If you search for a Ritz Carlton yacht you’re probably trying to figure out 3 things: what the yacht is actually like, how much it costs and whether the experience feels different from a normal cruise.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a small-ship luxury cruise brand with 3 yachts: Evrima, Ilma and Luminara. Each one carries fewer than 500 guests. Every suite has its own private ocean-view terrace.
So yes, it feels much smaller than a regular cruise ship.
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But there’s more to it than the ship size.
Key takeaways
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection currently has 3 yachts: Evrima, Ilma and Luminara.
- Every suite has a private ocean-view terrace.
- The fare includes dining, beverages, onboard gratuities, Wi-Fi and access to the Marina for watersports in select ports.
- Prices vary a lot by yacht, itinerary, suite and travel date.
- Current advertised fares show how wide the range can be, from about $5,100 per person for a 4-night Ilma sailing to $24,300 per person for a 12-night Luminara sailing.
- You can book a normal voyage or arrange a full private charter.
What is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a luxury yacht travel brand connected to The Ritz-Carlton name. The yachts are much smaller than the large cruise ships you see carrying thousands of passengers. Evrima carries up to 298 guests while Ilma can carry up to 448. Luminara can carry up to 452.
That smaller size changes the feel of the trip. You have fewer people around the pool. Getting on and off the yacht is generally a smaller operation. The onboard spaces are built around suites rather than tiny standard cabins.
The company operates the yacht collection under a long-term agreement with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. It is also part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.
Is the Ritz-Carlton yacht actually a private yacht?
This is where the name can cause some confusion. When you book a normal Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection voyage you are sharing the yacht with other guests. It isn’t your own private yacht.
You can however charter an entire yacht for a private event or celebration.
So there are really 2 different experiences.
A regular Ritz Carlton yacht cruise is a shared voyage with other guests. A full charter gives one group the entire yacht. The charter option is a very different price conversation because the cost depends on the yacht, dates, itinerary and arrangements.
What yachts are in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
There are 3 yachts in the current fleet.
| Yacht | Suites | Maximum guests | First sailing |
| Evrima | 149 | 298 | 2022 |
| Ilma | 224 | 448 | 2024 |
| Luminara | 226 | 452 | 2025 |
Evrima was the first yacht in the collection. It began sailing in October 2022.
Ilma came next with 224 suites and space for up to 448 guests.
Luminara is the newest of the 3. It launched in July 2025 with 226 suites and room for up to 452 guests.
The numbers are close between Ilma and Luminara. The ships themselves have different designs and venue layouts so you should look at the actual yacht when choosing a sailing.
What is included in a Ritz-Carlton yacht fare?
This is one of the biggest things to understand before looking at the Ritz Carlton yacht price.
The advertised fare includes quite a lot.
Your fare generally includes:
- All-suite accommodation
- A private ocean-view terrace
- Suite Ambassador service
- Multiple dining venues
- 24-hour in-suite dining
- Premium beverages
- Onboard gratuities
- Wi-Fi
- Entertainment and enrichment
- Marina access and non-motorized watersports in select ports
That changes how you should compare the price with another cruise. A cheaper cruise fare can look attractive at first. Then you start adding drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and other extras. With the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection a larger part of the onboard experience is already included.
There are still expenses you need to watch. Spa treatments, some shore excursions, certain premium purchases and some other personal expenses can cost extra.
How much does a Ritz-Carlton yacht cost?
There isn’t one fixed Ritz Carlton yacht price. The price depends on the yacht, itinerary, suite category, sailing date and length of the voyage.
For example current advertised fares include:
| Yacht | Example sailing | Length | Advertised fare |
| Ilma | San Juan round trip | 4 nights | From $5,100 per person |
| Evrima | Papeete round trip | 7 nights | From $10,000 per person |
| Luminara | Hong Kong to Tokyo | 12 nights | From $24,300 per person |
These are advertised starting fares rather than a standard price for every sailing. They are also based on double occupancy with cruise fare conditions set by the company.
That means you shouldn’t look at the $5,100 figure and assume every Ritz-Carlton yacht trip starts there. It doesn’t. A longer itinerary in a higher suite category can cost much more.
Why is the Ritz-Carlton yacht price so high?
You’re paying for the small guest count. You’re also paying for an all-suite setup and a large amount of what is included in the fare. The private terrace matters too. Every suite has one. That’s a different setup from many mainstream cruise ships where balconies depend on the room category.
Then there is the service model. You have a Suite Ambassador assigned to help with your stay. Dining and drinks are part of the fare. Gratuities are included. For someone who would normally spend heavily on those things during a cruise the higher starting fare can look very different once the full trip is priced.
What are the suites like?
