Masters of personalization and hospitality, the Suite Ambassadors aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection elevate every voyage with thoughtful, anticipatory service.
Masters of personalization and hospitality, the Suite Ambassadors aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection elevate every voyage with thoughtful, anticipatory service. From sourcing special requests to fostering genuine connections, their dedication ensures each journey feels uniquely tailored to every guest.
No detail is too small to get right, and our Suite Ambassadors shine in the pursuit of the perfect journey for all the guests in their care. From anticipating preferred beverages to ensuring that wardrobes are unpacked and pressed, each Suite Ambassador is curious, attentive and one step ahead. We spoke to two of the Suite Ambassadors, Rodolfo Nerez and Nayara Cardoso, on the yacht, Ilma, to find out what guests can expect, what they love most about their positions and what makes for a memorable voyage.
Q: What inspired you to work in hospitality?
Nayara Cardoso: The inspiration for working in hospitality is the opportunity to create memorable experiences for guests. The Ladies and Gentlemen work together to make this happen, supporting each other day by day, because alone it would be impossible.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Rodolfo Nerez: The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing the joy and appreciation of guests as they create lasting memories. Being part of their special moments and knowing I’ve contributed to their experience is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being on board?
NC: Being on board is more than just having a job in the cruise industry; it’s all about the people, cultures and places we get to know. Being present, even for short periods, with people we wouldn’t meet in a regular job is special. Here, we work hard, laugh, cry and — together — we are committed to success.
Q: Do you have a favorite voyage memory?
RN: It's hard to choose. Every voyage so far has created unique and unforgettable memories for both the guests and the employees. Each journey brings new experiences, stories and connections that enrich our lives and the lives of those on board. It’s rewarding to witness the moments that guests cherish, making each voyage truly special.
Q: What was the most unusual or difficult request that you received onboard?
NC: I wouldn’t say I’ve received unusual requests, but the hardest part is when we don’t have the items a guest requests. However, nothing fills us with more satisfaction than making obstacles disappear. This month, guests on board Ilma for three voyages had a routine of going to the gym every day and having a whey protein smoothie before their workout. We didn’t have whey protein on board, but after addressing it with my manager, we managed to get whey protein powder from outside for the guests’ entire stay. This is just one example of how seriously we take guests’ preferences and requests.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being on board?
RN: My favorite is the sense of community among the employees and guests. The camaraderie fosters a collaborative environment, and I love witnessing the connections that form between guests as they share unique experiences together.
Q: What's a memory that stands out for you?
NC: The opening is always memorable for me. Seeing the yacht from the building stage to the final result, along with all the training sessions, makes me feel I can do this for many more years. The atmosphere when we were getting the yacht ready to receive our first guests was phenomenal, and I will never forget those times.
Q: What do you hope guests take home from a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
NC: I sincerely hope that guests leave with the feeling that if there is somewhere they would imagine as their own home, it would be The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.