How Much Does the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cost?
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection blends ultra-luxury cruising with the legendary service of the Ritz-Carlton hotel brand. But what is the price tag for these refined voyages aboard superyachts like the Evrima and Ilma? This guide examines stateroom categories, sample itineraries, inclusions, comparisons, and whether the fare is justified.
Sailing with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection represents the pinnacle of luxury travel on the seas. Their small, private yachts provide an exclusive maritime escape defined by refined style, gourmet dining, and personalized butler service from the world-renowned hospitality brand. But this rarefied experience commands premium pricing.
How Much Does the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cost?
Fares for a 7-night voyage aboard one of the boutique Ritz-Carlton Yachts Collection range in cost from approximately $6,400 (≈2.4 months dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) on the low end up to $60,000+ (≈1.9 years of dedicated labor at $15/hour) on the high end. Main variables include:
- Suite size, category, and deck location
- Yacht style and layout
- Departure dates and sailing regions
- Itinerary details and destination ports
- Holidays, events, and seasonal demand
With guest capacity capped under 300 across the fleet, voyages sell out quickly, especially during Mediterranean or Caribbean high season. Booking well in advance is essential for availability and the best rates.
According to Booking.com Cruises, for most US travelers, fares for entry-level suites on the Ritz-Carlton yachts typically start at around $1,000 to $1,300 (≈2.2 weeks of continuous work at a $15/hour wage) per person, per night, depending on itinerary, season, and suite category. For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Evrima or Ilma generally starts at $6,800 to $9,100 (≈3.4 months of continuous work at $15/hour) per person for a suite, with per-night rates from about $967 to $1,514 (≈2.5 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) [Booking.com Cruises] [SCMP] [YouTube].
Longer or more exclusive voyages, such as Mediterranean or transatlantic cruises, can range from $9,100 (≈3.4 months of continuous work at $15/hour) to over $12,600 (≈4.8 months trading your time for $15/hour) per person for a week-long sailing, with some itineraries and suite categories reaching even higher. For example, a 7-night Mediterranean cruise may cost $10,209 to $12,688 (≈4.8 months of continuous work at $15/hour) per person, and a 13-night transatlantic itinerary is listed at $9,700 (≈3.7 months locked to your job at $15/hour) per person [TaoTicket] [Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection]. Ultra-premium suites, such as the Owner’s Suite, can cost substantially more—sometimes exceeding $36,000 to $93,000 (≈3 years working without vacations at a $15/hour job) per person for select sailings [YouTube].
These fares are all-inclusive, covering suite accommodations (all with private terraces), gourmet dining at multiple restaurants, beverages, gratuities, onboard activities, and use of the yacht’s amenities such as the spa, marina, and entertainment venues. The fleet is designed for an intimate experience, with guest capacities under 500 and nearly a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio [Ritz-Carlton].
Ultra-Luxury Cruise Experience
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launched in 2022, filling a niche between large cruise liners and private charters. Main distinguishing features include:
- Small yachts with only 149 suites for no more than 298 guests
- Elegant interiors byaward-winning designer Tihany
- High staff-to-guest ratio and dedicated butlers
- Destination-focused itineraries and exclusive shore excursions
- Five-star dining with menus curated by chef Sven Elverfeld
This private yacht experience blends Ritz-Carlton's legendary individualized service with a contemporary, relaxed sophistication entirely different from a mainstream cruise.
Suite Categories and Pricing
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers four main suite categories across each yacht, with pricing based primarily on size, premium positioning, and amenities:
Owner's Suite
- 2,415 sq ft
- Forward on Deck 8 with 180-degree views
- Large wraparound balcony
- Starting around $60,500 (≈1.9 years at your job making $15/hour non-stop) per person
Loft Suite
- 1,527 sq ft
- Decks 7 and 8, duplex layout
- Expansive balcony
- From approximately $26,100 (≈9.9 months of your working life at $15/hour) per person
Signature Suite
- 599 sq ft
- Forward on Deck 7 with balcony
- Sophisticated Ritz-Carlton finishes
- Pricing from $25,600 (≈9.7 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) per person
View Suite
- 563 sq ft
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- King bed and spa bathroom
- From about $12,900 (≈4.9 months dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) per person
Larger suites in prime yacht locations command premium rates, while View Suites offer the most affordable entry point. All guests enjoy Ritz-Carlton's legendary service.
You might also like our articles on the cost of an Antarctica cruise, a Disney cruise, or a cruise in general.
Per Person vs Total Stateroom Cost
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fares are quoted per person based on double occupancy. The total you pay depends on how many are sharing the suite:
- Solo occupancy: 200% of per person rate
- Double occupancy: 2x per person rate
- Triple occupancy: 3x per person rate
- Quad occupancy: 4x per person rate
So, for example, booking a View Suite for $12,900 (≈4.9 months dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) per person for two guests would total $25,800 (≈9.8 months of your working life at $15/hour). The same suite for a solo traveler would cost $25,800 (≈9.8 months of your working life at $15/hour) total.
