Ritz-Carlton Ilma

The 2024-built Ritz-Carlton Ilma cruise ship is the second of three ultra-luxury expedition superyachts owned by Marriott International Inc (shipowner). The vessel is operated by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (cruise brand and subsidiary of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company / official website).

The vessel (IMO number 9967586) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 256343000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

Ritz-Carlton’s cruise brand “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection” is a Miami-headquartered (Coconut Grove) new company owned by Marriott International Inc via its subsidiary The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC.

On June 22, 2017, the 5-star hotel brand Ritz-Carlton announced the launch of its privately owned cruise line brand, with a planned start in 2019. The company’s fleet consists of three newbuilds, with an option to expand to five vessels. The Ritz-Carlton cruise company was created by Douglas Prothero (CEO, founder of Canadian Maritime Group) and Lars Clasen (Managing Director, former President of AIDA Cruises).

On March 17, 2022, Ritz-Carlton officially announced the signing of the shipbuilding order with the French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique (yard in Saint-Nazaire) for two LNG-powered superyachts—the sisterships Ilma (2024) and Luminara (2025).

The Ritz-Carlton agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique was signed by Douglas Prothero (The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s CEO), Tim Grisius (Marriott International’s Global Officer for Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Development, and Real Estate), Karim Khairallah (Oaktree Capital Management’s and European Principal Group’s Managing Director and Co-Portfolio Manager), and Laurent Castaing (the shipbuilder’s General Manager).

Initially, Ritz-Carlton planned fleet expansion with two Evrima-like sisterships, scheduled for delivery in 2023 and 2024. The shipbuilding order for the second vessel was signed on May 31, 2019, with Hijos de J. Barreras (shipyard in Vigo, Spain) by Jose Garcia Costas (shipbuilder’s President) and Douglas Prothero. However, due to the coronavirus crisis and Barreras Shipyard’s financial difficulties, both projects were canceled and replaced with the larger, France-built units.

Unlike Evrima (completed at Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain), Ilma and Luminara are larger in gross tonnage (46,750 GT compared to Evrima’s 26,500 GT), number of cabins (223 vs 149), and maximum passenger capacity (456 vs 298).

The design of the new superyachts was entrusted to AD Associates (London, England, UK / interior design), Aivan (Helsinki, Finland / exterior design), and DPA Designers (Miami, Florida, USA).

Decks and Cabins

All Ilma cruise ship staterooms (224 total) are balcony suites with high ceilings, including numerous two-room accommodations with separate bedrooms. Triple and quad cabins are equipped with convertible couches/sleeper sofas.

The yacht has 10 decks, of which 8 are passenger-accessible and 5 contain cabins.

There are nine cabin categories (all suites). Two-room categories include Owner’s, Concierge, Ilma, View, Panorama, and Grand Suites, while Signature Suites (deluxe balcony) and Terrace Suites (standard balcony) feature combined living and sleeping areas.

The largest accommodations are the Owner’s Suites, measuring 1,035 ft² (96 m²) of interior space, plus an expansive terrace of 720 ft² (67 m²).

The ship has a total of five ADA-compliant cabins (for disabled passengers), all of which are wheelchair-accessible Terrace Suites.

Standard complimentary amenities and services in all cabins include custom-made King-size beds (non-convertible, premium sleeping system with Ritz-Carlton linens and hypoallergenic pillows), smart HDTVs (infotainment system with Internet access, movies on demand, and room service ordering), a seating area with contemporary furniture, a complimentary minibar (stocked to guest preferences upon request after boarding), an espresso coffee machine (complimentary capsules, coffee, and tea), direct-dial phone, alarm clock radio, wardrobe, electronic safe, lifejackets (in the closet), 220–110 V power outlets, USB charging ports, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and in-cabin dining, a dedicated butler (Personal Concierge), and a full bathroom with double-sink vanity, separate WC, two hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers, custom bath linens, and luxury-brand toiletries. All cabins also feature individually controlled air-conditioning, LED lighting, and modern recessed fixtures.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The Ilma yacht features six restaurants, five bars and lounges, a Wine Vault, an expanded Marina with mezzanine, an enlarged Ritz-Carlton Spa and wellness complex, and a dedicated children’s area operated under the Ritz Kids program.

