Pros & Cons of Sailing on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Pros & Cons of Sailing on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Honest 2025 Review
What to Expect, Who It’s Best For & Insider Tips from a Marriott STARS Top Producer
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has quickly become one of the most talked-about luxury cruise experiences in the world. With its ultra-intimate ships, Michelin-level dining, and The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service culture, these yachts offer a completely new category between private yachting and traditional cruising.
But is it right for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the real pros and cons of sailing on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, what makes it unique, where it may fall short, and how to decide if it’s the perfect fit for your next luxury vacation. As a Top Producer and Marriott STARS agency, Stars Desk has worked with hundreds of clients sailing on Evrima, Ilma, and the upcoming Luminara—so this review highlights both guest feedback and insider expertise.
⭐ What Makes The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Special?
The concept is simple:
Take the signature Ritz-Carlton service philosophy and bring it to sea—on intimate, all-suite yachts designed to feel like a floating luxury resort. With only about 150–228 suites per ship (depending on the vessel), it’s closer to a private yacht than a cruise ship.
But like any luxury experience, it has strengths and limitations.
Let’s dive in.
✔ PROS of Sailing on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
1. Ultra-Intimate Yacht Atmosphere (Not a Cruise Ship Feel)
If you dislike large ships, crowds, or lines, this is your dream.
Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara carry only a fraction of the passengers of even the smallest luxury cruise ships.
What guests love:
No crowds—ever
No waiting for dining, excursions, or tenders
Quiet, serene spaces everywhere
A true yacht-like feel, not a mass-market environment
For travelers used to Ritz-Carlton Resorts or boutique hotels, the atmosphere feels familiar, elevated, and private.
2. All-Suite Accommodations With Private Terraces
Every single suite includes a terrace—something unheard of even on other luxury lines.
Suite highlights:
King beds
Spacious bathrooms with double vanities in many categories
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Elegant residential design
Walk-in closets in premium suites
Large terraces for dining or relaxing
Guests who typically book high-end hotel suites find these accommodations exceptionally comfortable.
3. Michelin-Level Dining & Culinary Programming
Dining is a major standout.
Included Restaurants:
The Evrima Room / Ilma Room – Refined, elegant main dining
Talaat Nam – Asian fusion with sushi
Mistral – Mediterranean al fresco dining
The Pool House – All-day casual
Specialty (Extra Cost):
S.E.A. – A 3-star Michelin chef–designed tasting menu by Sven Elverfeld
Guests consistently rank the food among the best at sea, comparable or superior to ultra-luxury lines like Silversea and Seabourn.
4. Exceptional Service—Personal Concierge for Every Suite
The service is signature Ritz-Carlton:
Your Personal Concierge handles everything from dining to excursions
Staff-to-guest ratio is extremely high
Service is warm, polished, and anticipatory
This is one of the biggest reasons travelers choose RCYC over other lines.
5. Beautiful, Contemporary Design
The yachts are designed with a light, modern, resort-style aesthetic—closer to a luxury hotel than a traditional ship.
Expect:
Neutral tones
High-end materials
Spacious lounges and bars
An abundance of outdoor spaces
Infinity pool and marina platform
6. Curated, Upscale Shore Excursions
Ritz-Carlton focuses on authentic, boutique-style excursions—not bus tours.
Guests can also enjoy private tours curated through their concierge.
Popular options include:
Vineyard visits
UNESCO heritage tours
Culinary immersions
Private yacht day clubs in Ibiza
Swim & snorkel experiences from the yacht’s marina
7. No Nickel-and-Diming
The experience is mostly all-inclusive, with no constant upcharges.
Included:
All dining except S.E.A.
Champagne, wine, beer, cocktails
Specialty coffees
WiFi
Gratuities
Onboard entertainment
Marina access (when available)
8. Flexible, Non-Rushed Itineraries
Ritz-Carlton aims for longer port days and slower travel.
Many itineraries include:
Evening departures
Less-traveled boutique ports
Routes designed to avoid crowds
Guests love the relaxed pace—ideal for wellness and reset-style vacations.
9. Perfect for Celebrations
Because the experience is intimate, elegant, and personalized, many guests book RCYC for:
Honeymoons
Milestone anniversaries
Multi-generational trips
Birthdays
Family celebrations
⭐ 10. VIP Perks When You Book Through a Top STARS Agency (Only Through Stars Desk)
This is one of the biggest pros—but only when booked through Stars Desk, a Top Producer with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
You receive:
Exclusive Perks:
Personalized welcome confection
Upgraded champagne or wine delivered to your suite
$150 Onboard Credit per guest
Complimentary WiFi
Private Bridge Tour (Captain’s discretion)
50% Off Suite Upgrade 30 Days Prior to Departure
These perks add major value—and are not available when booking directly online.
