Which Ritz-Carlton Yacht Is Best
Which Ritz-Carlton Yacht Is Best? Evrima, Ilma, or Luminara — Complete Guide
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (RCYC) has redefined ultra-luxury cruising with its boutique yachts, all-suite accommodations, and Michelin-level culinary experiences. With three sophisticated vessels — Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara — travelers often ask: Which Ritz-Carlton yacht is best?
In this guide, we break down every key detail, from suite options, itineraries, and dining to wellness, family travel, and onboard experiences. Whether you’re planning your first RCYC sailing or a return voyage, this guide helps you choose the perfect yacht.
Why The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Stands Out
Unlike traditional mega cruise ships, RCYC offers:
All-suite accommodations: Every guest enjoys a spacious suite with private balcony and luxury amenities.
Intimate yacht size: Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara have fewer than 500 guests, ensuring personalized service.
Curated itineraries: Boutique ports, private excursions, and immersive experiences make every voyage unique.
Culinary excellence: Multiple dining venues, regional menus, and chef-driven experiences rival Michelin-starred restaurants.
Luxury hotel-level service at sea: Staff-to-guest ratios are high, offering bespoke attention to detail.
The Fleet: Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara
Here’s the accurate fleet breakdown:
| Yacht | Maximum Guests | Suites | Crew | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evrima | 298 | 149 | ~200 | Smallest yacht, six suite categories, intimate luxury experience, Mediterranean & Caribbean itineraries |
| Ilma | 448 | 224 | ~350 | High space-to-guest ratio, wellness focus, signature dining, Mediterranean, Northern Europe & Caribbean itineraries |
| Luminara | 452 | 226 | 374 | Largest yacht, modern amenities, expanded suites, wellness & entertainment enhancements, diverse itineraries |
Pro Tip: Guest-to-crew ratios and suite space are crucial when comparing yachts, as they influence service level and onboard comfort.
Evrima: The Intimate Culinary Yacht
Best for: Couples, food lovers, travelers seeking intimacy
Highlights:
Capacity & Suites: 298 guests accommodated in 149 suites across six categories, from Terrace to Owner’s Suites.
Intimate onboard experience: Smaller guest count fosters a boutique feel and highly personalized service.
Culinary focus: Evrima is designed for food lovers — enjoy Michelin-style dining, chef’s tables, and curated tasting menus.
Popular itineraries: Mediterranean and Caribbean routes, including Amalfi Coast, Greek Isles, and boutique Caribbean islands.
Why Evrima excels: If your priority is culinary immersion and intimate luxury, Evrima is your ideal choice.
Ilma: The Wellness and Space-Oriented Yacht
Best for: Wellness enthusiasts, families, cultural explorers
Highlights:
Capacity & Suites: 448 guests in 224 suites, offering a high space-to-guest ratio.
Wellness focus: Yoga, spa, holistic programming, and fitness areas for guests seeking health-conscious experiences.
Dining: Signature restaurants, wellness-focused menus, and culinary workshops.
Popular itineraries: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, and Caribbean.
Why Ilma excels: Perfect for travelers who value suite space, wellness, and cultural immersion without compromising on intimacy.
Luminara: The Largest and Most Modern Yacht
Best for: Modern luxury travelers, repeat guests, larger groups
Highlights:
Capacity & Suites: 452 guests in 226 suites; the largest yacht in the fleet.
Crew: 374 crew members for high-level service.
Modern amenities: Tech-forward suites, entertainment enhancements, and expanded wellness options.
Diverse itineraries: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and repositioning sailings.
Why Luminara excels: Ideal for guests who want newest design, expanded suites, and enhanced amenities while enjoying RCYC’s signature luxury.
Suite Comparisons Across the Fleet
| Suite Type | Evrima | Ilma | Luminara | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrace Suite | 430–510 sq ft | 450–520 sq ft | 455–525 sq ft | Cozy outdoor space, ideal for couples |
| Signature Suite | 630–710 sq ft | 650–730 sq ft | 660–740 sq ft | Larger suites with premium balcony views |
| Loft Suite | 730–810 sq ft | 750–830 sq ft | 760–840 sq ft | Two-story design, perfect for families or couples |
| Owner’s Suite | 1,200 sq ft | 1,250 sq ft | 1,280 sq ft | Ultimate luxury with private balcony, dedicated concierge |
Expert Tip: Early booking or Marriott STARS benefits can provide suite upgrades or VIP perks.
