprey toiletries.
Perhaps the most impressive feature was our private terrace, an extension of our living space that allowed us to enjoy the sea breeze and ever-changing views in complete privacy. It quickly became our favourite spot for morning coffee and sunset cocktails.
A standout aspect of our accommodation was the personal concierge service. Our dedicated Ritz-Carlton staff member was always just a phone call away, ready to assist with everything from dinner reservations to arranging bespoke shore excursions.
Culinary Delights at Sea
The dining options on Evrima were diverse and exceptional, rivalling those of any land-based luxury resort. The main dining room, Talaat Nam, offered a constantly changing menu that showcased local ingredients from our ports of call. The elegant setting and impeccable service elevated each meal to a memorable experience.
For a more intimate dining experience, S.E.A., the yacht’s signature restaurant, was truly outstanding. Developed in collaboration with chef Sven Elverfeld of the three-Michelin-starred Aqua, the tasting menu was a culinary journey that pushed the boundaries of flavour and presentation.
The casual dining venues were equally impressive. The Pool House offered light bites and grilled specialties by day, transforming into a romantic alfresco dining spot by night. Mistral, the seafood bar, served up the freshest catch alongside handcrafted cocktails.
The beverage programme on Evrima deserves special mention. The wine list was extensive and well-curated, featuring both old-world classics and exciting new-world discoveries. The sommeliers were knowledgeable and passionate, always ready with the perfect pairing suggestion.
Onboard Activities and Entertainment
The Ritz-Carlton Spa was a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. The treatment menu featured a blend of traditional therapies and innovative techniques, all delivered with the brand’s signature touch of luxury. The thermal suite, with its array of saunas, steam rooms, and experience showers, was a particular highlight.
Fitness enthusiasts were well catered for with a state-of-the-art gym equipped with the latest Technogym equipment. Daily fitness classes, from yoga on the deck to high-intensity interval training, kept us energised throughout the voyage.
Evening entertainment was low-key yet sophisticated. The Observation Lounge became the heart of the ship after dark, with live music and expertly crafted cocktails creating a convivial atmosphere. For those seeking a quieter evening, the Living Room offered a cosy space to curl up with a book or enjoy a game of chess.
Daytime activities struck a perfect balance between relaxation and enrichment. Guest lectures on topics ranging from marine biology to regional history added depth to our journey, while art classes and wine tastings provided hands-on learning experiences.
Destinations and Shore Excursions
Our itinerary took us to a mix of popular ports and hidden gems along the Mediterranean coast. The smaller size of Evrima allowed us to access ports that larger ships simply cannot reach, offering a more authentic and less crowded experience in each destination.
The shore excursions offered by Ritz-Carlton were a cut above the typical cruise offerings. Small group sizes and expert local guides ensured an immersive experience at each stop. Highlights included a private after-hours tour of the Picasso Museum in Malaga and a truffle-hunting expedition in the Tuscan countryside.
What truly set the experience apart was the level of personalisation available. The shore excursion team was more than happy to arrange bespoke experiences tailored to our interests, from private cooking classes to helicopter tours.
The Ritz-Carlton Service at Sea
The staff-to-guest ratio on Evrima was impressive, allowing for a level of personalised service rarely seen at sea. By the second day of our voyage, it seemed that every staff member knew our names and preferences, creating a feeling of being in a floating private club rather than on a cruise ship.
Comparing the service to land-based Ritz-Carlton properties, we found the same commitment to excellence and attention to detail, but with an added warmth and familiarity that comes from sharing a journey together.
It was the small touches that truly made the experience memorable. Returning to our suite after a long day of exploration to find a drawn bath with floating rose petals, or having our favourite cocktail appear without asking as we settled into our usual spot in the Observation Lounge – these moments of anticipatory service defined our voyage.
Design and Atmosphere
The overall aesthetic of Evrima was one of understated luxury. The design team had clearly drawn inspiration from superyachts, with sleek lines and a neutral colour palette creating a sense of sophisticated calm throughout the vessel.
The public spaces were thoughtfully designed to encourage social interaction while also offering plenty of quiet nooks for private moments. The two-storey Observation Lounge, with its panoramic views and comfortable seating areas, quickly became our favourite spot for watching the world go by.
One of the most impressive features was the Marina platform at the stern of the yacht. When anchored in calm waters, this area transformed into a private beach club, complete with water toys and direct access to the sea. It was the perfect spot for a refreshing swim or a leisurely afternoon of sunbathing.
Value for Money
While the price point of a Ritz-Carlton yacht voyage is undeniably high, the all-inclusive nature of the experience offered excellent value for money. With all meals, beverages (including a premium selection of wines and spirits), and most activities included in the fare, there were few additional costs to worry about once onboard.
The pricing structure across different suite categories was transparent and logical, with clear differences in size and amenities justifying the price jumps. When compared to other luxury cruise lines, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection sits at the higher end of the market, but the level of service and exclusivity more than justified the premium.
Final Thoughts
Our voyage on Evrima was, without doubt, one of the most luxurious and memorable travel experiences we’ve had. The combination of Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service, the intimacy of a small yacht, and the carefully curated itinerary created a journey that was truly special.
If pressed to find areas for improvement, we might suggest a wider range of entertainment options in the evenings, particularly for younger guests. However, this is a minor quibble in what was otherwise an exceptional experience.
For those considering a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, we would wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s particularly well-suited to couples or small groups looking for a luxurious, intimate cruise experience with a focus on destination immersion and personalised service.
Looking Ahead: Ilma and Luminara
As we reluctantly disembarked Evrima, our thoughts turned to the future of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. With two new yachts, Ilma and Luminara, set to join the fleet in the coming years, the brand is poised for expansion.
Early indications suggest that these newer vessels will build on the success of Evrima, with even more spacious suites and additional dining venues. The expanded fleet will also allow for a broader range of itineraries, potentially including destinations in Asia and the South Pacific.
As The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection continues to evolve, it’s clear that they are setting a new standard in luxury yachting. By combining the brand’s renowned service with the intimacy and flexibility of small-ship cruising, they’ve created an experience that truly stands apart in the world of luxury travel. We eagerly anticipate our next voyage with them, ready to explore new horizons in unparalleled style and comfort.
