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Ritz-Carlton finally launches first yacht

First announced in 2017, The Ritz-Carlton brand on Monday officially announced the debut of its first of three custom-built yachts, Evrima, which set sail on October 15 with a voyage from Barcelona, Spain, to Nice, Italy. The yacht, a collaboration with Oaktree Capital Management and maritime expert Douglas Prothero, measures 190-meters and with 149 suites can accommodate up to 298 passengers.

While several smaller hotel companies offer yacht excursions from their properties, few, if any, have gone to the lengths Ritz-Carlton has by developing custom-built superyachts. However, it won’t be long before Ritz-Carlton is joined by the likes of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Aman, both more recently announcing plans to move into the yacht category.

Evrima yacht
Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima yacht

Earlier this month Four Season Yachts was officially announced, which is a partnership with luxury entrepreneurs Nadim Ashi and Philip Levine, as well as shipbuilding group Fincantieri. Plans call for delivering the first new vessel by the end of 2025. The order, which was announced last July, includes the option for two additional vessels and amounts to approximately €1.2 billion (US$1.2 billion).

The first Four Seasons vessel will be 207 meters (679 feet) long and 27 meters (88.6 feet) wide with 14 decks. At a cost to build of US$4.2 million per suite, the first Four Seasons Yacht will reportedly offer nearly 50% more living space per guest than currently available. The vessel’s 95 accommodations will feature an extensive network of joining suite combinations creating adaptable, villa-like residences.

In December of last year, Aman announced Project Sama, developed through a joint venture with Cruise Saudi, of which Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is a shareholder. Set to launch in 2025, the 183-meter (600 feet) vessel will explore Saudi Arabia by sea and feature just 50 luxury suites. Aman will direct the entire development process of the project – from design and build to operations and management.

Rendering of Four Seasons yacht
Rendering of Four Seasons yacht

For the newly launched Ritz-Carlton yacht, most Evrima voyages range from 7 to 10 nights, with no two journeys alike so that guests can combine itineraries without repeating a destination. Depending on the season, Evrima visits the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Destinations along the way range from Spain’s Balearic Islands and havens along the French Riviera, to the shores of Aruba and the tropical coastlines of Costa Rica. The intimate size of Evrima also allows access to destinations such as Mykonos, Saint-Tropez, and St. Barts.

Evrima features several two-story loft suites and all rooms feature a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows. Through a blind wall, select suites also have the option to be combined into larger, open-concept spaces.

Rendering of Aman’s Project Sama (SINOT Yacht Architecture & Design)
Rendering of Aman’s Project Sama (SINOT Yacht Architecture & Design)

Amenities include ESPA and 111SKIN spa treatments, a sauna and steam room, watersports from the yacht’s marina while at anchor, an infinity pool, a fitness studio, and more. Guests can also select from a breadth of dining options including locally inspired creations in The Evrima Room, interpretations of Southeast Asian cuisine, and a sit-down sushi bar at Talaat Nam, a specialty dining experience in S.E.A., designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg. Entertainment on board includes performances by in-house jazz and classical musicians, discussions led by experts, and partnerships with local arts and music communities. There is also a dedicated space and programming on board for children between the ages of four and 12, with an emphasis on marine conservation.

In each destination, guests can choose from a selection of experiences within The Shore Collection that align with their interests or utilize the services of the Concierge Ashore to customize their own private tours. Experiences onshore range from a guided tour in a museum with its curator and visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site, to yoga on a private beach, zip-lining through a rain forest, truffle hunting, and more.

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