Itinerary Considerations
| Destination | Best Yacht | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Evrima | Culinary-focused, boutique ports |
| Caribbean | Evrima / Ilma | Evrima for intimate islands, Ilma for wellness and family-friendly options |
| Northern Europe / Scandinavia | Ilma | Wellness programs, cultural immersion |
| Iceland / Norway | Ilma | Adventure-focused itineraries with wellness balance |
| Repositioning Sailings | Luminara | Largest yacht, best amenities for extended voyages |
| Family Travel | Ilma / Luminara | Larger suites and multiple bedroom options |
Dining Comparison
All yachts feature extraordinary dining, but each has unique strengths:
Evrima: Culinary immersion — chef’s tables, regional tasting menus, wine pairings.
Ilma: Balanced dining — fine cuisine with wellness-focused options.
Luminara: Modern dining concepts, new venues, and tech-assisted experiences.
Insider Tip: Food is one of the top motivators for booking Evrima.
Wellness & Spa Comparison
| Feature | Evrima | Ilma | Luminara |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spa | Standard treatments | Expanded spa & wellness classes | State-of-the-art spa, holistic programs |
| Fitness | Compact gym | Larger gym, group classes | Tech-integrated fitness & wellness tracking |
| Wellness Programs | Limited | Extensive | Enhanced with new technology |
Recommendation: Wellness travelers should favor Ilma or Luminara, while romantic or culinary-focused guests may choose Evrima.
Family Travel Considerations
Evrima: Best for couples or solo travelers; limited family-friendly amenities.
Ilma: Larger suites, flexible occupancy, and wellness programming suitable for families.
Luminara: Largest yacht, perfect for multi-suite bookings and family groups.
Booking Tips for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Book Early: Suites, especially Signature and Loft, sell out quickly — 12–18 months in advance is ideal.
Use a Preferred Advisor: Marriott STARS advisors, like Stars Desk, provide suite upgrades, VIP amenities, and access to sold-out sailings.
Last-Minute Sailings: Advisors can reopen inventory within 7 days of departure for high-demand suites.
Suite Upgrades: Always ask your advisor about early or last-minute upgrade opportunities.
Value-Added Benefits: STARS benefits may include onboard credits, private shore excursions, or pre-/post-cruise hotel stays.
Which Ritz-Carlton Yacht Is Best? Summary
| Yacht | Best For | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| Evrima | Couples, food lovers | Smallest, intimate, culinary-focused, boutique itineraries |
| Ilma | Wellness, families, cultural explorers | High space-to-guest ratio, wellness programs, versatile itineraries |
| Luminara | Modern luxury travelers, repeat guests | Largest, newest yacht, tech-forward suites, enhanced amenities |
Bottom line: Evrima for culinary intimacy, Ilma for wellness and space, Luminara for modern amenities and expanded capacity.
Why Booking Through a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Advisor Matters
Booking through a preferred advisor like Stars Desk ensures:
Suite upgrades and priority waitlists
Personalized pre- and post-voyage planning
VIP amenities, including onboard credits
Access to last-minute availability even after sailings close
Using an expert advisor maximizes the luxury experience while securing the best suites and perks.
Conclusion
Choosing the “best” Ritz-Carlton yacht depends entirely on your travel priorities. Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara all provide ultra-luxury accommodations, exceptional dining, curated itineraries, and world-class service.
Evrima: Culinary immersion and intimacy.
Ilma: Wellness, suite space, and family-friendly luxury.
Luminara: Newest yacht, modern features, and expanded amenities.
With the right planning, suite selection, and advisor support, your RCYC experience will be unforgettable, no matter which yacht you choose.
Ready to Book Your Ritz-Carlton Yacht Sailing?
Book through Stars Desk, a top-ranked RCYC preferred advisor:
Website: Stars Desk RCYC
Email: bookings@starsdesk.com
Unlock suite upgrades, VIP amenities, and expert itinerary guidance before your dream sailing sells out.
