Ritz-Carlton’s bespoke, luxury cruise line will give you wanderlust

In South Florida, Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with two things—four star ratings (the Fort Lauderdale hotel earned a premier rating from Global Star Ratings) and luxury property.

The hotelier behind Ritz-Carlton Residencies in Miami Beach and Sunny Isles Beach wants to make your cruising experience just as luxurious.

Magic City travelers who are afflicted with wanderlust can book a reservation starting June 2018 on the Yacht Collection, a luxury fleet of three ships with voyages to warm weather locales.

The itinerary, which includes shore excursions, is scheduled for stops in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

In an effort to attract young, first-time luxury cruisers, Ritz-Carlton broke away from longstanding traditions in the industry. For example, passengers can book back-to-back trips since each itinerary is different. The brand has also ditched set dining hours so patrons can eat when they want.

While the itinerary includes exotic gems, the ships feature impressive amenities.

The yet-to-be named, identical vessels are all-inclusive—including gratuities, alcoholic drinks, concierge access, and Wi-Fi. The ships, which were designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden, feature between 149 and 170 all-balcony cabins and five dining venues.

Each 190-meter yacht, which can hold nearly 298 people, features 149 suites that come with a terrace. The yacht also includes two, 1,485-square-foot penthouse suites that have a bedroom on the ground floor with stairs leading up to a furnished terrace and private whirlpool.

”It sounds ‘cruisey’ but the difference is the way we do it,” says Douglas Prothero, Ritz-Carlton’s managing director, when discussing cruising with the Yacht Collection. “There will be fewer ports and more focus on the onboard experience.”

For seven to 10 days, guests have the option to relax at a lounge and wine bar, an indoor-outdoor solarium, or the top-deck, which moonlights as an after hours nightclub.

Passengers who are a fan of water should bring a bathing suit. The ship has deep and shallow pools, and infinity pools with an inside current, says Prothero. Yacht Collection ships’ also have a marina-style platform where water toys are available.

The ships offer plenty of dining options that includes in-suite dining, an Asian fusion restaurant, a poolside grill, casual dining, and an a la carte restaurant from celebrity chef, Sven Elverfeld.

Living Room, a library and cafe that includes a check-in hub; spa; medical wellness center; fitness center; and a yoga studio are all options available to travelers.

• Ritz-Carlton coverage [Curbed Miami]
• Miami’s 5 five-star hotels of 2017, mapped [Curbed Miami]
• What it will be like to take a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise [South Florida Business Journal]
• The Ritz-Carlton takes to the sea—first luxury hotel brand to offer bespoke yacht experiences [The Ritz-Carlton]
• Florida will get the first ultra-luxury cruise ship from the new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection [Orlando Weekly]
• New Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection reveals itineraries and shore excursions [Cruise Critic]