The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Review — Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection finally debuted its first ship, Evrima, in October 2022, after years of delays. This new small-ship luxury cruise line is currently offering sailings throughout the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Each sailing is unique, so guests can stack multiple trips together for the ultimate cruise experience.

Let’s explore The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to see what it offers and we’ll also look at how you can earn or use Marriott Bonvoy points on these luxury sailings.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Overview

Name: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Number of Ships: 1 (2 more are planned for 2024 and 2025)

Destinations: Caribbean and Mediterranean

Loyalty Program: Marriott Bonvoy

Credit Card: Marriott Bonvoy credit cards

Bottom Line: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a new small-ship luxury cruise line. The line’s first ship, Evrima, set sail on her maiden voyage on October 15, 2022, from Barcelona, Spain.

Ships

Currently, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has 1 ship, Evrima, which debuted in October 2022. There are plans for 2 additional ships, Ilma and Lunimara, in 2024 and 2025.

Evrima is a 190-meter yacht that can accommodate up to 298 guests in 149 luxury suites. Each suite includes a private terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-sized bed, and a double vanity bathroom.

Departure Ports

Private Ports/Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection does not have any private ports or islands.

Accommodations

There are 6 levels of suites available on a sailing with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

The Terrace is the base-level room. This 300-square-foot room has a terrace that measures 54 to 81 square feet and includes all of the standard luxury amenities that are available in every suite onboard, including:

The Signature is a 429-square-foot room that has a separate sitting and dining area as well as a sleeper sofa and a soaking tub with a separate shower. The terrace ranges from 81 to 118 square feet.

The Grand has everything offered in The Signature as well as dual walk-in closets. It has 587 square feet of living space with a terrace that measures up to 118 square feet.

The 2-Story Loft has a master bedroom and bathroom as well as an additional king-sized bed sleeping area on the lower level. The upper level has a powder room, living and dining areas, and an 81-square-foot terrace. Both levels of this 611-square-foot suite have entries.

The View has a double vanity bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower along with a king-sized bed and a sleeper sofa. Rooms range in size from 544 to 574 square feet with a terrace measuring 108 to 129 square feet.

The Owner’s is the largest suite available measuring 1,019 square feet with a 635 square foot terrace. This large suite has 2 full bathrooms, separate living and dining areas, a walk-in closet, a sleeper sofa, and a private whirlpool on the terrace.

Dining and Beverages

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is taking dining at sea to a new level with inventive, inspired cuisine served in beautiful spaces. Guests will enjoy regionally-influenced dishes in a variety of venues from intimate dining rooms to outdoor dining to private in-suite meals.

The Evrima Room is the yacht’s main dining room, serving seasonal specialties inspired by the local cuisine.

S.E.A. is a unique dining experience available for an additional fee. Designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld from Aqua, a 3-star Michelin restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany, S.E.A. offers a European tasting menu in a modern setting. Reservations are required.

Talaat Nam serves contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine at family-style tables, in an outdoor dining area, or at the restaurant’s sushi bar.

The Pool House is the yacht’s casual poolside restaurant that serves cruisers from breakfast through late-night bites in an open-air setting.

For outdoor dining with spectacular views, there’s Mistral. This casual space serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes including steak and seafood.

The Living Room is a casual gathering spot featuring an espresso counter and bar. Guests can grab a quick snack or a coffee and freshly-baked pastry throughout the day.

For guests who’d rather stay in to enjoy their suite, in-room dining is available featuring menu items from multiple dining locations on board. A separate late-night menu is also available.

Bottom Line: All dining and premium alcoholic beverages are included in the cruise fare, with the exception of S.E.A., where additional fees may apply.

Onboard Activities and Amenities

The Ritz-Carlton Spa

Relax completely with a massage, facial, or locally-inspired treatment in 1 of the 5 private rooms, or enjoy ocean views while getting pampered outside. In addition to a sauna, steam room, and quiet zones, there’s a Beauty Lounge and a Gentlemen’s Grooming Salon. There’s an additional charge for spa services and reservations are required.

Marina Terrace

The Marina Terrace is a deck on the back of the yacht that features a sun deck with loungers and easy entry into the water while anchored. Water toys include paddle boards, windsurf boards, kayaks, sailboats, snorkeling equipment, and floating pontoon platforms.

The Humidor

The Humidor is an intimate lounge offering hand-rolled cigars and cognac.

Pool

The ship’s infinity pool is surrounded by a spacious sun deck with loungers and water misters. Guests can order frozen drinks or lunch from the nearby restaurant, The Pool House.

The Living Room

As mentioned above, The Living Room is the yacht’s main gathering lounge. Exuding understated elegance with plenty of comfortable seating, this area also features a library with best sellers and travel guidebooks. In the evenings, this space transforms into a cocktail lounge and piano bar.

