RITZ-CARLTON has announced a foray into the booming cruise sector, becoming the first major luxury hotel company to seek a presence at sea.
The Marriott subsidiary has confirmed plans to introduce the first of three small-scale vessels in late 2019, operating under the banner of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
The first vessel will measure 190 metres and accommodate up to 298 passengers in 149 suites, each with its own private balcony.
The yacht will also feature two 138m2 duplex penthouse suites, with modern interiors jointly designed by Ritz-Carlton and Swedish ship design firm Tillberg.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is being headed by maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, in collaboration with funds management firm Oaktree Capital Management.
“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true stand outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” said Herve Humler, pres and coo of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
Itineraries are being developed ranging between seven and 10 days, visiting destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.
The first yacht will call at ports not accessible to large ships, such as Capri and Portofino in Italy and St Barths in the Caribbean.
It will feature a restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, as well as a Ritz-Carlton Spa and a Panorama Lounge and wine bar.
Res open in May & the ships will be available for private charter.
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