CHEVY CHASE, Md. — The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., part of Marriott International, Inc., has entered the luxury yachting and cruise market.
Created by The Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, in collaboration with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., The Ritz-Carlton will provide luxury hospitality service under a long-term operating agreement.
Named The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, the first of three cruising yachts is scheduled to take to sea in the fourth quarter of 2019. This launch will distinguish Marriott International as the only provider of luxury accommodations both on land and at sea.
“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true stand outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” says Herve Humler, president and COO of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalized service.”
The specially designed, small-capacity vessel will measure 190-meters, accommodate up to 298 passengers, and feature 149 suites, each with its own private balcony. The yacht will also feature two 138 square-metre lavish duplex penthouse suites. The Ritz-Carlton yachts will also feature a restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua — the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton; Wolfsburg — a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa; and a Panorama Lounge and wine bar.
The first ship will cruise a wide variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.