Every suite on the Ritz-Carlton yachts has a private ocean-view terrace. That’s one of the easiest things to understand about the product. You wake up and have outdoor space without leaving your room. You can sit outside with coffee. You can order in-suite dining. You can watch the ship enter a port from your own terrace.
Suite sizes vary depending on the category. The higher categories can get very large. Luminara for example has upper suite categories with more than 1,000 square feet of space. You don’t need one of those suites to understand the basic idea though. The standard experience is still an ocean-view suite with a private terrace.
What is dining like?
Food is included in the voyage fare.
The yachts have several dining venues along with 24-hour in-suite dining. You can have breakfast in your suite if you want a quiet morning. Or you can go out and use one of the restaurants. Beverages are included too. The current inclusions cover wine, spirits, cocktails, beer, soft drinks and specialty coffees and teas.
Some premium items or special experiences can still carry an extra charge. So if you’re comparing a Ritz-Carlton yacht with another luxury cruise line check the exact dining terms rather than assuming every restaurant or premium item is included.
What is the Marina?
The Marina is one of the more recognizable parts of the Ritz-Carlton yacht experience. When the yacht is anchored in selected ports guests can access the Marina platform and use available non-motorized watersports. Think of it as a sea-level area where you can get closer to the water.
Depending on the destination and conditions that can include activities such as paddleboarding or kayaking. It isn’t available in every port. Weather, local rules and the itinerary can affect when the Marina is open.
Where does the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection go?
The Ritz-Carlton yacht itinerary changes throughout the year.
The collection sails in regions such as:
- Mediterranean
- Caribbean
- Alaska
- Asia
- Northern Europe
- South Pacific
- Transoceanic routes
The exact route matters more than the region name.
Two Mediterranean voyages can feel completely different if one spends more time in small ports while another focuses on larger destinations.
The same applies to Alaska.
For example the 2027 Luminara schedule includes voyages between Vancouver and Whittier along with Vancouver round trips. Asia also has several routes connecting destinations in Japan and South Korea.
So when you’re comparing itineraries look at the individual ports and the number of nights in each place.
What is a typical Ritz-Carlton yacht itinerary like?
Voyage lengths vary.
The company’s FAQ currently describes voyages ranging from 3 to 15 nights although individual schedules can differ.
A short 4-night trip can work well if you want to test the experience without committing to a long vacation.
A 7-night trip gives you more time to settle into the yacht.
Longer voyages can make more sense when the itinerary itself is the main reason you’re booking.
For example a 12-night Asia sailing gives you much more time to move between destinations than a short Caribbean trip. The right length really depends on what you want from the vacation.
What is a normal day like?
There isn’t one fixed schedule. That’s part of the appeal for people who prefer this type of travel. You might have breakfast on your terrace then spend the morning ashore. You could return for lunch then use the pool or Marina before dinner.
Some days are more destination focused. Other days are slower. Sea days give you more time to use the spa, fitness areas, restaurants or simply sit somewhere with a book. You don’t have to fill every hour. For a luxury yacht vacation that’s probably a good thing.
What should you wear?
The general dress code is Yacht Casual. You don’t need formalwear for a typical evening.
Think smart resort clothing rather than suits and evening gowns. Some specialty dining spaces can have their own dress expectations so check the rules for your specific voyage before packing. For most travelers the bigger mistake would probably be bringing too many formal clothes. You have limited luggage space. Use it wisely.
Can children go on a Ritz-Carlton yacht?
Yes. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes children from 6 months of age under its current policy.
There is one important exception. On voyages with 3 or more consecutive sea days the minimum age is 1 year. Children also need to travel with a parent or guardian who is over 21. So families can use the yachts but parents should check the age rules for the exact sailing before booking.
When should you book a Ritz-Carlton yacht?
Start with the itinerary. If you care about a specific port or date then waiting for a last-minute deal can be risky.
After that look at the suite. Every suite has a private terrace so even the entry categories have that basic feature. Higher categories can add much more space and different layouts.
Then compare the total trip cost. Include flights, hotels before or after the voyage, excursions and anything else you already know you’ll buy.
That gives you a much better idea of the actual vacation cost.
What is the cancellation policy?
This is one area where you should check the terms attached to your specific booking. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection booking terms can vary by market and booking conditions. Current published terms show cancellation penalties that increase as the sailing date gets closer. Some current terms use a 365-day schedule while other published terms use a 150-day schedule.
So don’t rely on an old cancellation table you find in a blog post. Read the terms attached to your reservation. For an expensive trip that’s worth 5 minutes of your time.
Is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection worth the price?
This depends on what you actually want from the trip. If you care about a private terrace, a smaller guest count, included drinks, included gratuities and a quieter onboard environment then those things have real monetary value.
If your main goal is simply to visit several ports for the lowest possible price then the Ritz-Carlton model may not make sense for you. The best way to judge the price is to compare the complete trip.
