Group Bookings on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Luxury Cruises for Corporate, SMERF & Affinity Groups
Group Bookings on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Luxury Cruises for Corporate, SMERF & Affinity Groups
If you’re looking to combine luxury travel, personalized service, and unmatched destinations for your next group event, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the ultimate choice. Designed for small, intimate luxury, the yachts Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara offer bespoke voyages across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Central America, Northern Europe, and Asia.
From corporate retreats and incentive travel to SMERF (Social, Military, Educational, Religious, Fraternal) groups and affinity-based clubs, these yachts provide a truly elevated experience for groups who want to travel in style.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
The group booking requirements
Exclusive group amenities
Payment schedules, deposit requirements, and cancellation policies
Why Ritz-Carlton yachts are the best choice for luxury group travel
Why Book Your Group with Ritz-Carlton Yachts?
Luxury group travel has unique challenges: coordinating accommodations, dining, excursions, and activities for dozens of travelers can be overwhelming. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection solves this with:
All-suite accommodations: Every suite has an ocean view and private terrace, perfect for small group gatherings or incentive trips.
Personalized service: Inspired by The Ritz-Carlton hotels, the crew offers 24-hour service, making your group feel recognized and cared for.
Elevated dining: Multiple dining venues, specialty dining, and in-suite dining ensure that all guests enjoy world-class cuisine.
Bespoke itineraries: Group leaders can plan shore excursions, cocktail events, and group dinners with a dedicated coordination team.
For groups, these yachts are not just transportation—they’re floating luxury resorts, designed to combine the Ritz-Carlton lifestyle with the freedom of yachting.
Group Booking Requirements
Understanding the rules is essential to secure your preferred voyage and suite selection:
| Requirement | Evrima | Ilma & Luminara |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Suites | 12 | 12 |
| Maximum Suites | 30 | 50 |
| Confirmation | Suites booked with deposit and all guest names | Suites booked with deposit and all guest names |
| Agreement Term | 90 days lock-in with no liability | 90 days lock-in with no liability |
| Deposit Required | 25% per suite | 25% per suite |
| Payment Schedule | Remaining fare due 180 days prior to embarkation | Remaining fare due 180 days prior to embarkation |
| Accepted Payment Types | Credit card, wire, ACH | Credit card, wire, ACH |
| Cancellation Policy | Up to 365 days prior with $250 admin fee (applied to future booking within one year) | Same |
Key Takeaways:
A 25% deposit per suite secures the booking.
Lock-in rates are valid for 90 days from the group agreement signature.
No liability is placed on the agency or guests until the deposit is paid.
Guests must accept Cruise Ticket contract terms.
Canceling early only incurs a $250 administrative fee, which can be applied toward a future booking within a year.
Exclusive Group Amenities
Booking a group with Ritz-Carlton yachts unlocks special perks not available for individual travelers:
$200 yacht credit per suite for use on shore excursions, specialty dining, or other onboard experiences.
Two-hour cocktail party with passed hors d’oeuvres and open bar for your group.
One group dinner hosted during the voyage.
Dedicated coordination team for onboard activities, pre/post hotel accommodations, transfers, and group shore excursions.
Complimentary suites : For every 12 suites booked, your group earns one complimentary Terrace Suite, with a maximum of two complimentary suites per group.
These amenities ensure your group enjoys a fully customized and memorable experience, whether for corporate incentive trips, educational programs, or affinity club journeys.
The All-Inclusive Advantage for Groups
Ritz-Carlton yachts include all-inclusive luxury for every guest. For group travelers, this simplifies planning and budgeting:
All-suite ocean-view accommodations with private terrace
Onboard gratuities
Multiple dining venues offering international and local cuisines
24-hour in-suite dining for added convenience
Beverages in-suite and throughout the yacht
Onboard entertainment and enrichment programs
Marina-style platform with access to water sports
Wi-Fi throughout the yacht
Having these amenities included means your group can focus on team building, networking, or shared experiences rather than logistics and hidden costs.
