First-Ever Ship Of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection All Set For Its Debut

With a sleek modern design, rich material, adequate lounge space, customized, top-notch services, and a restaurant with special menus brainstormed by a Michelin three-star chef — and following a delay of three years — the first-ever ship that belongs to the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is all set to debut. The 298-passenger Evrima is prepared to carry guests on a well-planned seven-night cruise to Nice from Barcelona on 15 October.

Stalled construction at Spanish shipyards and the ongoing pandemic-exacerbated troubles related to the supply chain resulted in the launch date being postponed by eight times. While thousands of guests may have had early bookings delayed or cancelled, the vessel remains one of the most anticipated luxury vessels, particularly among Ritz-Carlton fans.

The competition

Leading luxury cruise bands like Seabourn and Silversea will not be the only competition. Late last month, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts declared the launch of Four Seasons Yachts, three 190-passenger vessels to be constructed by Italy’s Fincantieri, in collaboration with Nadim Ashi, the owner of Fort Partners and Philip Levine, an ex-Miami Beach mayor. The first is expected to be delivered by late 2025.

Room to spread out

Guests can stay in suites with ceilings higher than the typical cruise ship, with king-size beds, double-vanity washrooms, and even private outdoor terraces that overlook the sea. Also available are resort-like features like a Ritz Kids program with a playroom ($45 for each three-hour session). A Ritz-Carlton-operated exclusive spa with outdoor and indoor treatment rooms and indulgences like a $395 non-surgical lift facial.

The 623-foot vessel has more space per passenger than any other luxury cruise vessel, per Prothero. Guests can choose to be as quiet as they want or engage in a get-together in a crowd. There are several ways to do so. At one secluded table for 10, guests can even host their private dinner party.

The concept

Sweden’s renowned maritime architecture and design major, Tillberg, collaborated with a hotel firm team to develop a floating Ritz-Carlton hotel. It plans to take Ritz-Carlton casual modern luxury to sea, explains Prothero. He adds that it is not attempting to be something one finds on a cruise.

Water, water, everywhere

Guests can enjoy lovely ocean views as they sip complimentary champagne on the loungers around an oversized infinity pool. If they desire, they may get closer to the water’s edge on the Marina Terrace, where light bites and handcrafted cocktails will be served when the ship anchors.

From the marina, there are sailboats, paddleboards, boards, windsurf, kayaks, and snorkelling equipment to borrow. Four luxurious plunge pools around Evrima are expected to allure guests to take a dip with a view.

First-class dining

The huge Evrima Room, the yacht’s main restaurant, features dishes inspired by the line’s destinations. A five-course tasting menu with champagne and premium wine pairings at S.E.A. (Sven Elverfeld Aboard) was a brainchild of Chef Sven Elverfeld associated with the three-Michelin-starred Aqua at the Ritz-Carlton in Germany’s Wolfsburg (available with an up-charge of approximately $285 per head). At Talaat Nam restaurant, one can choose to dine on Southeast Asian dishes, head to the onboard sushi bar, or enjoy dinner indoors. Guests can benefit from the 24/7 room service.

Nightlife

The ship’s Deck 10 outdoor and indoor Observation Terrace is a swanky social hub — a place to take in mesmerizing views and enjoy cocktails and live entertainment by the evening. Late at night, the space will transform into a nightclub. Guests will have the opportunity to dance under the stars. Evrim boasts its resident jazz. Besides, famous classical musicians and local entertainers will perform at selected ports of call.

Destination focus

In the first year, Evrima will sail in the Caribbean and Mediterranean waters on seven- to 10-night itineraries, following the yachting crowd to hotspots like Ibiza, Bequia, St. Barts, and St. Tropez.

Overnights afford the time to play on land, and there’s an interest in beyond-the-norm shore excursions. For instance, a tour of the Aruba Aloe facility will be followed by an aloe-based treatment at the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba. And an evening excursion at Tenerife is more focused on exciting cocktail culture. Cruise fares start from about $1,000 per night and per person. However, you can find a few sailings at a lower rate.

References: Gulf News, The National News