Source - Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz Carlton Ships - Super Yachts?
October 8, 2018
Competing in the Cruise Line space will be the Ritz Carlton. Three ships are under construction (or at least two others are and the first is about to be delivered).Following is the most recent article from the BusinessInsider. Looks pretty spiffy, for sure. Anticipated prices are in the article, which of course are only estimates at this time. But they do set pricing parameters. Enjoy the article, and maybe this is what we have in store from Vidanta Cruises.
The new Ritz-Carlton luxury cruise ships for the 1% of global travelers' look like incredible super yachts — here's a look at all the amenities and perks
Written by Hillary Hoffower - businessinsider.com - Source: Forbes
Aug. 8, 2018, 2:53 - Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection
Get ready to book a suite on a new Ritz-Carlton cruise ship.
Ritz-Carlton cruise ships are designed like yachts and come with 149 suites — each with their own private terrace — accommodating up to 298 guests.
The Ritz-Carlton cruise line will begin sailing in 2020.
Reservations for the inaugural season of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection opened in June.
Last year the Ritz-Carlton Hotel revealed plans for a luxury cruise line, with three cruise ships set to begin sailing in 2020. Now, reservations are open for its inaugural season.
Somewhere between a private super yacht and a small ocean liner, the Ritz-Carlton cruise ships will accommodate the "the 1% of global travelers," according to Bloomberg. Starting prices for voyages can range anywhere from $3,100 to $10,100, depending on length of trip and location.
The new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is designed to defy all cruise ship stereotypes, with larger rooms, relaxing common spaces, and an on-board spa. The cruise ships boast 149 suites — each with their own private terrace — accommodating up to 298 guests. There will also be high-end dining options, including a restaurant from Sven Elverfeld of Aqua— the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg.
"This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world," said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in a press release.
"From the yacht's design, to programming onboard and ashore, every aspect of the voyage has been carefully created to embody the signature service and casual luxury of a Ritz-Carlton resort," said Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton, in the most recent news release.
Ahead, a look at one of the designs for the Ritz-Carlton cruise ship, created by the firm Tillberg Design of Sweden.
Starting prices for voyages range from to $3,100 for four nights to $10,100 for 12 nights, depending on location. The all-inclusive fare comes with onboard gratuities, 24-hour in-suite dining, beverages in-suite and throughout the yacht, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment and enrichment.
The Ritz Carlton
The first of the three Ritz-Carlton cruise ships will set sail in 2020. With ten decks, it can accommodate up to 298 passengers and has a space ratio of more than 89 square feet per person.
The third deck features The Marina. With direct ocean access, it's the perfect spot to sunbathe and jump on a water toy or go for an ocean swim. There's also a terrace for a drink and a light bite.
Source: Ritz-Carlton
Inside, there are endless glass walls, and elegantly comfortable decor. The living room is on the fourth deck. It features a library and turns into a cocktail lounge complete with piano bar and live music at night.
The main dining room, which serves locally inspired meals that change every day, and living room cafe with espresso counter and baked pastries are also on this level. The cafe also serves treats during the day and at night.
The pool is on the deck above, where guests can enjoy all-day dining, frozen treats, and water mistings. There are also a few whirlpools.
On deck six, there are two luxe restaurants and a Champagne bar which serves caviar pairings. Guests can indulge in the restaurant Aqua, designed by the chef behind the three Michelin-starred Aqua in the Wolfsburg Ritz-Carlton.
They can also enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine at Asian Fusion, which has a sushi bar. Guests can eat whenever they wish at any of the restaurants on board, rather than the traditional set meal times that are customary on cruises.
If that doesn't suit your fancy, there's always the outdoor grill on deck eight that serves fresh local catches for a sunny lunch or al fresco dinner.
Guests can work on their wellness on deck nine, which has a gym that offers offers personal training, sunrise yoga, and a wellness program customized for each guest. There's also spa with a full-service beauty lounge, sauna, steam room, and gentleman's grooming salon. Spa treatments can be enjoyed in a private room or al fresco.
On deck ten, you'll find a humidor and an observation lounge to soak in views of the endless blue, enjoy sunset cocktails, and dance into the night.
Across five of the decks are 149 rooms. Unlike most cruises, rooms will not be called staterooms, but rather, suites.
Each of the 149 suites has its own private terrace and comes with a dedicated personal assistant, who can do everything from making your dinner reservation to organizing a destination excursion.
Two of these suites are Owner's Suites, which are 1,098 square feet. They have two bathrooms and a private whirlpool on the 592 square-foot terrace.
The View Suites range from 571 square feet to 624 square feet and have stunning floor to ceiling windows.
At 700 square feet, the Loft Suites are two stories, with a luxurious modern living and dining area upstairs, and sleep area downstairs. They also have picture windows.
The Grand Suite is 635 square feet with a spacious terrace of 108 square feet.
There are also the Signature Suite and the Terrace Suite (shown here). Both are less than 500 square feet, but are still spacious and just as luxurious as the other suites, with impressive ocean views.
Certain suites can be combined into larger spaces "by removing soundproof, blind wall sections," Douglas Prothero, Managing Director of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, told Forbes. This gives guests more accommodation flexibility.
Prothero also told Forbes The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have the highest staff to guest service ratio in the cruise industry, with almost as many staff members as guests to fulfill all your wishes.
During each trip, local talent — such as chefs, artists, and guest lectures — will join for a variety of entertainment throughout the cruise. There are also in-house classical and jazz musicians.
But there's also plenty of entertainment off board. Trip itineraries will offer less time at sea with more time to explore intimate, remote ports that bigger cruise ships don't have access to because of their size. Guests have the option to book back-to-back voyages without repeating ports.
The first Ritz Carlton ship will be a trend setter. It is unlikely the Vidanta Elegant will be like it because of age and structure. Regardless, it will be exiting to see what Vidanta has in store for owners.