Cruise Advice
Ritz-Carlton took to the seas in 2022 with the launch of Evrima, a 298-guest yacht that marked the debut of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The venture has proved especially popular with those who already enjoy the Ritz-Carlton hotel experience, along with loyal Bonvoy members. Now, with the third vessel - Luminara - about to launch, accommodating up to 452 guests, we take a closer look at how the Ritz-Carlton cruise experience compares to a stay at one of the brand's iconic hotels.
With 108 Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts spanning over 30 countries (and more on the horizon), we've focused this comparison on one of the group's flagship properties: The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. Located in the birthplace of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, which opened its first franchise in New York in 1911, it provides a strong benchmark for comparison with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
The Ritz-Carlton cruise fleet now comprises three ultra-luxury vessels: Evrima and sister ships Ilma and Luminara. These small, yacht-style ships sail through the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Asia, Alaska, and beyond. With the ability to dock in exclusive harbours and a design ethos that echoes the brand's hotels, these ships offer a luxurious platform from which to explore - or simply relax at sea.
| Amenity | The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Number of rooms |
149 (Evrima) to 226 (Luminara) |
253 |
| Entry level room size | 31 - 35 sqm | 38 sqm |
| Balcony/terrace | Yes - all rooms have terrace/balcony |
No |
| Standard board basis | All-inclusive | Room Only |
| Number of restaurants | 5 to 7, depending on ship |
1 |
| Room service | Included 24/7 | Available at a cost |
| Dress code | Day: 'Yacht Casual'; Night: 'Yacht Sophisticated' | Smart casual expected |
| Spa facilities | Yes - treatments, steam room & sauna' | Yes - treatments & steam room |
| Destination activities | Excursions, enrichment, lectures | Concierge-arranged |
| Fitness Facilities | Gym & watersports marina | Gym, Peloton, yoga studio |
Rooms
At The Ritz-Carlton New York, rooms start at 38 sqm with the Superior Room on the lower floors offering no view, and range up to the Royal Suite - complete with Central Park views and Club Lounge access. None of the rooms offer balconies, which is typical for city hotels.
In contrast, every suite aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers ocean views and a private terrace/balcony. Evrima features 149 suites starting at 31 sqm, while Ilma and Luminara begin at a generous 35 sqm. Thoughtfully appointed, each suite includes the amenities you'd expect in a Ritz-Carlton hotel - a double-vanity bathroom, espresso machine, and a fully stocked minibar. Higher category suites offer wraparound terraces with whirlpools, walk-in wardrobes, and spacious living areas - bringing a level of space and design amongst the best at sea.
Facilities
While both city hotels and cruises serve as a springboard for exploration, Ritz-Carlton cruises encourage onboard relaxation between destinations. The New York hotel features one restaurant, a full-service spa, and a fitness studio. In comparison, Evrima alone offers four dining venues - all included in the fare - ranging from the Mediterranean inspired menu at this al fresco Mistral to Talaat Nam, a Southeast Asian venue with a sushi bar, plus a speciality dining experience, S.E.A, designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton® in Wolfsburg where an additional fee applies.
Ilma and Luminara elevate this with up to seven restaurants, each offering a rotating menu of classic and innovative dishes, with five included in the cost and two where an additional fee applies. Complementing the dining is a full-service spa, gym, and a water-level marina equipped for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, Seabobs, and electric foiling boards.
Destination Experiences
Across the vast Ritz-Carlton destination offering there is a huge range of destination experiences. New York invites self-guided discovery, with concierge services offering curated maps or experiences like a 'Picnic in the Park' and they stand ready to fulfil tailored requests.
At sea, Ritz-Carlton cruises provide a full enrichment programme, including daily lectures, cooking classes, cocktail hours, and music performances. In port, a selection of private and group shore excursions are available at an additional cost, although complimentary shuttles are often offered the pier to the heart of the destination allowing for easy independent discovery.
Cost
When comparing a Ritz-Carlton cruise vs hotel stay, one of the most significant differences is inclusivity. A room at the Ritz-Carlton New York includes the accommodation only - meals, drinks, WiFi (for non-Bonvoy members), and extras all come at a charge. In contrast, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection operates on an all-inclusive basis. This includes gourmet dining, all drinks (excluding a premium wine list), room service, gratuities, WiFi, watersports, and onboard entertainment.
In terms of pricing, we compared a May stay at the Ritz-Carlton New York with average fares across Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection voyages. The New York hotel comes in at around £600 per person per night for an entry-level room with no balcony, no view and no inclusions. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection averages £1,035 per person per night, but that includes a private terrace, ocean views, and all amenities.
Why Choose One?
When it comes to Ritz-Carlton cruise vs hotel, the answer doesn't need to be either/or. With an expanding portfolio at sea and ashore, combining both offers the ultimate luxury journey. Imagine a Miami stay with a Caribbean cruise, or pairing a Barcelona break with a Mediterranean voyage. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of a city hotel or the adventurous spirit of the sea, Ritz-Carlton delivers a consistently exceptional experience - just tailored to the rhythm of your journey.
Our curated Ritz-Carlton journeys are designed to bring both worlds together, with combinations that span Miami and the Caribbean, Asia's cities and shores, and even African safaris followed by Indian Ocean exploration. In the world of luxury travel, hotel vs cruise no longer has to be a dilemma. With Ritz-Carlton, the only decision is where to start.
Ritz-Carlton Yachts & Hotels: Sea and Shore Collection
Ritz-Carlton Yachts & Hotels: Sea and Shore Collection
To celebrate the launch of Ritz-Carlton's third ship Luminara we have curated this very special collection of Ritz-Calrton cruises combined with stays at some of their very best properties...
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