In partnership with Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen as well as funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, The Ritz-Carlton officially made its splash into the cruise line industry in June 2017. The first luxury hotel operator to venture to the seas in its operations, The Ritz-Carlton will provide luxury hospitality service under a long-term operating agreement.
Scheduled to embark in the fourth quarter of 2019 is the first of three cruising yachts in a series, a specially designed small capacity vessel which will measure 190 meters and accommodate 298 passengers within 149 suites – each with a private balcony. In true Ritz-Carlton fashion, guests will be able to enjoy a signature restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant housed within The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, as well as a signature Ritz-Carlton spa.
Though itineraries are still being developed, the end goal is for guests to experience the luxury of The Ritz-Carlton while also capitalizing on the freedom of a yachting or cruising vacation. Ports of call (dependent upon season) will be anywhere from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. When not aboard the ship, guests will be treated to ports of call that are more intimate than standard cruising, due to the unique size of the vessel. These locales include Capri, Portofino, St. Barths, and Cartagena.
