As the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection awaits delivery this year of its long-delayed first ship, the cruise line is ordering two more vessels.
The 228-suite ships, the Ilma and the Luminara, will be constructed at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France. There's an option for additional vessels.
The ships are expected to enter service in 2024 and 2025. Chantiers de l'Atlantique will handle all production and development, including design and sustainability features.
The two-ship order comes as the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection prepares to debut its first ship this summer. The Evrima was originally scheduled to sail in January 2020 but has been repeatedly delayed due to the pandemic and issues at the Hijos de J. Barreras shipyard in Spain. Two years ago, the ship's owners took control of the shipyard, but the Evrima still has been fraught with delays.
"We are thrilled to work with Chantiers de l'Atlantique on the development of our second and third superyachts, Ilma and Luminara," said Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection CEO Douglas Prothero. "They are a likeminded organization that is committed to excellence and a custom quality process and program that will help execute our vision as we thoughtfully expand our portfolio."
All suites on the two ships will have a private balcony. The vessels will have two new upper-suite categories with suites measuring up to 1,076 square feet, five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault, a marina and a new mezzanine feature.
The ships will also include a Ritz-Carlton Spa and a center for Ritz Kids programming.
The interior finishes will be designed by London-based architect and design firm AD Associates and the exterior design by Finland-based yacht stylist Avian.
The ships will be fitted with four dual-fuel engines and use liquefied natural gas as their main fuel source. The ships will also house advanced water-treatment systems, a heat-recovery loop to boost efficiency and LED lighting.
The ships will provide nearly one staff member for every guest, according to the cruise line. They are expected to sail seven- to 10-night itineraries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Ships will also be available for private charter.