By
Douglas Prothero |
Plans for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection were announced in 2017, with a mission to enable guests to discover the world in a relaxed and casually elegant way with a high level of personalised service.
Our goal was to provide an experience unlike any other in the market. Rather than looking at reimagining the interiors of The Ritz-Carlton resorts as a challenge, we viewed it as an opportunity to introduce something new and exciting to the luxury cruise industry.
To achieve this, we worked with the Marriott International Global design team, Tillberg Design of Sweden and AD Associates to incorporate contemporary and elegant interiors with elevated amenities onboard our first vessel Evrima, which debuted in October 2022.
When it comes to yacht interiors, you have to think very carefully about fabrics and materials that can withstand sea air and the elements. You also have to be very creative with the use of space – we wanted our ships to travel to small and unique ports, as well as the world’s most famous cities, but this meant that we had to be space-conscious with our designs.
To create the illusion of a larger ship, we opted for floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan spaces wherever possible onboard the 298-guest Evrima, which is best exemplified in our Observation Room, which offers uninterrupted views of the sea. The bifold doors that lead onto the terrace and large skylight evoke the feeling of being outside, helping to create a calm and relaxing onboard environment. At twilight, this area transforms into an entertainment venue, with ambient floor, ceiling and table lighting.
We also wanted to encourage guests to connect with the destinations that they are sailing to, so we used minimalist interior design techniques such as light colour palettes and a variety of textures to encourage guests to look outwards. I believe it’s the thoughtful touches that create a sophisticated aesthetic and feeling of a private yacht.
The Marina platform is the most yacht-like feature on Evrima and is one of my favourite onboard spaces. When at anchor, guests can enjoy direct access to the sea and complimentary water-sport equipment such as paddle boards, windsurf boards, kayaks and sailboats. Just a few steps above the platform, the Marina Terrace features a relaxed lounge-like atmosphere, complete with white loungers with cushions that match the navy-blue hull of the ship. We can even open the yacht’s side platforms in this space for seating right over the water’s edge.
Furthermore, to deliver a truly luxurious experience, we developed some of the largest suite offerings in the luxury cruising sector. For example, our two-storey Loft Suites provide a panoramic window in a bedroom on the lower level and a large balcony off the living area on the upper level. It’s a dramatically impressive suite with one of the largest bedrooms onboard Evrima.
Expanding into the cruise market has allowed us to create spaces that feel like you are walking onto a private yacht, but which offers The Ritz-Carlton luxury experience. As such, we hope that Evrima and our upcoming ships Ilma and Luminara – launching in 2024 and 2025 respectively – are reflective of the unparalleled personalised service and luxurious amenities that our brand has come to represent.
Douglas Prothero is the founder of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
This article was first published in the 2023 issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe to Cruise & Ferry Interiors for FREE here to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox or your door.