Look at:
| What to compare | Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Traditional cruise |
| Guest count | Under 500 | Often thousands |
| Accommodation | All suites | Cabins vary |
| Private terrace | Every suite | Depends on category |
| Drinks | Included within stated selection | Often extra |
| Gratuities | Included | Often extra |
| Wi-Fi | Included | Package may cost extra |
| Watersports | Included at Marina in select ports | Varies |
| Dining | Multiple venues included | Mix of included and paid venues |
| Ship size | Yacht scale | Large ship scale |
This isn’t about declaring one style better.
It comes down to what you want your money to buy.
Ritz-Carlton yacht vs private yacht charter
A private yacht charter gives you the whole yacht. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection normally gives you a suite on a shared yacht. That difference matters. A private charter is designed around one group. You have far more control over the guest list and event setup. A normal Ritz-Carlton voyage is much easier to book as an individual couple or family.
So if you’re planning a honeymoon for 2 people a normal sailing makes more practical sense than chartering an entire yacht. For a large family gathering or corporate event the charter option becomes more relevant.
Who is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for?
It makes the most sense for travelers who care about the onboard experience as much as the destination.
You may like it if you want:
- A small guest count
- An all-suite stay
- A private terrace
- Included drinks and gratuities
- A relaxed dress code
- Luxury hotel-style service at sea
- A yacht with access to the water
- Longer stays in selected ports
It may be less interesting if you want a huge ship with dozens of activities, big entertainment venues and thousands of passengers around you. Neither type of vacation has to be right for everyone. The useful question is what you want to do when you’re on the ship.
How should you choose a Ritz-Carlton yacht itinerary?
Start with the destination. Then look at the ship. Then look at the number of nights. That’s enough to narrow down most options. For Alaska you might care about Vancouver, Whittier and the ports along the route. For Asia you might want Japan and South Korea. For the Caribbean you may care more about smaller islands and the amount of time spent ashore.
Don’t choose only from the headline destination. Open the full itinerary and check every port. A 7-night itinerary with 6 ports creates a very different vacation from a 7-night itinerary with several long sea days.
What are the latest Luminara itineraries?
Luminara has some interesting routes scheduled for 2027. The published summer 2027 program includes Asia and Alaska sailings. One example is a 10-night Tokyo to Seoul voyage departing April 25 2027.
There are also Alaska routes between Vancouver and Whittier along with Vancouver round trips. That makes Luminara particularly relevant if you’re looking at an Alaska or Asia luxury yacht vacation for 2027. Schedules can change so check the current sailing details before making travel arrangements.
Final thoughts
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection sits in a very specific part of the travel market. You get a small yacht with fewer than 500 guests. Every suite has a private terrace. A large part of the onboard spending is already built into the fare.
The trade-off is simple to understand. You pay more upfront. So the right way to compare a Ritz-Carlton yacht isn’t just to compare the headline cruise fare with another cruise fare. Look at what you would actually spend on drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, dining and the type of suite you want.
Then look at the itinerary. If those numbers and the travel style fit what you’re looking for then the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection becomes much easier to evaluate.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection FAQs
How many Ritz-Carlton yachts are there?
There are currently 3 yachts: Evrima, Ilma and Luminara.
What is the smallest Ritz-Carlton yacht?
Evrima is the smallest by guest capacity with 149 suites for up to 298 guests.
Does every suite have a balcony?
Every suite has a private ocean-view terrace.
Are drinks included?
Yes. The fare includes a range of premium beverages including wine, spirits, cocktails, beer and specialty coffees and teas.
Are gratuities included?
Yes. Onboard gratuities are included in the cruise fare.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes. Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi is included.
Are excursions included?
You shouldn’t assume all excursions are included. Shore excursions can carry an additional cost.
Can you charter a Ritz-Carlton yacht?
Yes. The company allows full private yacht charters.
What is the Ritz-Carlton yacht price?
Prices vary by yacht, itinerary, suite and sailing date. Current advertised examples range from about $5,100 per person for a 4-night Ilma voyage to $24,300 per person for a 12-night Luminara voyage.
Is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection part of Marriott Bonvoy?
Yes. The company says Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points and Elite Night Credits on eligible voyages and can redeem points toward cruise savings.
Sources and current information
The current fleet information comes from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s published yacht information. The company lists Evrima at 149 suites and up to 298 guests, Ilma at 224 suites and up to 448 guests and Luminara at 226 suites and up to 452 guests.
The fare examples in this guide are specific advertised sailings. Prices can change after publication.
The inclusion details are based on the company’s current FAQ and all-inclusive information. Booking terms should always be checked against the exact reservation because cancellation rules can vary by market and booking conditions.
