Newest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection makes its debut

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s latest yacht presents an exceptional guest experience – from spacious suites with private ocean view terraces, world-class dining curated by Michelin-starred restaurant chefs, a sweeping pool deck offering spectacular views at sea, new itineraries, among the highest guest-to-staff ratio, and much more, building on the company’s commitment to bespoke journeys.

Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s second newbuild luxury superyacht, has been added to the distinguished fleet. The yacht embarked on its maiden voyage, a 7-night journey from Monte Carlo to Rome, on 2nd September. As the first and only luxury hospitality company at sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection advances its position at the forefront of the industry with a second yacht now sailing, illustrating a future-focused vision that keeps pushing the boundaries of luxury travel at sea.

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“It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Ilma to our growing fleet,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Since Evrima’s debut, we have been steadfast in our pursuit of excellence at sea. The addition of Ilma signifies a continuation of our mission to deliver legendary service and unparalleled enjoyment to our guests.”

Ilma measures 790 feet, offering 224 airy and intuitive suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea. Stopping at signature and intimate ports of call, Ilma takes guests on enchanting itineraries to coveted destinations. Ilma’s inaugural season in the Mediterranean includes ports of call visiting the blue waters of Santorini, the iconic yachting playgrounds of Porto Cervo, and the historic sites of Valletta, before departing for the Caribbean, where experiences in the natural wonders of Virgin Gorda, the vibrant harbour of Gustavia, and the pristine beauty of St. John await. Ilma will additionally sail the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe – a first for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – during the 2025 summer season offering immersive itineraries in dynamic and culturally rich destinations like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavík.

“The launch of Ilma exemplifies the unwavering dedication of The Ritz-Carlton to setting new benchmarks in luxury travel, with the company’s commitment to thoughtful and transformative travel experiences guiding its mission,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts. “Ilma brings the exceptional luxury accommodations and personalised service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned to the sea, further redefining the standards in the luxury industry.”

Image credit: Marriott International

The purposefully designed yacht accommodates up to 448 guests and offers among the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea. Its sophisticated interiors are thoughtfully curated to enhance every aspect of the guest experience, showcasing expert craftsmanship and polished finishes by renowned London-based architectural and design firm AD Associates and award-winning lighting designer DPA. The exteriors reflect the vision of Helsinki-based design studio, Aivan.

A defining characteristic of Ilma is its seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces, inviting guests to intimately connect directly to the sea and destinations sailed. Ilma, named after the Maltese word for ‘water’, draws subtle design inspiration from Maltese mythology, coastline, history, and native fauna. The design narrative incorporates fresh, neutral tones juxtaposed by light and dark finishes, enhancing visual richness, while the adorned exterior nods to the sleek design of private yachts.

Ilma invites guests to discover five dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining program, seven bars, and a signature wine vault. Highlights include two dining venues conceptualised by Michelin-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina. Seta su Ilma by Chef Fabio Trabocchi is a modern Italian fine-dining restaurant reflecting his Italian heritage and culinary expertise. Seta su Ilma, named after the Italian word for ‘silk’, offers seasonal tasting menus with contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine, nodding to regional flavours and impeccably paired with fine wines, where Italian whites and reds form the core of the wine list.

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The Beach House, designed by the Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo Design, offers 180-degree views of the sea that seamlessly integrate with the coast, creating a daytime to night time experience where guests can relax and unwind. The beach club-inspired venue draws from Peruvian and Pan-Latin cuisine, blending globally influenced flavours in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. The menu, developed in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, is inspired by the bold, fire-born flavours of South and Central America while highlighting ingredients from the Caribbean.

Additional world-class dining venues include Memorī, which brings a modern spin to authentic Pan-Asian cuisines in a sleek environment; Mistral, which presents Mediterranean fare located steps from the main pool on Deck 10; and Tides, which offers seasonal menus inspired by the diverse regional flavours and techniques of the destinations that Ilma explores, evolving throughout the voyage. Nestled behind Tides and Seta su Ilma, Dining Privée provides an intimate and elegant enclave for celebratory dinners and other special events. At the heart of Ilma sits The Living Room, a welcoming space where guests can greet the day with freshly roasted coffee and baked pastries at the espresso counter each morning. As the day progresses, The Living Room Bar serves specialty cocktails, fine wines, and Champagne accompanied by live music. In-Suite Dining menus encompass breakfast, all day, and evening selections featuring a variety of classics from the different onboard restaurants.

A signature space across The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet, Ilma debuts an extensive Marina and Marina Terrace, featuring large glass windows that draw in natural light, side doors that open and float above the water, and a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly with the sea when the yacht is at anchor. Deck 10 presents a dynamic open-air space for live entertainment and sunbathing, complete with the main pool, pool bar, and an outdoor LED screen. Additional experiences on board include The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a rejuvenating oasis with revitalising treatments from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi. The expanded spa boasts 11 rooms, with five equipped to offer outdoor treatment options, and three distinct fitness spaces: a Movement Studio, Cycle Studio, and Fitness Studio with weights and cardio machines.

Ilma’s debut represents a remarkable new chapter for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, further elevating the standards of luxury cruising with its innovative design, outstanding amenities, and the personalised service for which The Ritz-Carlton is renowned.

Main image credit: Marriott International