Exploring the Greek Islands with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Exploring the Greek Islands with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
There are few travel experiences more timeless than a voyage through the Greek Islands — whitewashed villages, sapphire seas, and sunlit ruins that whisper stories of gods and empires. But while many travelers visit Greece by land or large cruise ships, a select few discover it aboard one of the most refined vessels at sea: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Sailing through the Aegean aboard Evrima or Ilma isn’t just a vacation — it’s a masterclass in modern luxury. Intimate yet spacious, sophisticated yet unpretentious, these yachts offer an experience where service, privacy, and authenticity converge seamlessly.
This guide explores what makes the Greek Islands itineraries aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection so extraordinary, the highlights of the journey, and how booking through a luxury travel advisor like Stars Desk ensures every detail is flawless.
Why Greece is Perfect for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Experience
The Greek Islands are a natural playground for yacht travel. Unlike traditional cruises that dock only in large ports, Ritz-Carlton’s small-yacht design allows access to hidden harbors, boutique islands, and private coves inaccessible to larger ships.
The yachts are purpose-built for slow travel — allowing guests to experience Greece the way it was meant to be explored: unhurried, intimate, and immersive.
Each itinerary blends iconic destinations — such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes — with lesser-known gems like Patmos, Paros, or Syros. The result is a voyage that feels personal, refined, and deeply connected to place.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: A Floating Sanctuary
Before diving into the itinerary, it’s worth understanding why sailing on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is unlike any other Mediterranean cruise.
Elegant Yachts, Intimate Scale
With capacities between 298 and 448 guests, the Ritz-Carlton yachts (Evrima and Ilma) offer the ambiance of a private club at sea. There are no crowds, no fixed dining times, and no rush — just the rhythm of island life unfolding around you.
Suite-Only Accommodation
Every suite features a private oceanview terrace, king bed, marble bathroom, and personal concierge. Larger suites — such as the Loft Suites and Owner’s Suites — offer expansive living areas ideal for couples or families.
Michelin-Level Dining
The culinary program is exceptional. Highlights include:
S.E.A., a fine dining venue created by Michelin three-star chef Sven Elverfeld.
Talaat Nam, an Asian-inspired restaurant with views over the stern.
The Evrima Room, serving Mediterranean classics with local ingredients.
The Ritz-Carlton Service at Sea
From the moment you board, you’re greeted not as a passenger but as a guest of the Ritz-Carlton. Personalized attention — from champagne welcomes to intuitive service — defines every moment onboard.
Sample Itinerary: The Greek Isles Voyage
While itineraries vary slightly each season, a classic Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Greek Islands voyage may look like this:
Day 1: Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Your journey begins in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Most guests arrive a day early to explore the Acropolis or dine in Plaka before embarkation. A luxury travel advisor can arrange a pre-cruise stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Astir Palace, set on a private peninsula overlooking the Aegean.
Day 2: Mykonos
Famous for its cosmopolitan energy, Mykonos blends glamour and tradition. Wander through whitewashed alleys, visit local art galleries, or relax at a beach club. At sunset, dine seaside in Little Venice while Evrima glows at anchor offshore.
Day 3: Patmos
Known as “The Jerusalem of the Aegean,” Patmos is tranquil, spiritual, and stunningly beautiful. Visit the Monastery of St. John or explore the Chora’s charming cafes. This quieter stop reflects The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s philosophy of elevated, mindful travel.
Day 4: Rhodes
A blend of medieval history and sun-drenched beaches, Rhodes is home to the ancient Colossus and the Palace of the Grand Masters. Guests often enjoy private guided tours or spend the afternoon discovering local wineries — both bookable through the yacht’s Concierge Ashore program.
Day 5: Santorini
Perhaps the most iconic of all Greek Islands, Santorini delivers cinematic views of the caldera, blue-domed churches, and clifftop sunsets. Because of the yacht’s smaller size, guests often disembark earlier and avoid the cruise-ship crowds. Private excursions might include vineyard visits, cooking classes, or a candlelit dinner in Oia.
Day 6: Paros
Chic but less commercial than Mykonos, Paros is a favorite among in-the-know travelers. Explore Naoussa’s waterfront or take a local boat to the uninhabited islet of Antiparos for a private beach day.
Day 7: Hydra
Hydra is car-free, serene, and timeless. Artists have long been drawn to its stone mansions and quiet harbors. Stroll through cobblestone streets, visit small boutiques, or simply enjoy a waterfront lunch as donkeys pass by — pure Greek island charm.
