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The Ritz-Carlton's highly anticipated superyacht cruise has finally made its debut, three and a half years after it was originally scheduled to begin its maiden voyage.
Evrima, the first of three custom-built yachts from the famed Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection hotel chain, began a seven-night cruise from Barcelona, Spain, to Nice, France, on October 15.
The 190-meter ship, with capacity for 298 passengers, is made up of 149 suites with private terraces, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows, and features an infinity pool, a wine vault, a Ritz-Carlton Spa, a nightclub and its own “marina”.
Rates for a week's stay start at $6,400 per person for Mediterranean trips, while Caribbean trips start at $5,100 per person, with accommodation options ranging from standard cabins to two-story loft-style apartments and an extensive space of 1,091 square feet. Three meter high “Owner's Suite” with private hot tub.
Those who enjoy these luxury cruises can expect “top-notch service” (the yacht boasts one of the highest staff-to-space-to-guest ratios at sea), as well as excellent dining experiences, complimentary water sports and onboard entertainment. .
There is also a children's facility on board with a comprehensive program for children ages four to 12.
Evrima, which means discovery in Greek, will sail to a variety of destinations throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, as well as Central and South America, with most cruises lasting between seven and 10 nights.
The luxury yacht will be followed by two others, Ilma and Luminara, currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
Ritz-Carlton first announced its plans to enter the world of luxury yachting in 2017, describing the venture as “a hybrid between luxury cruise ships and yachts.”
“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is revolutionizing the luxury cruise industry, creating a completely unique category designed for those seeking unrivaled getaways, highly curated itineraries, privileged access and a level of personalization never before seen in space,” Douglas Prothero, Chief Executive Officer of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection said in a statement.
“All elements of the luxury yacht experience were taken into account when designing and creating Evrima, and we are excited to offer unforgettable voyages for both veteran sailors and those who are new to the industry.”
All three superyachts will be available for private charter. While Ritz-Carlton hasn't revealed the rental price, it's safe to assume that those who choose to rent the boats will need a lot of money.
“We are thrilled to introduce The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and usher in an exciting new chapter for this beloved brand,” says Chris Gabaldon, senior vice president of luxury brands at Marriott International.
The launch of Evrima has been rescheduled several times due to supply chain issues and the global pandemic.
Earlier this month, Four Seasons announced plans for its first ship, a 14-deck, 207-meter-long, 95-suite superyacht, which will enter service in late 2025.