Bethesda, Maryland – 28 June 2017 –
Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company announces enters the world of luxury yachting and cruises.
Created by The Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, in collaboration with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, Ritz-Carlton will provide luxury hospitality service under a long-term operating agreement.
The company says The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection represents a unique foray into the cruise industry for a luxury hotel operator. The first of three cruising yachts in this series is scheduled to take to sea in the fourth quarter of 2019, and distinguishes Marriott International – which owns the Ritz-Carlton brand – as the only provider of luxury accommodations both on land and at sea.
“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true stand outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
“This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalised service.”
Itineraries are being developed with an intent to combine the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton’s luxury resorts and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation.
Voyages will range from seven to 10 days. The first ship will cruise a wide variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.
Due to the intimate size of the vessel, the yacht will call at unique locations typically not accessible to large cruise ships, from Capri and Portofino to St Barths and the old town of Cartagena.
The specially designed small capacity vessel will measure 190-meters, accommodate up to 298 passengers, and feature 149 suites, each with its own private balcony. The yacht will also feature two 138-square-meter duplex penthouse suites.