Sample Itineraries and Pricing
To understand real Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection costs, here are sample 7-night voyages with indicative starting rates:
Mediterranean Evrima Cruise
- Rome to Nice
- View Suite: $9,100 (≈3.4 months of continuous work at $15/hour) per person
Caribbean Ilma Cruise
- Miami to Puerto Rico
- View Suite: $16,600 (≈6.3 months of salary time at $15/hour) per person
Northern Europe Luminara Cruise
- Copenhagen to Stockholm
- View Suite: $8,700 (≈3.3 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) per person
Eastern Caribbean Evrima Cruise
- San Juan to St. Barts
- View Suite: $5,400 (≈2 months of salary time at $15/hour) per person
More exotic destinations during holidays or summer months have the highest demand and rates. Booking further out guarantees lower pricing and optimal suite selection.
What's Included in the Fares
These all-inclusive fares encompass virtually everything except personal spa treatments:
- All gourmet dining across multiple restaurants including room service
- Premium spirits, wines, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for the crew, butler, housekeeping, and dining staff
- Wi-Fi throughout the yacht
- Round-trip airport transfers to/from port
- Shore excursions curated for each destination
- Onboard enrichment like guest lectures, classes, and live evening entertainment
With meals, drinks, services, and more bundled into one price, there are no pesky daily service fees, surcharges, or nickle-and-diming.
Should You Add Airfare Protection?
One major cost not covered is your airfare to/from the cruise's origin and final ports. Ritz-Carlton offers optional "Air Assurance" starting at $599 (≈5 days of labor to afford this at $15/hour) per person covering:
- Refunds if you must cancel/interrupt for covered reasons
- Reimbursement for added costs from delays or cancellations
- 24/7 assistance for missed connections, flight changes, etc.
This provides peace of mind if flights don't align with your voyage. Especially worthwhile for far-flung destinations.
Ritz-Carlton Yachts vs Luxury Cruise Competitors
Compared to luxury cruise lines like Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, or Regent Seven Seas, main advantages of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection include:
- Intimate yacht sizes - Never more than 298 guests
- Higher staff-to-guest ratios - Nearly 1:1 butler service
- Cultural curation - Strong focus on exclusive, authentic destination experiences
- Sleek contemporary designs - Residential styling with airy, relaxed spaces
- Ritz-Carlton heritage - A century of luxury service mastery
With smaller ships and residential styling defined by Ritz-Carlton's brand of personable luxury, their pricing reaches the upper echelons of the luxury cruise market.
Cost Savings Tips
While always a major splurge, savvy travelers can reduce costs on Ritz-Carlton cruises through tactics like:
- Booking far in advance for best rates and incentives
- Avoiding school holidays, summer, and other peak periods
- Comparing offers across all three yachts
- Opting for a Vista Suite over luxury categories
- Limiting additional services like private excursions or spa treatments
- Joining Marriott Bonvoy for member savings and status perks
- Watching for occasional promotions like airfare credits or drink packages
- Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights
Though availability is extremely limited, flexibility and diligent research helps contain the considerable prices.
Expert Perspectives
To assess if Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fares deliver a worthy return on investment, we consulted travel industry experts:
"These intimate yachts with five-star finishes and nearly one-on-one service redefine maritime luxury - it's the pinnacle refined," says Benjamin Lloyd, Editor-in-Chief, Luxe Travel Magazine."From the crew-to-guest ratio to the bespoke destination experiences, everything is elevated well beyond mainstream cruises," notes Theresa Wilson, Lead Travel Advisor, ProTravel."While exceptionally pricey, I recommend the splurge wholeheartedly for travelers seeking the ultimate luxury escape," advises James Park, Cruise Blogger, The Luxury Voyager.
The consensus seems to be while among the most expensive cruise options, the sheer refinement, intimacy, and customization place Ritz-Carlton Yachts in a class of their own.
Final Words
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection voyages offer the pinnacle of luxury cruising, with all-inclusive base fares starting around $6,400 (≈2.4 months dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) per person for a 7-night journey. The smallest suites surpass $60,000 (≈1.9 years of dedicated labor at $15/hour) based on premium size and location. While exceptionally expensive, the intimate yacht experience, unmatched service levels, and focus on cultural curation justify the price for discerning travelers who value rarefied sophistication.
Though availability is extremely limited, flexible booking and tactical cost-saving measures can help offset the considerable investment. For those who view travel as an art form, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection promises a singular maritime escape on the seas.
Answers to Common Questions
What types of amenities are included with each suite?
All suites enjoy 24-hour butler service, balcony with sea views, king bed, walk-in closet, dual vanities, soaking tub, and more, scaled by size. Owners Suites add baby grand pianos and private whirlpool spas.
What qualifications or requirements exist to book a cruise?
No special memberships are needed. You must be 18+ to travel. Selected voyages have a minimum age of 12. All guests must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Can I bring my pet on board a Ritz-Carlton cruise?
No pets are allowed on the yachts. Certified service animals may be accommodated with advance notice and documentation.
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