The Fitness Studio

The Fitness Studio offers an integrated approach to health and wellness by combining lectures and nutrition with classes like yoga and pilates, as well as traditional gym equipment like elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and free weights.

Onboard Boutique

The onboard boutique showcases luxury goods as well as branded items. In select ports, local artisans that partner with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are invited onboard to share their creations.

Entertainment

The entertainment you’ll find on board is designed to enhance each guest’s journey through cultural experiences, including expert-led discussions and partnerships with local artisans and musicians. There are also in-house classical and jazz musicians that move throughout different venues.

The Observation Lounge

The Observation Lounge provides spectacular views in an indoor/outdoor environment. It’s a perfect area for lounging or socializing with fellow cruisers. The evenings bring live entertainment and cocktails, extending The Observation Lounge into a late-night lounge.

Ritz Kids

Ritz Kids is a dedicated space for young travelers offering both fun and educational programming.

The Bar

This cozy lounge serves premium-label spirits as well as Champagne and caviar.

Dress Code

During the day on a sailing with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a “Yacht Casual” dress code is enforced. That means unless you’re at the pool, shirts, shoes, and bathing suit cover-ups are required. For dinner, bathing suits and sleeveless t-shirts are not permitted. Shirts and shoes are required everywhere on the ship in the evening. For guests dining at S.E.A., a “Yacht Sophisticated” dress code that recommends — but does not require — collared shirts is in place. There are no formal nights.

Shore Excursions

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers 3 types of shore excursions: The Shore Collection, Concierge Ashore, and Epicurean Experiences. There are additional charges for shore excursions.

The Shore Collection is a curated offering of small group excursions designed to immerse travelers in the destination they are visiting. These excursions are offered in unique 5 categories to align with a guest’s particular interests:

• Iconic Sights: These trips take small groups led by local guides to a destination’s most well-known sights and landmarks.
• Cultural Connections: Guests can get an up-close-and-personal view of each destination and its culture.
• Overland Programs: Available on select itineraries, these excursions include an overnight stay at the destination.
• Active Explorations: These high-energy trips focus on active exploration, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, rafting, climbing, and more.
• Stirring the Senses: These low-key excursions, including things like yoga or a beach day at a luxury resort, are designed to help guests rest, relax, and rejuvenate.

The Concierge Ashore program allows guests to choose from private, predesigned trips or assists in creating a bespoke itinerary with the assistance of a personal concierge. This program also allows guests to choose a private version of any of the available Shore Collection trips.

Epicurean Experiences are food-centric excursions that could include cooking classes or a visit to a winery.

Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, so there are opportunities to either earn or use Marriott points for one of these luxury cruises.

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn 5 points per $1 spent on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fares and any hotel packages,  including participating Marriott locations booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn Elite Night Credits through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to earn higher Marriott Bonvoy status. A member can earn 1 elite night for each night spent on a yacht plus any nights at participating Marriott hotels booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as part of a package.

How To Redeem Marriott Points on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Sailings

Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed for 0.56 cents apiece toward a sailing with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Since we value Marriott Bonvoy points at ~0.7 apiece, you won’t be getting exceptional value using your points this way, but it’s always good to have the option.

If you decide to redeem points for a yacht sailing, you’ll need to do it in specified increments. To start, you can redeem 180,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for $1,000 in savings on the cruise fare. Then points can be redeemed in increments of 90,000 for a $500 savings. Points won’t cover the cost of taxes, fees, and port charges.

Bottom Line: You can earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruises. You’ll earn 5 points per $1 spent on your fare and will earn elite night credits, too. Alternatively, you can redeem 180,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a $1,000 savings on the cruise fare. After redeeming the initial 180,000 points, you can redeem more points in 90,000-point increments for $500 in savings.

Benefits for Marriott Bonvoy Elite Members

Marriott Bonvoy elite members are eligible for additional benefits when sailing with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

If you’re planning a trip with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection but don’t have Marriott Bonvoy elite status, consider applying for a credit card that comes with automatic status. This can be an easy way to earn Marriott Bonvoy Silver, Gold, or Platinum status so you can take advantage of the onboard benefits.

As a reminder, here are the credit cards that come with automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status:

Final Thoughts

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a new small-ship luxury cruise line. Currently, there is only 1 yacht, Evrima, but there are plans for 2 more to join her by 2025. These sailings offer guests an immersive experience through specially curated shore excursions as well as an opportunity to visit smaller ports.

Points and miles lovers will be thrilled to know that The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, allowing guests to earn or use points for sailings, as well as to earn elite status with each night on a yacht or in a participating hotel as part of a package booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® card, click here.