On July 8th, Portsmouth International Port welcomed its first-ever LNG–powered cruise mega-yacht, Ilma.
The vessel, operated by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, made its inaugural call to the UK, arriving with 386 passengers, many of whom planned to spend a few days exploring Portsmouth before she continued her 9-night Around the British Isles voyage.
Port operations manager Andrew Williamson described the day as a celebration of sustainable luxury bringing its first visit to the city under clear skies. He reported that the vessel represents a significant step for the port, both in terms of hosting a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessel and introducing LNG propulsion and shore power–ready technology.
Built in Saint-Nazaire, France, Ilma entered service in October 2024 and joins 224 suites with private terraces aboard her 790‑foot hull. Accommodating up to 448 guests and maintaining one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios at sea, she offers five dining venues, seven bars, a wine vault, spa, pools, fitness studios, and a marina terrace with direct sea access.
The LNG dual-fuel engines and shore-power compatibility reflect both environmental foresight and the port’s broader strategy of decarbonisation—Portsmouth aims to complete its shore-power infrastructure later this year, reinforcing its appeal to eco-conscious vessels.
Following its UK debut, Ilma remained alongside Portsmouth until evening departure on July 8, bound for Holyhead and further calls at Liverpool, Greenock (Glasgow), Dublin, Cobh, and Amsterdam. The ship will revisit Portsmouth in the summer of 2026, solidifying the port as a new focal point in luxury yacht cruising.
This call not only highlights new standards of sustainable propulsion and luxury service, but also underscores Portsmouth’s growing role in hosting premium maritime experiences—a record-breaking 94 scheduled cruise calls for 2025 includes entries from Ritz-Carlton alongside other high-end lines.
Ilma’s arrival marks a convergence of maritime tradition, advanced vessel technology, and sustainable port infrastructure—a clear signal of the future trajectory of luxury sea travel and Portsmouth’s elevated standing within it.