The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is moving forward with the previously earmarked expansion of its fleet, cementing an order for vessels two and three with French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
The arrangement will see the new next-generation superyacht twins, Ilma and Luminara, sail in 2024 and 2025 respectively. The deal includes options for additional yachts.
These new vessels will have a significantly larger capacity than Ritz-Carlton Yacht’s debut vessel, the 298-guest Evrima, which is now slated to launch in August, as exclusively revealed by LATTE this month.
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Ilma and Luminara will feature 228 suites (compared to 149 on Evrima), so a capacity of 456-passengers. Each suite on the new superyachts will have a private terrace and there will be two new suite categories measuring up to 100 square metres in size.
The new superyachts will include five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault, and signature spaces found on Evrima such as an expanded marina with a new mezzanine feature, a Ritz-Carlton Spa (Evrima has an unbranded spa), and will offer the Ritz Kids program. For events, groups can enjoy an exclusive cocktail reception on the yacht’s expanded bow.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique will carry out all production and development, including enhanced design and sustainability features, encompassing a move to dual-fuel engines and utilising liquified natural gas (LNG) as its main fuel source.
“We are thrilled to work with Chantiers de l’Atlantique on the development of our second and third superyachts,” said Douglas Prothero, Chief Executive Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
“They are a likeminded organisation that is committed to excellence and a custom quality process and program that will help execute our vision as we thoughtfully expand our portfolio,” Prothero remarked.
“The addition of Ilma and Luminara represent significant growth for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and we look forward to collaborating with management and Chantiers de l’Atlantique on the creation of these world class vessels,” said Tim Grisius, Global Officer for Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Development, and Real Estate, Marriott International.
“The next generation of superyachts for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a real impact in the industry and take our shared vision with management and Marriott International to the next level in the luxury cruise market,” said Karim Khairallah, Managing Director and Co-Portfolio Manager, European Principal Group, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
“These ships will provide the highest quality standards and comfort level to their guests and simultaneously be at the forefront of environmental performances,” said Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
The new superyachts will feature itineraries ranging from seven- to 10-nights in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Images courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.