How to Book Ritz-Carlton Yachts Through a Luxury Travel Advisor
How to Book Ritz-Carlton Yachts Through a Luxury Travel Advisor
When The Ritz-Carlton launched its private yacht collection, it redefined the concept of ocean cruising. Instead of massive ships and crowds, the brand introduced intimate yachts with the sophistication of its five-star resorts — offering suites with private terraces, Michelin-level dining, and service that feels entirely bespoke.
But while the allure of sailing on Evrima, Ilma, or Luminara is undeniable, many travelers discover that booking a Ritz-Carlton Yacht voyage isn’t quite as straightforward as reserving a hotel stay. There are nuances — from suite categories and embarkation ports to private shore experiences and loyalty benefits — that are best navigated with the help of an expert.
This is where a luxury travel advisor comes in. Partnering with a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection–certified advisor such as Stars Desk ensures you receive personalized guidance, exclusive perks, and access that go beyond what you’d find online.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about booking Ritz-Carlton Yachts through a luxury advisor — from the benefits to the step-by-step process and insider tips to make your journey seamless.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Experience: A New Standard in Luxury Voyages
Before diving into the booking process, it’s worth understanding what sets The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection apart.
Each yacht — Evrima, Ilma, and soon Luminara — offers an experience that merges the intimacy of a private yacht with the legendary service and design DNA of Ritz-Carlton hotels. Accommodating only 298 guests (on Evrima) and up to 448 on Ilma, these vessels are purposefully designed to feel more like boutique floating resorts than cruise ships.
Suites with private terraces: Every suite includes a private oceanview terrace, king-size bed, and marble bathroom.
Personal concierge service: Each guest has access to a dedicated concierge to curate every aspect of their voyage.
Fine dining onboard: From S.E.A. — a restaurant designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua (three Michelin stars) — to Mediterranean and Asian-inspired options, dining is world-class.
Curated shore experiences: The itineraries focus on smaller, luxury-friendly ports — St. Barts, Mykonos, Portofino, Reykjavik, Dubai — allowing more exclusive access.
Whether you’re considering a five-night Caribbean sailing or a grand journey through the Mediterranean, a luxury travel advisor can help tailor every element to your preferences.
Why Book Through a Luxury Travel Advisor
Booking directly online might seem easy, but the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is not a standard cruise. There are dozens of subtle but meaningful differences between voyages, suite types, and inclusions — and advisors certified by the brand can unlock benefits you won’t find through online booking engines.
Here are the key reasons to book through a luxury advisor like Stars Desk:
1. Insider Expertise
Advisors specializing in Ritz-Carlton Yachts know the ships intimately — including which suite categories have the best layouts, which voyages attract specific clientele (families vs couples vs groups), and which embarkation ports are easiest for seamless arrivals.
This expertise ensures you book the right sailing and suite for your preferences and budget.
2. Exclusive Value & Amenities
Top-tier luxury agencies often have access to preferred partner programs that deliver extra value. While Ritz-Carlton Yachts does not discount fares, guests booking through certain advisors may receive benefits such as:
Shipboard credits
Complimentary private transfers
Priority waitlist or suite upgrades
Access to sold-out voyages
These perks often offset the advisor fee — and in many cases, exceed it in value.
3. Personalized Planning
Your travel advisor can coordinate pre- and post-cruise arrangements, including stays at Ritz-Carlton hotels or partner properties, airport transfers, and private excursions.
For example, guests sailing from Barcelona might spend two nights pre-cruise at Hotel Arts Barcelona, while Caribbean travelers may want a post-cruise stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
4. Assistance with Onboard Customization
From spa reservations to private dining, a luxury advisor ensures every detail is handled before embarkation. Many even liaise directly with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s guest services team to confirm your onboard preferences.
5. Support Before, During, and After Your Voyage
Should you need to adjust travel dates, extend your itinerary, or handle unforeseen travel issues, your advisor serves as your personal advocate — something an online form can’t replicate.
How to Book Ritz-Carlton Yachts Through a Travel Advisor
Here’s what the booking journey typically looks like when you work with a luxury agency such as Stars Desk.
Step 1: Consultation and Voyage Selection
The process begins with a personal consultation — a short discussion about your travel style, ideal destinations, and preferred time of year.
Because Ritz-Carlton Yachts operates seasonally across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, and Transatlantic routes, your advisor will identify the best sailings that fit your goals.
For example:
Mediterranean (April–October): Ideal for summer getaways — destinations include Amalfi Coast, Greek Isles, and Côte d’Azur.
