How Many Guests Are on a Ritz-Carlton Yacht?
How Many Guests Are on a Ritz-Carlton Yacht?
When travelers picture a luxury cruise, they often imagine massive ships carrying thousands of passengers, with bustling casinos, large theaters, and endless entertainment venues. But the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers something completely different: a boutique, yacht-inspired experience with a much smaller number of guests.
So, how many guests are actually on a Ritz-Carlton yacht?
The answer depends on the ship, but in general:
Evrima (the first yacht) accommodates 298 guests.
Ilma and Luminara (the new yachts launching 2024–2025) accommodate up to 452 guests each.
That means instead of being one among thousands, you’re one of just a few hundred. This intimate scale is central to the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection experience.
Why Guest Capacity Matters
Guest capacity shapes the entire atmosphere of a cruise. A smaller number of passengers means:
More personalized service (almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio).
Easier embarkation and disembarkation — no long lines or crowded terminals.
Intimacy and exclusivity onboard.
Access to smaller ports that mega ships can’t reach.
Luxury of space — more public areas per guest compared to larger vessels.
This is why capacity is one of the most important considerations for luxury travelers deciding between Ritz-Carlton and traditional cruise lines.
Comparing Ritz-Carlton Yachts to Traditional Cruise Ships
| Cruise Brand | Average Guest Capacity | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – Evrima | 298 | Boutique, ultra-private, villa-at-sea |
| Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – Ilma/Luminara | 452 | Still intimate, with more suites and amenities |
| Regent Seven Seas | ~750 | All-inclusive luxury, but larger scale |
| Celebrity Cruises | 2,500–3,000+ | Premium, resort-style cruising |
| Royal Caribbean | 4,000–6,000+ | Large-scale, family-focused mega-ships |
Ritz-Carlton yachts sit at the intimate, ultra-luxury end of the spectrum.
Evrima: 298 Guests
The Evrima was the first ship in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, debuting in 2022. With just 298 guests across 149 suites, it set the tone for the brand:
All suites with private terraces — no inside cabins.
Generous space per guest — one of the highest ratios in luxury cruising.
Focus on lifestyle — multiple dining venues, a world-class spa, and a marina platform for direct ocean access.
Evrima feels less like a cruise ship and more like a private floating Ritz-Carlton resort.
Ilma & Luminara: 452 Guests
The fleet is expanding with Ilma (2024) and Luminara (2025). These next-generation yachts are slightly larger, with 452 guests in 226 suites, but still preserve the same boutique feel.
What changes with the larger capacity?
Additional dining options and lounges.
More Owner’s Suites and two-story Loft Suites.
Expanded wellness facilities and public spaces.
Even better connectivity for remote work at sea.
Even at full capacity, Ilma and Luminara are still smaller than many competitors’ smallest ships.
The Staff-to-Guest Ratio
One of the biggest advantages of keeping guest numbers low is service. Ritz-Carlton yachts operate at nearly a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio.
Butler-style service in top suites.
Personalized dining experiences, including custom menus and wine pairings.
Staff who know your name, preferences, and routines.
This level of hospitality is impossible to replicate on larger ships.
Why Fewer Guests = More Luxury
For luxury travelers, fewer guests translates directly to more exclusivity:
Privacy – Lounges, pools, and terraces never feel crowded.
Access – Shore excursions remain intimate, avoiding the “tour bus” feel of larger ships.
Flexibility – Smaller groups can experience unique activities, from private vineyard tours to after-hours museum access.
It’s the difference between a five-star resort and a mega hotel complex.
Guest Mix: Who You’ll Sail With
Because guest numbers are so limited, the community onboard feels more like a private club:
Luxury travelers who are loyal to the Ritz-Carlton brand.
Couples and honeymooners seeking romance in an intimate setting.
Families celebrating milestones who value space and privacy.
Solo travelers who appreciate the sense of community without being lost in a crowd.
The small number of guests makes it easier to form connections while still maintaining privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the yachts ever carry more than 500 guests?
Unlikely. The collection is designed around intimacy, and future vessels will likely maintain sub-500 capacities.
Q: How do Ritz-Carlton yachts feel compared to small private yachts?
They blend the privacy of a superyacht with the amenities of a luxury resort — essentially a “hybrid” experience.
Q: Does the small guest number make it harder to find activities?
Not at all. Programming is curated for smaller groups, so you’ll find everything from enrichment lectures to wine tastings, but without crowds.
Q: Do smaller guest counts mean higher prices?
Yes. The exclusivity comes at a premium, but it also ensures a higher staff ratio, larger suites, and more personalized service.
Why Stars Desk Recommends Ritz-Carlton Yachts
At Stars Desk, we work with discerning travelers who expect the best. For those considering a Ritz-Carlton yacht, the smaller guest capacity is often the deciding factor:
Privacy and space onboard.
Personalized attention that feels closer to a private yacht than a cruise.
Exclusivity — only a few hundred guests share the experience.
This makes the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection one of the most attractive options for travelers who want the benefits of cruising without the downsides of crowded ships.
Final Thoughts
So, how many guests are on a Ritz-Carlton yacht?
298 guests on Evrima.
452 guests on Ilma and Luminara.
That’s it. Instead of thousands of passengers, you’ll be one of just a few hundred — enjoying the luxury of space, service, and exclusivity that defines the Ritz-Carlton brand.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the intimacy of a private yacht combined with the service of a five-star resort, this is the voyage for you.
✨ Ready to book your Ritz-Carlton yacht experience? Explore exclusive benefits with Stars Desk, your trusted luxury travel partner.