Day 8: Athens Disembarkation
Return to Athens for disembarkation — or continue the journey with a private transfer to the Peloponnese or the islands of Crete or Naxos. Your advisor can coordinate all post-cruise arrangements for a seamless extension.
Shore Experiences Designed by Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Concierge Ashore curates immersive, small-group or private experiences that reveal the authentic side of each destination. Examples include:
Private yacht charter in Santorini’s caldera
Olive oil tasting and farm lunch in Paros
Exclusive after-hours tour of the Acropolis Museum
Wine tasting in Rhodes or Patmos
Art and architecture walking tour in Hydra
Each experience is led by local experts, ensuring genuine cultural connection — a hallmark of Ritz-Carlton travel.
When to Sail the Greek Islands
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Mediterranean season runs from April through October, with Greek Island voyages typically available May–September.
May & June: Ideal weather, blooming landscapes, fewer crowds.
July & August: Peak season — lively, sun-drenched, vibrant nightlife.
September: Warm seas and mild weather; a favorite among luxury travelers.
Your advisor can help select the best sailing dates depending on whether you prefer high energy or serene escape.
Booking Through a Luxury Travel Advisor
Booking directly online can miss out on special insights, pre-/post-cruise options, and exclusive access that certified luxury advisors can provide.
When you book your Greek Islands voyage through Stars Desk, you gain:
Voyage expertise: Advisors know the nuances of each itinerary — which direction offers better views, which suites are quietest, and which voyages align with Greek festivals or events.
Exclusive amenities: Depending on voyage and availability, you may receive shipboard credits, private transfers, or value-added perks unavailable to the public.
Personalized planning: Stars Desk can arrange pre-cruise stays at Hotel Grande Bretagne or The Ritz-Carlton, Astir Palace, private airport transfers, and shore excursions.
Dedicated support: From booking to embarkation, your advisor handles logistics and communicates directly with Ritz-Carlton Yacht concierge teams.
This approach transforms a luxury voyage into a seamless, white-glove travel experience.
Suite Spotlight: The Best Cabins for Greek Island Voyages
When sailing in the Aegean, the view is part of the experience. Advisors often recommend suites with large terraces and unobstructed sightlines — ideal for island approaches and sunset views.
Terrace Suites: Perfect for first-time guests who want a private balcony and sea breeze.
Grand Suites: More space for longer voyages, plus expansive windows for panoramic views.
Loft Suites: Split-level design offering extra privacy and dramatic two-story windows.
Owner’s Suite: The ultimate statement of luxury — a private haven ideal for honeymooners or milestone celebrations.
Your advisor will help select the best suite based on your preferences and the yacht’s layout.
The Difference Between Evrima and Ilma
By 2025, two Ritz-Carlton yachts sail the Mediterranean:
Evrima: The inaugural yacht, 298 guests, sleek and modern.
Ilma: The newest yacht (2024), larger and more spacious with 224 suites and expanded wellness facilities.
Both maintain the same service ethos and culinary standards — your advisor can help you choose which yacht best fits your travel dates and style.
Tips for an Unforgettable Greek Island Voyage
Arrive early in Athens. Spend a night or two before embarkation — jet lag fades, and you can enjoy the Acropolis at sunrise.
Pack light, elegant attire. Resort-casual is perfect; think linen, neutrals, and versatile evening wear.
Reserve dining early. Restaurants like S.E.A. fill quickly — your advisor can pre-book preferred times.
Try the spa at sea. The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers ocean-inspired treatments; sunset appointments are especially memorable.
Use the onboard concierge. They can arrange private excursions, restaurant reservations, or spontaneous moments like sunset picnics on deck.
Combining Voyages: The Grand Mediterranean Journey
Many guests extend their Greek sailing by combining itineraries — for example:
Greek Islands + Adriatic Discovery (Venice to Athens)
Greek Islands + Turkish Riviera
Through your advisor, you can book back-to-back voyages with seamless transitions and special savings.
Final Thoughts
Sailing through the Greek Islands with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the epitome of modern Mediterranean luxury — where every day brings a new island, every evening a sunset toast, and every detail reflects the world-class service of The Ritz-Carlton.
Whether you’re exploring Mykonos’ beaches, Santorini’s cliffs, or Hydra’s quiet harbor, the journey feels deeply personal — elevated yet effortless, luxurious yet authentic.
And when you book through a certified Ritz-Carlton Yacht travel advisor such as Stars Desk,
