160 INTERVIEW Curating journeys to remember How do you create deeply immersive passenger journeys that leave a lasting impression? Spyros Almpertis from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has mastered the art, as Lindsay James discovers “ We balance beloved destinations with lesser-known ones, creating itineraries that offer both familiarity and fresh experiences” Creating a cruise itinerary is about achieving the optimal mix of breathtaking destinations, immersive cultural experiences and time for guests to enjoy both relaxation and onboard activities. It’s an art that Spyros Almpertis, vice president of port and destination operations for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has perfected. “The ideal itinerary should feature a diverse selection of ports that appeal to a range of interests – from historic landmarks and natural wonders to culinary delights and leisurely exploration,” says Almpertis. “Our itineraries blend iconic cities, soughtafter coastal retreats and off-the-beatenpath destinations. The intimate size of our yachts allows us to access and explore smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot, such as Saint-Tropez and Saint Barts.” Almpertis is keen to curate deeply immersive, transformative journeys – meaningful experiences that foster connections with oneself, fellow travellers and local communities. This requires careful planning. “Our deployment strategy is shaped by guest preferences, seasonal trends, global events and opportunities to use our onboard marina, which provides direct access to the sea for kayaking, paddleboarding and other watersports,” says Almpertis. “We balance beloved destinations with lesser-known ones, creating itineraries that offer both familiarity and fresh experiences.” It is also important to foster strong partnerships with local stakeholders to help enrich the cultural relevance of each voyage. Working closely with these stakeholders ensures The RitzCarlton Yacht Collection’s itineraries meet guest expectations, support sustainable tourism efforts and benefit the local economy. “We collaborate closely with industry associations, local stakeholders and key external partners through regular consultations, destination forums and joint marketing initiatives to inform our planning,” explains Almpertis. “We cultivate strong The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a luxury travel experience to guests
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