✘ CONS of Sailing on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Even the best experiences have limitations. Here are the most honest downsides based on real client feedback.
1. Premium Pricing
This is not a budget experience—and not designed to be.
Typical starting pricing:
$7,000–$10,000 per person for most 7-night sailings
Higher for peak Mediterranean, holidays, and larger suites
For many travelers, the cost is similar to staying at a Ritz-Carlton resort—but at sea.
2. Limited Availability (Small Ships = Fast Sell-Outs)
Because:
Suites are limited
Demand is high
Many travelers book a year in advance
Prime suites and prime itineraries sell out early—especially on Ilma.
Booking early or using a Top Producer agency is essential.
3. Not Ideal for Travelers Who Want Big-Ship Entertainment
If you love:
Broadway-style shows
Casinos
Waterslides
Large theaters
Huge nightlife
This is not the right product.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is intentionally quiet and intimate, designed for relaxation—not high-energy entertainment.
4. Kids Are Welcome, but Programming Is Limited
Children can absolutely sail, but there is minimal dedicated kids’ entertainment.
Great for:
Well-traveled teens
Mature younger children
Not ideal for:
Families needing kids clubs
Families seeking non-stop activities
5. Marina Platform Use Depends on Weather
The yacht’s marina (kayaks, paddleboards, swimming) is a highlight—but it can close during rough seas or port restrictions.
This is common on luxury yachts but can disappoint guests expecting daily access.
6. Some Itineraries Use Tender Ports
Because the yachts visit boutique ports, tenders may be required.
This is typical for small ships, but some travelers prefer docked ports only.
7. Very Limited Smoking Areas
Only a few small outdoor areas allow smoking.
Something smokers should be aware of.
8. Spa Services & S.E.A. Restaurant Are Extra
Although the sailing is largely inclusive, these two premium experiences carry additional cost.
9. Internet Can Be Inconsistent at Sea
WiFi is free, but in remote regions (Mediterranean islands, Atlantic crossings, Arctic routes), speeds may vary.
Still, most guests find it reliable enough for email, calls, and streaming.
10. No Casino
For some luxury travelers, the absence of a casino is a downside.
For many others, it's a major plus.
Who Is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Perfect For?
Ideal For:
✔ Luxury travelers
✔ Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists
✔ Couples & honeymooners
✔ Food and wine lovers
✔ Travelers who want a small, intimate ship
✔ Guests who prefer boutique hotels over big resorts
✔ Families celebrating milestones
✔ Travelers seeking relaxed itineraries
Not Ideal For:
✘ Travelers who want lots of nightlife
✘ Travelers seeking big-ship entertainment
✘ Families with young kids who need programming
✘ Travelers wanting busy port days with packed schedules
✘ Budget-conscious cruisers
⭐ How to Elevate Your Experience With Exclusive STARS Perks (Only Through Stars Desk)
If you want the best Ritz-Carlton Yacht experience, your choice of booking partner matters.
When you book through Stars Desk, a Top Producer and preferred Marriott STARS agency, you receive:
✔ Complimentary VIP Benefits:
Personalized welcome amenity
Upgraded champagne or wine
$150 OBC per guest
Complimentary WiFi
Private Bridge Tour
Priority dining & concierge planning
50% off suite upgrade offer (when available 30 days out)
Preferred access to sold-out sailings
These extra perks add $600–$3,000+ in value depending on suite and number of guests.
You won’t get these perks if you book online directly.
Final Verdict: Is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Worth It?
Absolutely—for the right traveler.
If you want:
A luxury floating resort
Exceptional service
World-class dining
Intimate, peaceful sailing
Thoughtful itineraries
Beautiful suites with terraces
Then Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is one of the best luxury cruise products in the world.
If you want:
Big entertainment
Casinos
Packed schedules
Fast-paced itineraries
Then this is probably not the best match.
For luxury travelers who value space, privacy, elegance, and curated experiences, it is one of the most exceptional ways to explore the world.
Want to Book Your Yacht Sailing?
As a Top Producer with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and a Marriott STARS partner, Stars Desk provides the best pricing, VIP perks, and exclusive suite upgrade opportunities not available anywhere else.
