By
Alex Smith |
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is making preparations to welcome guests onboard its first ship, Evrima, in 2021, three years after the company announced its entry into the cruise market. Already, the company has built up a selection of itineraries that include marquee ports alongside lesser-known destinations, a selection which, according to CEO Douglas Prothero, is the product of imaginative design and a commitment to guest satisfaction.
“All of our itineraries were thoughtfully designed with the yachting lifestyle in mind,” said Prothero. “Rather than following a formula, our itinerary planning starts with a bit of a blank canvas. This allows us to choose a customised string of destinations that not only complement each other but also provide our guests with unforgettable journeys. In addition, we allow for sufficient time in each port to ensure our guests can fully immerse themselves in the destinations they are visiting.”
The desire to deliver the yachting lifestyle also guides The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s requirements for a port, according to Prothero.
“The ports that we choose offer opportunities for cultural experiences, enlightenment and adventure, allowing guests to connect with each destination and create unforgettable memories – which is the centre of the brand experience,” he said. “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection strives to create a different experience from a typical cruise and, while we like to remain flexible, we cannot compromise the guest experience by creating a rushed itinerary. The relaxed pace of our itineraries feels similar to that of a private yacht.”
The company will offer itineraries to destinations in four regions across the world and will provide a range of excursions to allow guests to fully explore their destinations across the world.
“We have five distinct categories of shore excursions, which include Iconic Sights; Stirring the Senses; Cultural Connections; Active Explorations; and Epicurean Experiences,” said Prothero. “All shore excursions take advantage of local guides who have been hand-picked for their insider knowledge to ensure a highly personalised, relevant experience while exploring a destination. In addition, guests will also have access to a dedicated concierge ashore, who is available to create bespoke experiences just for them. The level of dedication to personalised journeys will be unmatched, and we look forward to helping our guests enjoy meaningful experiences.”
This article was first published in the 2020 issue of Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
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