Christopher Cypert
You could cue up your favorite 1980s playlist and let Christopher Cross’ “Sailing” take you away — or now that its first voyage is in the books, you could let The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection do the same. Late last year, the iconic hotelier launched Evrima, the first of three custom-built yachts to set sail on highly-tailored getaways for travelers searching for their inner Thurston Howell III.
But this is no 3-hour tour. And it’s not a mega-cruise ship either — it’s fashioned perfectly in between.
Exclusivity At Sea
The specially-designed Evrima measures around 620 feet, which is roughly half the size of ships like the Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas, which measures 1,198 feet. There may not be a theater for live shows, a promenade or a casino like Icon of the Seas will have for its 7,600 passengers. Nevertheless, Evrima does not fall short in any aspect of luxury for its exclusive 298 passengers per voyage.
The design of the yacht’s 149 suites is one of the many tone-setting elements. In addition to offering an all-suite configuration, Evrima also features several innovative two-story loft suites, a unique duplex accommodation. And there are no portholes here — every room features a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows, resulting in some of the most expansive feeling guest rooms at sea. And in true Ritz-Carlton fashion, all suites feature luxurious amenities that visitors expect, including a king bed, double vanity bathroom, luxury linens and those amazing views.
In contrast to larger-than-life ships, crowds and lines for entertainment, travelers aboard Evrima enjoy a relaxed sense of freedom. Yacht life here is elevated through thoughtful programming and curated amenities including spa treatments, a sauna and steam room, watersports from the yacht’s marina while at anchor, an infinity pool and a fitness studio. There are also plenty of open spaces like The Observation Room, The Library and The Pool House to simply lounge and enjoy.
Families are still top of mind with flexible suite configurations and a dedicated space on board for Ritz Kids. The Ritz Kids programming, built for children between the ages of 4 and 12, appeals to their curiosity with an emphasis on marine conservation, localized crafts and more.
Taste The Good Life
The Ritz life at sea eschews buffets and instead offers a wide variety of dining options, including locally-inspired creations in The Evrima Room, creative interpretations of Southeast Asian Cuisine and a sit-down sushi bar at Talaat Nam, a specialty dining experience in S.E.A., designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg. Low-key but luxurious evenings include tailored cocktails and intimate performances by in-house jazz and classical musicians, discussions led by renowned experts and partnerships with local arts and music communities.
A Shore Thing
Depending on the season, Evrima visits the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. Destinations along the way range from Spain’s Balearic Islands and coveted havens along the French Riviera to the shores of Aruba and the tropical coastlines of Costa Rica. Thanks to its smaller size, Evrima also allows unique access into some of the most sought-after ports of call, delivering yacht-style cruising in destinations such as Mykonos, Saint-Tropez and St. Barts.
The experience doesn’t end on the ship either — it extends to the ports of call with excursions only the team at The Ritz-Carlton could dream up. Experiences onshore range from guided tours through world-class museums to yoga on a private beach or zip-lining through tropical rain forests. For those looking for something even more special, the expert concierge services of their Shore Collection will work with local experts to customize private tours, ensuring that you and your family enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey.