French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique has kicked off the start of production for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection‘s second ultra-luxury vessel, Ilma, at its shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
A ceremony to mark the first steel-cutting for the yacht was attended by executives from both the new cruise operator and shipyard.
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Ilma will be the first of two next-generation superyachts for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which were confirmed in March 2022. Ilma and twin, Luminara, will sail in 2024 and 2025 respectively, while the Marriott Bonvoy participant also has options for potentially two further yachts with Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
The new vessels will have a significantly larger capacity than Ritz-Carlton Yacht’s debut vessel, the 149-suite Evrima, which is expected to launch next month. Suites are still available to book on the maiden sailing – currently scheduled for 31 August 2022 from Athens to Venice – according to the company’s website.
Ilma and Luminara will feature 228 suites, all featuring a private terrace and two new suite categories measuring up to 100 square metres.
The Chantiers de l’Atlantique-designed vessels – offering dual-fuel engines and utilising LNG as its primary fuel source – will also include five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault, an expanded marina, a Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Lead image: Pictured at the ceremonial steel cutting of Ilma were representatives including Douglas Prothero, CEO Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (second from right) and Laurent Castaing, GM Chantiers de l’Atlantique (far right) – Source: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection