By
Rebecca Gibson |
Astillero Hijos de J. Barreras (Barreras) shipyard is to build the luxury hotel company Ritz-Carlton’s first-ever cruise yacht at its yard in Galicia, Spain, with an option to build the second and third vessels.
Although Barreras has previously built passenger ferries, container and offshore vessels, this is the first time it will have built a ship for the cruise industry. The yard has agreed to build the yacht in 30 months so she can enter service in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Created by The Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will make the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and parent brand Marriott International the only provider of luxury accommodations both on land and at sea.
Set to debut in late 2019, the first of the three yachts will measure 190 metres in length and accommodate up to 298 passengers in 149 suites with their own private balconies. These include two duplex penthouse suites that were jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and Tillberg Design of Sweden.
Other onboard highlights will include a restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg; a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa; and a Panorama Lounge and wine bar, offering onboard entertainment.
Ranging from seven to ten days, the itineraries will combine the ‘lifestyle’ of The Ritz-Carlton’s luxury resorts and the ‘casual freedom’ of a yachting vacation. The first vessel will sail a wide range of itineraries to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Due to her small size, the yacht will be able to make day and overnight calls at locations that are not typically accessible to large cruise ships, such as Capri and Portofino in Italy, and St. Barths in the Caribbean.
In addition, guests will be able to enjoy one-of-a-kind curated destination journeys through collaborations with local chefs, musicians and artists.