Ritz-Carlton hotel company to launch yacht collection

27 June 2017 by Katie Pathiaki

The Ritz-Carlton hotel company, part of Marriott International, is believed to become the first luxury hotel brand to offer "bespoke yacht experiences".

Three luxury vessels forming the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection have been created by the brand and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, in collaboration with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management.

Each one will measure 190 meters, accommodate up to 298 passengers, and feature 149 suites with private balconies and two 138 sq m penthouse suites. Interiors will be designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden.

They will also feature a restaurant by chef Sven Elverfeld of three-Michelin-starred Aqua at the Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, Germany. Guest chefs from around the world will also be invited on board.

Other features include a Ritz-Carlton Spa; a panorama lounge and wine bar.

The first of the three yachts in is scheduled to be launched at the end of 2019. Voyages will range from seven to 10 days and stop at a variety of destinations, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.

Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of Ritz-Carlton, said: "The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true stand outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world. This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalized service."

"We are delighted to collaborate with the Ritz-Carlton as our hospitality operator in offering the most exclusive yachting experience to be found at sea in a venture that will give new meaning to curated luxury travel," continued Lars Clasen, managing director, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Reservations will open in May 2018. The ships of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will also be available for private charter.