Opulence ahoy: what it’s like to go on a superyacht cruise, courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton

Sep 17 , 2024

We set sail on the maiden voyage of the luxurious Ilma, the second ship to be launched under The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

A playground for the rich and famous, the French town of Saint-Tropez has seen its fair share of superyachts over the years. So much so, in fact, that yacht spotting has become a popular pastime for visitors, who cram the town’s glamorous harbour to scrutinise the latest arrivals.

On a recent summer’s day, however, one ship gets tongues wagging – and it isn’t the 95-metre (310-foot) CC-Summer, which boasts a 12-metre (39-foot) swimming pool and a basketball court on the bow. Instead, all eyes are on a sparkling newcomer, Ilma – “Water” in Maltese – anchored in the distance. This 240-metre (790-foot) sleek, dark blue beauty, which boasts 224 suites – each with its own terrace – embarked on its maiden voyage across the Mediterranean in early September, carrying a select group of press and VIPs, including yours truly.

You won’t find a walking track on the deck of the Ilma, the second ship in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Full disclosure: going on a cruise, even one as luxurious as this, has never been on my bucket list. While I can see the merits of “cruising” for families and certain age groups – most ships target a demographic of 55 and above – it’s not ideal for someone who prefers the freewheeling independence and spontaneous adventure of solo travelling.

Ilma, though, offers a different proposition altogether. It’s the second ship and newest baby of the quickly expanding Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which made its debut in 2022 with its inaugural yacht, Evrima. Its next ship, Luminara, will set sail in 2025 with Asia-focused itineraries.

A private balcony off a suite aboard Ilma, part of The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a pioneering concept. As the first luxury hotel group to enter the market, the brand has ambitions to redefine “cruising” by offering a unique experience that combines the freedom and exclusivity of yachting with the exceptionally high standards of service that have become a Ritz signature. State-of-the-art facilities, stunning interiors, exclusive programming and exceptional dining are extra layers of icing on this already tempting cake.

As such my expectations are high when I board Ilma. All check-in formalities are completed at the cruise terminal, where attendants stand by with my luggage and offer up champagne. Once on board, I am escorted straight to my suite, where I am greeted by my “suite ambassador” Alex and his “first mate” Ricky, who promise to cater to my every whim (Ilma offers one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios at sea, at 1:1.2). They immediately unpack for me and store my luggage under the bed so my suite feels more like home.

The Owner’s Suite is the largest accommodation type on Ilma, from The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection

My 400 sq ft “signature” suite is bigger than most city hotel rooms and features modern and inviting interiors in a chic grey palette. Interestingly it’s the second lowest room category – there are seven in total – with the largest being the 1,000+ sq ft Owner’s Suite, which includes a wet bar, private outdoor shower and whirlpool bath.

The suite has more space than I expected, with plenty of storage options and a marbled bathroom featuring double sinks, a separate shower and bathtub, and much to my delight, a Dyson hairdryer. My favourite parts are the floor-to-ceiling windows and 150 sq ft terrace, offering breathtaking views of the glittering blue ocean and never-ending horizon (it’s also flanked by chic dividers in case of nosy neighbours).