The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Embarkation Ports: Your Guide to Where Luxury Journeys Begin
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Embarkation Ports: Your Guide to Where Luxury Journeys Begin
In the world of luxury travel, few experiences capture the spirit of refined adventure like The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Merging the bespoke hospitality of The Ritz-Carlton with the freedom of the open sea, this new generation of luxury cruising has redefined what it means to explore the world by yacht.
But before guests set sail aboard the line’s elegant yachts — Evrima, Ilma, and soon Luminara — every unforgettable voyage begins in one of the brand’s handpicked embarkation ports. These ports are far more than just departure points; they’re the first chapter of an extraordinary journey that blends culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty.
This complete guide explores every key embarkation port of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — from the turquoise bays of the Caribbean to the timeless harbors of the Mediterranean, and the new destinations emerging as the fleet expands.
Why Embarkation Ports Matter in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Experience
Unlike large cruise ships, The Ritz-Carlton yachts are intimate by design, carrying no more than 298 guests. This allows them to access smaller, more exclusive ports — hidden coves, private marinas, and boutique harbors often unreachable by conventional cruise liners.
For travelers, embarkation day is more than just boarding; it’s the start of an immersive luxury experience. Each port has been chosen for its accessibility, pre- and post-cruise hospitality, and cultural charm — ensuring the journey begins and ends as seamlessly as possible.
Whether embarking in Barcelona, San Juan, or Monte Carlo, travelers are invited to savor the local flavor before boarding — from a Michelin-starred lunch to a stroll through historic quarters.
Caribbean Embarkation Ports
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection spends much of its winter season (November through April) exploring the Caribbean and Central American coastlines. These voyages are anchored by embarkation ports that combine accessibility, style, and island character.
1. Bridgetown, Barbados
Bridgetown serves as one of the most frequent embarkation and disembarkation points for Caribbean itineraries aboard Evrima and Ilma. Barbados is ideal thanks to its modern airport, easy international access, and luxurious pre-cruise resorts.
Why it’s ideal: Direct flights from the U.S., Canada, and Europe; seamless private transfers to the port; top-tier resorts like Sandy Lane and The House by Elegant Hotels.
Popular itineraries: Windward Islands, Grenadines, and Caribbean Discovery routes.
Insider tip: Spend a night at The Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Dorado Beach (Puerto Rico) before or after your cruise if connecting via San Juan — many advisors pair the two for a seamless Caribbean luxury experience.
2. San Juan, Puerto Rico
A cultural gem with a cosmopolitan flair, San Juan offers a lively pre-cruise experience. Guests embarking here can wander through colorful Old San Juan, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and dine on coastal Caribbean cuisine before boarding their yacht.
Why it’s ideal: U.S. passport holders can travel visa-free, direct flights from all major hubs, and easy access to Caribbean and Atlantic crossings.
Notable itineraries: Eastern Caribbean, Virgin Islands, and Atlantic repositioning voyages.
3. Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Known for its dual Dutch and French influences, St. Maarten is another favored embarkation port. It’s a gateway to ultra-exclusive islands such as St. Barts, Anguilla, and Antigua, and is home to luxury beach clubs and boutique hotels perfect for pre-cruise stays.
Why it’s ideal: Yacht-friendly marina facilities, luxury shopping, and a balanced island vibe that mixes Caribbean relaxation with European sophistication.
Notable itineraries: Leeward Islands Discovery, Windward Passage, and boutique Caribbean circuits.
4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Port Everglades)
For North American travelers seeking convenience, Fort Lauderdale serves as the primary U.S. embarkation port for select Caribbean and transatlantic itineraries.
Why it’s ideal: Major international airport nearby, easy access to Miami and Palm Beach, and proximity to world-class Ritz-Carlton properties.
Suggested stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, situated directly on the beach, offers a flawless pre-cruise extension.
Mediterranean Embarkation Ports
From April through October, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection repositions to the Mediterranean, where it explores the coastlines of Spain, Italy, France, Greece, and beyond.
Each embarkation port in the Med has been chosen not just for convenience — but for its cultural richness, culinary excellence, and easy connections to Europe’s most scenic regions.
1. Barcelona, Spain
The unofficial capital of Mediterranean luxury cruising, Barcelona is a recurring embarkation port for both Evrima and Ilma. Travelers can explore Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, indulge in Catalan cuisine, and unwind at beachfront hotels before boarding.
Why it’s ideal: Excellent air connectivity, world-class gastronomy, and proximity to coastal gems like Mallorca and the French Riviera.