Ilma offers a total of 10 ultra-premium dining venues with chef-curated menus, intimate settings, flexible hours, and no assigned seating or fixed dining times. Guests may dine whenever they choose, rather than following traditional cruise ship schedules.

All-day and overnight in-cabin dining (including on private terraces) is available via the 24-hour room service menu, offering selections from all onboard dining venues, as well as during regular hours from the main dining room menu.

The daytime dress code is “Yacht Casual” for breakfast and lunch; shoes, shirts, and swimwear cover-ups are required outside pool areas. In the evenings, sleeveless T-shirts and swimwear are not permitted, and shoes and shirts are required throughout the vessel. The specialty dining restaurant by Sven Elverfeld follows a “Yacht Sophisticated” dress code—collared shirts are recommended but not mandatory. There are no formal nights on board.

Below is the complete list of Ritz-Carlton Ilma restaurants and food venues.

• (deck 3) SETA SU ILMA Restaurant is a fine-dining venue offering a gourmet tasting menu in partnership with Michelin-starred Italian chef Fabio Trabocchi. The restaurant (28 seats) is à la carte priced, featuring a five-course menu with optional wine pairings. An additional fee applies and reservations are required. The adjacent WINE VAULT complements the dining experience.
• (deck 3) TIDES is the main dining room, featuring locally inspired menus that change daily to reflect visited destinations. DINING PRIVEE, a 10-seat private room within Tides, can be reserved for VIP lunches and dinners with customized menus.
• (deck 3) MARINA TERRACE is an open-air bar lounge serving as an alfresco dining venue by day and transforming into a disco nightclub in the evenings.
• (deck 3, forward-portside) MEDICAL CENTER / Infirmary.
• (deck 4) MEMORY is a contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant with a sushi bar and outdoor terrace, offering Southeast Asian fusion and traditional specialties.
• (deck 5 aft) THE BEACH HOUSE (designed by Chapi Chapo) is a casual poolside venue serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with panoramic views and a menu inspired by Peruvian and Pan-Latin cuisine.
• (deck 10 aft) MISTRAL is a steakhouse and seafood grill serving the pool deck with beverages and freshly prepared grilled dishes. The venue offers indoor and outdoor seating, early breakfast options, and late-night complimentary dining, with Mediterranean specialties, premium meats, and fresh seafood prepared à la minute.

Ritz-Carlton Yachts’ Culinary Director is Matthieu Godard (pastry chef), who oversees the brand’s culinary vision, while Executive Chef Lee Goble manages the fleet’s culinary teams.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Ilma offers destination-focused entertainment, including onboard performances by local artists and musicians, itinerary-inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, and expert-led lectures and presentations. During each voyage, local guests such as artists, lecturers, and chefs join the ship to enhance the onboard experience. Complimentary shipwide Wi-Fi is provided.

The main social venues are the Observation Terrace and Lounge (top deck) and The Living Room (atrium lobby, café, and library). The vessel does not feature a traditional theater or casino.

The yacht’s aft marina platform provides direct access to the sea for watersports and is also used for open-air events and parties. Complimentary water toys include sea kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment. The marina connects to an indoor-outdoor solarium that resembles a lounge rather than a conventional sundeck.

The image below shows the Spa Deck’s forward sundeck with a large Jacuzzi (covered in the evenings) and outdoor seating.

Above the sun deck is the helideck with a helipad used for emergency operations.

The superyacht features two infinity whirlpools (aft port and starboard on Deck 5) and two swimming pools—one deep aft pool on Deck 5 and one shallow midship pool on Deck 10. The aft pool includes a glass wall facing the ship’s wake, while the Lido pool deck is equipped with an outdoor LED screen.

The yacht also carries speedboats.

In compliance with fire and safety regulations, most interior spaces are compartmentalized with metal bulkheads separating venues. Ritz-Carlton ships pioneered an open, “fluid and transparent” layout concept intended to reduce traditional boundaries between dining and lounge areas.

Below is the complete list of Ritz-Carlton Ilma lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues.

