Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Opens Bookings for Inaugural Sailings
by Daniel McCarthy
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is now taking bookings for its debut season. Photo: Ritz-Carlton.
Bookings for what might be the most talked about new luxury cruise company this year are officially open.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is now taking bookings on all of inaugural itineraries, which are set to sail in 2020. Those itineraries include voyages in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England.
Itineraries include the option to book back-to-back voyages without repeating ports.
According to the line’s CEO Doug Prothero, the opening “marks an exciting milestone for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which is set to redefine luxury at sea.”
“We are thrilled to be able to invite guests to explore the world with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” he added.
The brand will initially boast one yet-to-be-named ship in 2020 and will then expand to three ships within 24 months of its debut.
The first will sail 298 passengers in 149 suites, each with their own terrace. The lowest decks will be a series of duplex suites so that the lower level is a bedroom suite and the upper level has a terrace. There will be a Ritz Carlton Spa, as well.
The ship’s main pool deck.
There will be five dining venues for 298 guests, each one divided into smaller spaces. The yachts will feature several intimate spaces and four larger spaces that will be able to fit all guests at one time.
Water sports equipment will be featured onboard as will the traditional Ritz Carlton concierge team. Entertainment will include a series of intimate performance spaces, in-house entertainment, a team of jazz and classical musicians that will help passengers connect with the destinations.
All ships will include free WiFi. There will be no casino onboard.
Prothero has previously said he sees growth potential of up to six yachts and he expects future itineraries to include places such as Chicago and the various resort areas of the lakes.
Travel agent commissions start at 10 percent and will range up to 16 percent with groups and full-ship charters counting towards revenue goals.
