Ritz-Carlton’s first 190m cruise “superyacht” touches water

Luxury hotel chain Ritz-Carlton has celebrated the landmark occasion of its debut cruise “superyacht” touching water for the first time. The 190-metre (623-foot) build, which is being constructed in Spain, has been in the works since January.

The biggest superyacht currently operating is Azzam, which stretches to 180 metres (590 feet). Ritz-Carlton is calling the new vessels “yachts” to help them stand out from much larger cruise ships – although with a passenger capacity of almost 300 and 149 cabins, the actual status is arguable.

The eagerly awaited cruise venture is already taking bookings for early 2020, with two further vessels being built for anticipated demand. Earlier this week, the first project (of a potential eight) was launched stern-first via a slipway at the Hijos De J. Barreras Shipyard in Vigo. Ships two and three are planned for 2021.

The as-yet-unnamed cruise “superyacht” will now see extensive outfitting and finishing ahead of entering service. Swedish studio Tillberg Design is leading work on the interiors and has been charged with emulating Ritz-Carlton’s on-land hotel aesthetic for its new maritime properties.

The firm’s chief executive Doug Prothero has stated that demand for tickets aboard the first cruise “superyacht” were “300%” higher than expected, with more than a third of these coming from existing Ritz-Carlton customers.

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

The hotel chain currently promises that the “yacht” will offer more space per passenger than any other similar vessel. All suites come with a private balcony and access to a personal assistant. To keep a sense of luxury, guests will have to adhere to a strict dress code; extravagant in-suite dining, “gratuities” and “enrichment” are also included in the fare.

On-board facilities include a spa and fitness centre, a watersports marina with various toys, an infinity pool, sun deck and five dining options – one of which is from Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at Wolfsburg’s Ritz-Carlton. Trips ashore will be assisted by the knowledge of local concierges at Marriott hotels in order to better cater for guests’ requests and expectations.

The all-inclusive cruises, which can cost more than $10,000 per person, will travel to the Caribbean, Mediterranean and northern Europe. They will also be available for exclusive, private charter outside of scheduled voyages.

For more information, visit the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.