The award-winning hotel brand takes to the seas with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Aft-Marina3 ritz-carlton yacht.jpeg

Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton has been synonymous with luxury since their inception, but not content with simply bossing the hotel business, it is extending its luxury brand to the seas with a new fleet of cruises.

Of course, these aren’t just any cruise ships: if you’re imagining cramped quarters and tacky Elvis impersonators, think again. Combining the opulent intimacy of a yacht with the grandeur of a traditional cruise, Marriott International will become the first luxury hotelier brand to accommodate travellers on land and at sea with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

(Related: Ritz-Carlton coming to Mexico City)

ritz carlton yact  Duplex Suite1.jpeg

Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Rooms on board

The three vessels can each accommodate up to 298 people in its 149 suites, all kitted out with private balconies. 

Every suite has been designed with the traditional hallmarks that define The Ritz-Carlton brand (double sinks in your en-suite, for starters), combined with flourishes of contemporary luxury from Tillberg Design of Sweden.

With five room categories on the 190-metre yacht, rooms range from the 300 square-foot Veranda Suite to the 1485 square-foot duplex penthouse.

ritz carlton yact Observation Lounge.jpeg

Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Dining and spa

Featuring five restaurants for less than 300 passengers, the varied dining options will include menus by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua Wolfsburg. 

The signature Ritz-Carlton spa, outdoor infinity pool, a water-toy launch pad at the stern, a panoramic-view wine bar and a dynamic international line-up of curated entertainment are just a few of the of onboard facilities designed to keep you busy.

(Related: The Tatler Pick: 3 Treatments To Try At The Ritz-Carlton Spa)

ritz carlton yact back.jpeg

Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Destinations 

The sleek design of the yachts combined with their delicate size enables them to visit many ports that larger vessels have to pass up—think Portofino over Venice, St Tropez instead of Marseilles, and smaller islands like Capri, St. Barths, and Mykonos. 

The first vessel is to be launched in 2019, taking on routes around the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Northern Europe. The second ship (launching 2021) will follow similar routes, although there are plans for the third ship (launching 2022) to explore routes in the South Pacific.

The Ritz-Carlton will arrange culinary and cultural experiences in collaboration with local chefs, musicians and artists to give passengers a unique experience of the ship.

The 7-10 day itineraries are being designed to enhance passengers experience on and off-board, with the luxury of the ship being reflected in on-shore activities, tours and services too.

Reservations for the first yacht will open in May 2018. The ships of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter. ritzcarlton.com. 

This article first appeared on hk.asiatatler.com.