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Ritz-Carlton's first luxury cruise ship takes to the water

A rendering of the inaugural yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - HJ Barreras Shipyard/Ritz-Carlton
A rendering of the inaugural yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - HJ Barreras Shipyard/Ritz-Carlton

A new chapter of maritime history was written last week when more than 26,000 tons of steel thundered down the slipway of a Spanish shipyard – marking hotel giant Ritz-Carlton’s entry into the world of cruising. 

Work on the 149-suite ship's luxe interiors has now commenced, with its long-awaited launch due in February 2020 and before that, the announcement of its name planned for this December's International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes.

Interiors, overseen by Swedish firm Tillberg Design, will incorporate the hallmark bespoke furnishings associated with Ritz-Carlton’s hotel properties, of which there are more than 90 around the around. This ship will be the first of up to eight yachts to come for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, with the second and third planned for 2021.

“We wanted to build a game-changing design that was true to the Ritz-Carlton brand,” said chief executive Doug Prothero, speaking at last week’s launch ceremony. 

“The quality of what we have put in the water today is as good as you can get anywhere.”

A peek at what's to come - Credit: HJ Barreras Shipyard/Ritz-Carlton
Interiors will incorporate the hallmark furnishings associated with Ritz-Carlton’s hotels Credit: HJ Barreras Shipyard/Ritz-Carlton

Prothero said that since the first sailings went on sale in May, demand has been 300 per cent higher than expected, with cruise newcomers accounting for at least half of the bookings.

More than a third have come from existing Ritz-Carlton customers, with most of these falling into the early-50s age bracket. The majority are American, followed by British, the company revealed.

Ritz-Carlton’s ship will offer more space per passenger than any other vessel of its kind, it claims. Seemingly designed to resemble privately owned superyachts, it will accommodate up to 298 passengers and feature 149 suites, all with balconies. The most desirable residences of all will be two 138 square-metre duplex penthouse suites.

The inaugural yacht in the shipyard - Credit: HJ Barreras Shipyard/Ritz-Carlton
In the making: the first vessel in the shipyard Credit: HJ Barreras Shipyard/Ritz-Carlton

Facilities expected include a restaurant offering a culinary concept designed by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg; a spa; and a panorama lounge and wine bar, which will host live entertainment. Also on board will be an infinity pool, fitness centre and a water-sports marina with the requisite water toys.

Shore excursions on offer during voyages will tap into the expertise of concierge teams based at various Marriott hotels around the world. Although complete itineraries are yet to be released, the hotel group says they will offer “a uniquely curated destination experience that includes both overnight and daytime ports of call.”

Trips will last between seven and 10 days and will serve expected destinations such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean, as well as Colombia’s Cartagena, and other intimate destinations, such as Capri and Portofino, that are usually inaccessible to larger cruise ships. 

“We know that there are more than 400,000 cruisers on the Ritz-Carlton database,” Prothero stated of the clientele. 

“However, the response from new cruisers is bigger than we thought. Between the brand and the design, it is bringing people into cruise, which is great for the business, great for the industry and great for us.”