• (deck 5 midship) THE HUMIDOR is a smoking lounge offering hand-rolled cigars and premium spirits, including fine cognacs.
• (deck 9 forward) THE OBSERVATION TERRACE is a bow-facing outdoor lounge with 270-degree views. THE OBSERVATION LOUNGE is the indoor counterpart, used for social events and transforming into a nightclub in the evenings.
• (deck 5 midship) THE LIVING ROOM serves as a café, patisserie, and library, offering pastries, specialty coffees, and traditional afternoon tea.
• (deck 5 aft) THE BEACH HOUSE is a poolside bar and alfresco dining venue serving complimentary beverages and Pan-Latin and Caribbean cuisine throughout the day and late into the night.
• RITZ-CARLTON SPA offers indoor and outdoor treatments, private treatment balconies, relaxation lounges, medical facilities, multiple treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, salon, barber services, juice bar, and fitness areas.
• (deck 4 midship) THE FITNESS STUDIO is an indoor-outdoor gym with classes, wellness programs, and personalized coaching.
• (deck 4) RITZ-KIDS is the children’s club, also doubling as a meeting and conference space.
• (deck 5) THE BOUTIQUE offers branded apparel, accessories, jewelry, watches, fragrances, and cosmetics, with select port collaborations featuring local artisans.

THE MARINA is the stern-located watersports platform providing direct sea access and hosting events and parties. It connects via glass doors to the staircase leading up to the Lido and Pool Deck.

THE MARINA TERRACE is an open-air deck with a retractable glass roof, operating as a daytime lounge and evening nightclub, serving cocktails, light bites, and freshly prepared dishes.

The Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge and the Captain’s Suite and officers’ quarters are located forward on Deck 8.

Itineraries

Ritz-Carlton opened bookings for Ilma’s inaugural 2024 season in February–March 2023, with priority access for members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Reservations opened on February 15 (Ambassador Elite), February 24 (Platinum Elite), March 2 (Gold and Silver Elite), and March 9 for the general public.

Ilma’s itineraries range from 7 to 13 nights, featuring deployments in the Caribbean and Europe (Mediterranean), as well as seasonal transatlantic repositioning voyages.

The Maiden Voyage was initially scheduled for September 19, 2024, departing from Piraeus-Athens and ending in Haifa, Israel. It was later rescheduled to September 2, 2024, as a 7-day itinerary from Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia-Rome.

During the inaugural Mediterranean season, the yacht visits destinations in the Greek Isles, Italian and French rivieras, Spain’s Balearic and Canary Islands, and North Africa, often featuring overnight port stays.

Below is Ilma’s 2024 schedule, opened for booking in 2023.

• EUR 7,070 pp (Sept 19 / Maiden Voyage) 7-night from Piraeus-Athens to Haifa, visiting Mykonos (Greece), Alanya (Turkey), Limassol (Cyprus, overnight), and ending in Haifa (overnight).
• EUR 11,935 pp (Sept 26) 12-night from Haifa to Civitavecchia-Rome, visiting Ashdod (Israel), Alexandria (Egypt, overnight), Rhodes, Santorini, Milos (Greece), Giardini Naxos-Taormina (Sicily), Sorrento, and ending in Civitavecchia.
• EUR 7,175 pp (Oct 8) 7-night roundtrip from Civitavecchia, visiting Valletta (Malta, overnight), Catania (Sicily), Amalfi (overnight), and Sorrento.
• EUR 6,580 pp (Oct 15) 7-night from Civitavecchia to Barcelona, visiting Livorno (overnight), Monte Carlo, Marseille, Roses (Costa Brava), and ending in Barcelona.
• EUR 9,260 pp (Oct 22) 10-night from Barcelona to Lisbon, visiting Palma de Mallorca (overnight), Cartagena, Tangier, Malaga (overnight), Portimão, and ending in Lisbon (overnight).
• EUR 7,120 pp (Nov 1) 13-night transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to San Juan, visiting Funchal (Madeira), Tenerife (overnight), Road Town (Tortola), and ending in Puerto Rico.

Note: All fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and include taxes, fees, and port charges.

Ritz-Carlton’s Shore Collection program offers customized shore excursions curated by dedicated onboard staff working with certified local guides.

All Ritz-Carlton superyachts are available for private charter.