The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Line

The Yacht Vibe: What’s not to love about a cruise line of three custom-built yachts designed to sail to the world’s chicest destinations? While it will require some big bucks to cruise this way (fares start at $5,000-$7,000 per person for a seven-night itinerary), you don’t have to have a billionaire’s bank account to enjoy the private-yacht-like perks of bespoke pampering at sea—which include a Ritz-Carlton Spa offering treatments both indoors and outdoors and two infinity-edge pools, one with adjacent whirlpools—you just need to be willing to share your yacht with a few hundred other guests.

The Contemporary Suites: There are six accommodation categories aboard these all-suite yachts and the 1,091-square-foot Owner’s Suite with its 592-square-foot veranda featuring a private whirlpool makes our hearts flutter. Designed with the airy modernity of an oceanfront penthouse, it offers the ultimate escape with a Personal Concierge and 24-hour in-suite dining. Equally dreamy are the two-level Lofts. And even the 300-square-foot Terrace suites one-up a five-star hotel room thanks to the ever-changing view outside the floor-to-ceiling sliding terrace doors. 

The Global Dining Focus: The main restaurant on the first yacht is called The Evrima Room—the ship and restaurant are named after the Greek deity Evrima, goddess of discovery—and with a menu that changes seasonally and regionally, passengers will discover the ingredients and flavors of the countries they visit. Meanwhile at S.E.A., chef  Sven Elverfeld of the three Michelin-starred Aqua at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany, features a contemporary European tasting menu. Also onboard to be savored: creative Southeast Asian cuisine at Talaat Nam and casual Mediterranean fare at poolside Mistral.

All-Inclusive Onboard Pricing: While onboard, everything (except spa treatments and excursions) is included in the fare: accommodations, dining, beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi and non-motorized watersports—plus a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio designed to insure seamless personalized service.

The Marina: Ships might not offer a white-sand beach luxury resorts do, but the yachts of Ritz-Carlton offer something almost as inviting: The Marina, a lounger-lined aft terrace sitting just above the water line offering access for swimming and watersports while at anchor. Plus, the Marina Terrace bar just steps above it serves hand-crafted cocktails. We say “cheers” to that.

Couples Looking to Relax: Escaping on a superyacht means acquiescing to a slower pace designed to distress both the body and the mind. 

Families with Young Children: There is a dedicated Ritz Kids space onboard, designed to entertain and educate children aged 4 to 12. Older kids and teens might get a bit bored, unless they enjoy reading or watersports.

Entertainment is Low-Key: Theatrics aren’t on the agenda. Rather, the yachts of Ritz-Carlton approach nightlife as something a bit more intimate with a focus on classical and jazz performances, a Living Room lounge that transforms into a piano bar after dark, and dancing to live music. The evening dress code is “Yacht Sophisticated,” but there are no formal nights onboard.

Yachting is Addictive: Once you’ve sampled life aboard a 623-foot superyacht, you may never want to return to the more frenetic atmosphere of a larger cruise ship.