Saint-Nazaire, France – Wednesday, March 22, 2023 – The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection celebrated an exciting milestone at a keel-laying ceremony held at world-renowned shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France. A longstanding maritime tradition, the keel-laying ceremony marks the official start of construction, as the first modular block of Ilma was lowered into the building dock.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this important milestone and to partner with Chantiers de l’Atlantique on the construction of Ilma,” commented Douglas Prothero, Chief Executive Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “As we expand our fleet, we look forward to continuing to create unique experiences that celebrate the yachting lifestyle and are transforming the luxury cruising category.”
Slated to debut in 2024, Ilma, meaning “water” in Maltese, will be the second yacht for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The specially designed superyacht will feature the highest space and staff-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruise category. Ilma will measure 790-feet, feature 228 airy, light-filled suites, and can accommodate up to 456 passengers. The onboard experience will reflect the sublime comfort and legendary service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized. It will be the first yacht in the collection to utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel source – further positioning The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as an innovator with the industry.
“Chantiers de l’Atlantique is very proud of its partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said Arnaud Le Joncour, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing for Chantiers de l'Atlantique. “Through this ceremony, we wish the best to Ilma during construction with the assurance that the vessel’s elegant design, quality materials, and environmental performance will position Ilma as a legendary symbol in a new era of luxury cruising.” Reservations for Ilma are now open to the public.
For more information, please visit www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com. For reservations, contact a Reservations Services Agent at (833) 999- 7292 (U.S. & Canada) or contact your travel professional.
ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, LLC
Committed to thoughtful innovation, The Ritz-Carlton encompasses two groundbreaking brand extensions, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a collection of rare estates set apart from the world, where personalized care and cultural immersion are paramount. The RitzCarlton Yacht Collection translates the brand’s legendary service and hospitality for sea, reimagining the ultra-luxury cruising category. For more information or reservations, visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. The Ritz-Carlton is committed to supporting the destinations where it operates through Community Footprints, the company’s social and environmental responsibility program.
ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION
Designed to blend the legendary service and unparalleled amenities of The Ritz-Carlton® with the casual freedom of yachting, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers bespoke voyages in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean. Enchanting itineraries provide guests with access to sought-after and unique destinations, the ease of all-inclusive onboard experiences, and curated excursions ashore.
The collection’s inaugural yacht, Evrima, launched in October 2022, measures 624 feet and features 149 airy suites with private ocean-view terraces, accommodating up to 298 guests in an intimate and elegant ambiance. Ilma, the second superyacht, debuted in September 2024, spanning 790 feet and showcasing 224 spacious, light-filled suites for up to 448 guests, delivering refined luxury at sea. The fleet will expand further with Luminara, slated to debut in 2025, presenting voyages to secluded harbors and iconic cities.
Each yacht reflects contemporary craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, with some of the highest staff-to-guest and guest-to-space ratios at sea. Guests enjoy personalized service, world-class dining, The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, and exclusive amenities. Private charter options are also available for a fully tailored journey. For more information, visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.
PRESS CONTACTS
Meg Connolly Communications: ritzcarltonyachtcollection@mcc-pr.com
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: diana.gdula@ritz-carltonyachtcollection.com