The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Welcomes Its Second Cruise Ship
by Dori Saltzman /Ilma, the second cruise yacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s fleet, officially began sailing this week when it embarked on its inaugural voyage out of Monte Carlo.
“It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Ilma to our growing fleet,” said Jim Murren, executive chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
“Ilma brings the exceptional luxury accommodations and personalized service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned to the sea, further redefining the standards in the luxury industry,” added Jenni Benzaquen, senior vice president of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts.
Ilma, named after the Maltese word for “water,” measures 790 feet and offers 224 spacious suites, all with private terraces. The yacht offers five dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining program, seven bars, and a signature wine vault.
Highlights include two dining venues conceptualized by MICHELIN-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina.
One of these is the Beach House, designed by Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo, which offers 180-degree views of the sea. The beach club-inspired venue draws from Peruvian and Pan-Latin cuisine, blending globally influenced flavors in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. The menu, developed in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Mina, is inspired by the bold, fire-born flavors of South and Central America while highlighting ingredients from the Caribbean.
A signature space across The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet, Ilma debuts an extensive Marina and Marina Terrace, featuring large glass windows that draw in natural light, side doors that open and float above the water, and a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly with the sea when the yacht is at anchor.
Deck 10 features an open-air space for live entertainment and sunbathing, complete with the main pool, pool bar, and an outdoor LED screen. Also onboard is an expanded The RitzCarlton Spa with 11 rooms, five of which are equipped to offer outdoor treatment options, plus three distinct fitness spaces.
During its inaugural year, Ilma will spend time in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, before visiting North Europe and the Baltic – a first for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – in summer 2025.