Recommended stay: The Hotel Arts Barcelona, a Ritz-Carlton property offering panoramic sea views and direct marina access.
2. Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
The Port of Civitavecchia, about 90 minutes from Rome, serves as the gateway to Italy’s most iconic embarkations. It’s perfect for combining a few nights amid the Eternal City’s historic treasures before setting sail.
Why it’s ideal: Convenient transfers, countless pre-cruise excursions, and access to Western Mediterranean routes.
Suggested stay: The Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, or The St. Regis Rome for elevated pre-cruise luxury.
3. Athens (Piraeus), Greece
For travelers dreaming of Aegean blue, Athens is the embarkation point for itineraries through the Greek Isles, Turkey, and Adriatic Sea.
Why it’s ideal: Deep cultural heritage, proximity to island routes, and convenient airport connections.
Notable itineraries: Cyclades Discovery, Greek Isles & Crete, and East Mediterranean Voyages.
4. Nice and Monte Carlo, French Riviera
Nothing says elegance like embarking from the French Riviera. Whether boarding from Nice or Monte Carlo, these ports blend glamour and accessibility, often serving as entry points for voyages exploring Corsica, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast.
Why it’s ideal: Central Riviera location, luxury marinas, and proximity to iconic destinations such as Cannes and St. Tropez.
Recommended stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Geneva or Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo offer effortless luxury pre-cruise stays.
5. Venice (Marghera), Italy
Following new sustainability regulations, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection now embarks near Venice’s Marghera Port, preserving the city’s lagoon while offering easy access to the Veneto region.
Why it’s ideal: Seamless access to Northern Italy, art-filled excursions, and romantic gondola pre-cruise experiences.
Suggested stay: The Gritti Palace or JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa on its private island.
Expanding Horizons: New and Seasonal Embarkation Ports
As the fleet grows, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is broadening its global footprint with new embarkation ports in Northern Europe, the Atlantic, and the Americas.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is emerging as a transatlantic embarkation port for repositioning voyages between the Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons. Travelers can explore the city’s tiled alleys, Belém Tower, and vibrant gastronomy before sailing.
Why it’s ideal: Direct flights from major cities, rich cultural backdrop, and excellent connection between seasons.
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
For adventurous travelers, Reykjavik serves as the embarkation point for Arctic and North Atlantic expeditions, where luxury meets raw natural beauty.
Why it’s ideal: Midnight sun sailings, geothermal adventures, and scenic departures surrounded by glaciers and volcanoes.
3. Stockholm, Sweden
In summer, Stockholm becomes the starting point for Baltic and Scandinavian voyages. Guests can explore the city’s archipelago, historic old town, and Nordic cuisine before boarding.
Why it’s ideal: Modern infrastructure, cultural depth, and easy access to the Baltic capitals.
Pre- and Post-Cruise Luxury Experiences
A defining feature of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is how it integrates seamless luxury before and after the voyage. Most embarkation ports coincide with Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts, allowing guests to extend their trip in style.
Examples include:
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale – Ideal before Caribbean sailings.
The Ritz-Carlton, Barcelona – Convenient for Mediterranean departures.
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama (Tenerife) – A pre-cruise extension for Canary Islands itineraries.
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul – Often paired with Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean voyages.
Advisors booking through Marriott STARS or Virtuoso Preferred Partners can unlock exclusive benefits such as daily breakfast, suite upgrades, and up to $100 in onboard or hotel credits — ensuring every moment from check-in to embarkation is curated with care.
Embarkation Tips for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Guests
Arrive one day early: Avoid travel stress and enjoy a leisurely start to your journey.
Use Ritz-Carlton or partner hotels: Many itineraries offer complimentary or discounted pre-cruise stays when booked through a travel advisor.
Pack light but smart: The yachts have a refined, resort-style dress code — think chic resort wear rather than formal evening attire.
Check port details: Embarkation times and terminals vary by yacht and port; your advisor or concierge will provide personalized logistics.
Final Thoughts: Every Embarkation Is a Destination
Each Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection embarkation port is a destination worthy of exploration in its own right. Whether you begin in the Caribbean’s turquoise bays, the Mediterranean’s glamorous harbors, or the fjords of Northern Europe, every voyage starts with a story — one that blends discovery, indulgence, and world-class hospitality.
For travelers seeking the ultimate blend of yachting freedom and Ritz-Carlton sophistication, these embarkation ports are where luxury journeys truly begin.