Sample Group Use Cases
Ritz-Carlton Yacht group bookings accommodate a wide variety of group types:
1. Corporate & Incentive Travel
Celebrate milestones or reward top performers.
Use complimentary suites for executives or VIPs.
Host onboard cocktail events and private dinners for networking.
2. SMERF Groups
Social, Military, Educational, Religious, Fraternal groups can book mid-sized or larger yachts.
Enjoy curated itineraries and excursions that align with group interests.
3. Affinity or Speculative Groups
Clubs, hobbyist groups, or speculative groups planning future events can lock in suites with 90-day rate guarantees.
Combine shared excursions, cocktail parties, and private dining experiences for maximum engagement.
Payment Schedule and Deposit Details
Managing finances for a large group is easier with Ritz-Carlton’s transparent payment terms:
Deposit: 25% per suite at the time of booking.
Remaining fare: Not due until 180 days prior to embarkation.
Pre/post hotel, air transfers, and marquee events: Paid at the time of booking.
Payment types: Credit card, wire transfer, or ACH.
This schedule gives your group flexibility while securing the best rates for suites and exclusive experiences.
Cancellation Policy
Plans can change—Ritz-Carlton recognizes this with a lenient cancellation policy for group bookings:
Cancel up to 365 days prior to embarkation.
$250 administrative fee per suite applies for cancellations.
The fee can be applied toward a future booking within one year from the original booking date.
This gives your group confidence when planning well in advance, especially for large or international groups.
Onboard Group Amenities in Detail
Ritz-Carlton ensures every group enjoys VIP treatment with a dedicated approach to group experiences:
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| $200 yacht credit per suite | Can be used for excursions, specialty dining, or spa services |
| Two-hour cocktail party | Passed hors d’oeuvres and open bar for the entire group |
| One group dinner | Hosted onboard in a private or semi-private venue |
| Dedicated coordination team | Manages activities, excursions, pre/post accommodations, and transfers |
| Complimentary Tour Conductor suites | One complimentary Terrace Suite per 12 suites booked (max 2) |
These perks make Ritz-Carlton yachts ideal for rewarding top clients, motivating teams, or hosting a milestone celebration in a truly memorable setting.
Destinations for Group Voyages
Ritz-Carlton yachts sail through some of the world’s most sought-after regions, including:
Mediterranean: Santorini, Monte Carlo, Amalfi Coast, Dubrovnik
Caribbean: St. Barts, Barbados, Antigua, Virgin Islands
Central America: Costa Rica, Panama, Belize
Northern Europe: Norwegian fjords, Baltic capitals, Iceland
Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore
Transoceanic Journeys: Cross-ocean adventures combining multiple regions
With small group sizes, the yachts can call at ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, offering your group exclusive experiences.
Why Groups Love Ritz-Carlton Yachts
Intimate ship size: Ensures privacy and personalization for all guests.
Luxury all-inclusive amenities: Simplifies planning and budgeting.
Flexible booking terms: Lock-in rates, deposits, and cancellation policies designed for group peace of mind.
Exclusive onboard experiences: Cocktail parties, group dinners, and credits enhance your event.
Dedicated team: Ensures every logistical detail is handled, from hotel stays to shore excursions.
In short, Ritz-Carlton Yachts transform group travel from a logistical challenge into a seamless, unforgettable luxury experience.
Final Thoughts
If your organization or club is looking for a luxury group cruise that combines elegance, service, and flexibility, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the perfect choice. From SMERF and affinity groups to corporate incentive travel, the yachts Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara deliver:
Curated itineraries
Private, all-suite accommodations
Exclusive group amenities and yacht credits
Dedicated coordination for a flawless experience
Booking your group with Ritz-Carlton yachts ensures your team, members, or clients are treated to a truly unforgettable journey.
👉 Contact Stars Desk, a top-producing Ritz-Carlton STARS partner, to secure your group booking today. We’ll guide you through suite selection, exclusive amenities, and pre/post accommodations to create an unmatched luxury group cruise experience.