Caribbean (November–March): Tropical itineraries including St. Lucia, Barbados, and St. Barts.
Northern Europe & Iceland: Summer voyages offering scenic fjords and cultural capitals.
Grand Journeys: Extended itineraries combining multiple regions.
Step 2: Suite Selection
Ritz-Carlton Yachts offers several suite categories:
Owner’s Suites & Residences – The most exclusive, offering large terraces and butler-level service.
Loft Suites – Two-story accommodations perfect for couples.
Grand Suites – Spacious one-bedroom suites with enhanced views.
Terrace Suites – Beautifully designed with private ocean terraces.
An advisor can help you choose based on size, view, and location (midship vs aft), ensuring you select the best cabin for comfort and privacy.
Step 3: Confirming the Reservation
Once the voyage and suite are selected, your advisor will hold a cabin, review terms and conditions with you, and process the deposit through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s system.
You’ll receive an official confirmation directly from the cruise line — but all details are coordinated by your advisor for a stress-free process.
Step 4: Planning Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays
A luxury voyage often deserves a luxury prelude or finale. Travel advisors can arrange pre- or post-cruise extensions at Ritz-Carlton properties worldwide, ensuring a consistent five-star experience from start to finish.
Step 5: Concierge Enhancements
From onboard spa bookings to private dining at S.E.A., your advisor can handle all personalization before departure. Many guests choose to have a special celebration onboard — birthdays, anniversaries, or milestone events — and your advisor can coordinate with the yacht’s concierge team to make it extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far in advance should I book a Ritz-Carlton Yacht voyage?
Most sailings open 12–24 months in advance. Suites sell quickly, especially on new itineraries or during peak Mediterranean season, so booking early ensures the best selection.
Are children allowed onboard?
Yes, though the experience is tailored primarily to adults. Children over six months (or one year for transocean crossings) are welcome, but there are no dedicated kids’ clubs. Advisors can help families find the most suitable voyages.
Is it possible to charter the entire yacht?
Yes. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers full-ship charters for private groups or corporate events. A certified advisor can coordinate these bespoke arrangements.
Are flights and transfers included?
Airfare and transfers are typically not included in the base fare, but your advisor can package them seamlessly with your yacht booking.
Can loyalty points be earned or redeemed?
While the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is operated under Marriott International, it functions separately from Marriott Bonvoy. However, your advisor can help align your hotel stays for points earning opportunities before or after your voyage.
Why Work with a Certified Ritz-Carlton Yacht Advisor
Choosing a certified partner like Stars Desk ensures you’re working with experts who understand both the brand and its clientele.
Stars Desk is a New York–based luxury travel agency specializing in elite hotel and cruise partnerships, including Four Seasons Yachts, Explora Journeys, and Hyatt Privé programs.
Clients booking Ritz-Carlton Yachts through Stars Desk enjoy:
Priority access to new sailings
Personalized voyage recommendations
Coordination with Ritz-Carlton’s yacht concierge team
Seamless integration with pre-/post-stay itineraries
In other words, you receive the same high-touch service expected from Ritz-Carlton — extended to the entire journey.
Tips for First-Time Guests on Ritz-Carlton Yachts
Arrive a day early: Always plan to arrive in your embarkation city at least one day before sailing. Your advisor can arrange a pre-cruise stay at a nearby Ritz-Carlton.
Pack resort-casual: There are no formal nights; the dress code mirrors that of Ritz-Carlton resorts — elegant but relaxed.
Book excursions early: Many curated shore experiences have limited space; your advisor can reserve them during the pre-departure phase.
Use the onboard concierge: Each suite comes with a concierge — a wonderful resource for daily arrangements.
Enjoy the quiet luxury: With fewer than 300–450 guests onboard, the experience is as close to a private yacht as it gets.
Final Thoughts
Sailing aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is unlike any other cruise — it’s an intimate, design-led, and highly personalized journey that blends the best of ocean travel with the artistry of luxury hospitality.
While it’s possible to book online, the most seamless and rewarding way is through a dedicated travel advisor who understands the brand’s nuances and can tailor the voyage to your preferences.
Working with a certified expert like Stars Desk ensures that your booking process is effortless, your onboard experience is enriched, and your overall journey reflects the world-class elegance that defines The Ritz-Carlton name.
To plan your Ritz-Carlton Yacht voyage, visit Stars Desk’s dedicated page here →
Whether you’re drawn to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean or the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, booking through a trusted luxury travel advisor ensures your journey at sea is every bit as exceptional as the destination itself.
