By
Rebecca Gibson |
French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique marked a new milestone in its multi-year partnership with ultra-luxury cruise brand The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection on 12 July 2024, successfully delivering the operator’s newest all-suite yacht at its yard in Saint-Nazaire.
Named Ilma (‘water’ in Maltese), the 241-metre-long vessel had been under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s yard for two years and was officially handed over during a traditional flag-change ceremony. According to the cruise brand’s executive chairman and CEO Jim Murren, the celebration signified the “culmination of a shared vision and the relentless pursuit of excellence” and served as a “testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of all those involved”.
Ilma is the second yacht Chantiers de l’Atlantique has built for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – the first, Evrima, debuted in May 2022. The yacht boasts an exterior created by design studio Aivan, interiors designed by AD Associates, lighting by DPA, tables and sofas by Robos Contract Furniture, galleys outfitted by Almaco, and more. It accommodates up to 448 guests in 224 suites, all of which have floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace.
Other onboard spaces include five restaurants, seven bars, a wine vault, an expanded marina with a mezzanine, a spa, three fitness spaces, and an outdoor pool and entertainment area. Another notable highlight is the Beach House, a Pan-Latin restaurant and lounge space with 180-degree views, which was conceptualised by Chapi Chapo Design.
In addition, Ilma features advanced water treatment systems, technologies to optimise energy efficiency, electric propulsion systems from ABB, and four dual-fuel engines, which will be primarily powered by LNG.
“Ilma represents a collaboration of two like-minded organisations committed to excellence, offering the best in both hospitality and shipbuilding,” says Arnaud Le Joncour, project director and senior vice president of sales and marketing at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
“The design and construction of Ilma has been a distinctive project for Chantiers de l’Atlantique that has elevated the highest luxury standards in terms of guest experience, technical innovation and craftsmanship.”
Following its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo on 2 September, Ilma will sail to iconic yachting destinations throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Northern Europe. Chantiers de l’Atlantique will deliver the brand’s third ship Luminara in 2025.
“We are deeply grateful to the exceptional teams at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, whose hard work and passion have brought our vision to life,” says Murren.
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2024 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe for FREE to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox.