By
Lindsay James |
Creating a cruise itinerary is about achieving the optimal mix of breathtaking destinations, immersive cultural experiences and time for guests to enjoy both relaxation and onboard activities. It’s an art that Spyros Almpertis, vice president of port and destination operations for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has perfected.
“The ideal itinerary should feature a diverse selection of ports that appeal to a range of interests – from historic landmarks and natural wonders to culinary delights and leisurely exploration,” says Almpertis. “Our itineraries blend iconic cities, sought-after coastal retreats and off-the-beaten-path destinations. The intimate size of our yachts allows us to access and explore smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot, such as Saint-Tropez and Saint Barts.”
Almpertis is keen to curate deeply immersive, transformative journeys – meaningful experiences that foster connections with oneself, fellow travellers and local communities. This requires careful planning. “Our deployment strategy is shaped by guest preferences, seasonal trends, global events and opportunities to use our onboard marina, which provides direct access to the sea for kayaking, paddleboarding and other watersports,” says Almpertis. “We balance beloved destinations with lesser-known ones, creating itineraries that offer both familiarity and fresh experiences.”
In summer 2026, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will offer its inaugural Alaska itineraries aboard Luminara, its newest yacht
It is also important to foster strong partnerships with local stakeholders to help enrich the cultural relevance of each voyage. Working closely with these stakeholders ensures The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s itineraries meet guest expectations, support sustainable tourism efforts and benefit the local economy. “We collaborate closely with industry associations, local stakeholders and key external partners through regular consultations, destination forums and joint marketing initiatives to inform our planning,” explains Almpertis. “We cultivate strong relationships with tourism boards, local businesses, port agents, tour operators and port authorities to gain valuable insights into each destination’s offerings and ensure smooth, efficient operations.”
Understanding the capacity of each port is also crucial. When evaluating ports for itineraries, Almpertis takes a comprehensive approach, considering several essential criteria to ensure each destination meets the high standards of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We assess berthing facilities to confirm adequate docking capabilities for a smooth boarding process,” he says. “Port infrastructure is another key factor, including modern facilities and services that ensure a seamless transition from yacht to shore.”
Almpertis will also carefully review the availability of shore excursions to ensure a diverse selection of activities that highlight the local culture, history and natural beauty. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s passengers tend to gravitate towards culinary and cultural shore excursions, choosing immersive activities that foster a deeper connection to each destination. Nature-based excursions are also highly sought after, offering opportunities to explore natural landscapes and marine life.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a luxury travel experience to guests
“Our guests enjoy activities like snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, hiking through scenic trails and wildlife encounters that provide a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation,” explains Almpertis. “For those seeking unique and exclusive experiences, options range from a scenic helicopter flight over the Spanish countryside en route to a winery, to truffle hunting with a local family in Tuscany or a classic car rally through the French Riviera. These curated excursions provide a distinctive way to engage with the region, creating unforgettable moments along the journey.”
To provide easy access to these kinds of excursions, Almpertis prioritises ports near major attractions with reliable transportation options. “Safety is integral to our selection process, with each port required to meet strict security measures to protect our guests while ashore,” he says.
Through this careful evaluation, Almpertis and his team have created enriching itineraries that are seamless, secure and memorable. This includes trips to popular destinations like the Mediterranean, which is a personal favourite of Almpertis, as well as cooler locations such as Northern Europe and the Baltics.
“For me, the Mediterranean Riviera itinerary is truly unforgettable,” says Almpertis. “Each destination tells its own unique story, from the charm of Cinque Terre’s colourful villages to the glamour of Monaco. However, aligning with the rising ‘coolcation’ trend, we’ve seen increasing interest in our Northern Europe and Baltic itineraries, where guests can explore destinations such as Finland, Norway and Iceland.”
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s guests gravitate towards nature- and culinary-based excursions, as well as watersports
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region has also been met with enthusiasm because it offers a mix of vibrant cities, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural and culinary experiences. “Our voyages in destinations such as Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore allow guests to discover this dynamic region in an entirely new way,” says Almpertis.
In summer 2026, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will sail its inaugural Alaska itineraries aboard Luminara, its newest superyacht. Here, guests can experience landscapes, abundant wildlife and the midnight sun. “These extraordinary journeys offer unparalleled access to breathtaking natural wonders – all while enjoying the refined elegance, world-class dining and personalised service that define The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” says Almpertis.
Discover more insights like this in the Spring/Summer 2025 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. Don’t miss out – subscribe for FREE and get the next issue delivered straight to your inbox.