The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has celebrated an exciting milestone at a keel-laying ceremony held at the shipyard of Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France. The keel-laying ceremony marks the official start of construction, as the first modular block of Ilma was lowered into the building dock.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this important milestone and to partner with Chantiers de l’Atlantique on the construction of Ilma,” commented Douglas Prothero, Chief Executive Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “As we expand our fleet, we look forward to continuing to create unique experiences that celebrate the yachting lifestyle and are transforming the luxury cruising category.”
Slated to debut in 2024, Ilma, will be the second yacht for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, joining little sister Evrima which launched last year.
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The specially designed superyacht will feature the highest space and staff-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruise category. Ilma will feature 228 suites, and can accommodate up to 456 passengers. The onboard experience will reflect the sublime comfort and legendary service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is recognised. It will utilise liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel source.
“Chantiers de l’Atlantique is very proud of its partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said Arnaud Le Joncour, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing for Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
“Through this ceremony, we wish the best to Ilma during construction with the assurance that the vessel’s elegant design, quality materials, and environmental performance will position Ilma as a legendary symbol in a new era of luxury cruising.”
Reservations for select voyages on Ilma’s inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Caribbean are open to the public.