Setting Sail in Luxury Aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

by Travel Consultant Gwen DeWalt

March 2025

A Luxurious and Relaxed Experience Aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Our recent Caribbean cruise with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection took us on a journey of pure luxury and was a travel experience we’ll cherish for years to come.

A Suite Welcome

On Board the Ritz-Carlton Yacht: A Different World

Once we stepped aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht, it felt like we were in a whole different world. The check-in process at the San Juan port was smooth —just a passport required—and from the moment we embarked and were handed a drink, we felt like royalty.  Dinner reservations are requested and although a bit unusual on luxury ships are a necessary step to ensure guests receive the desired dining experience without any overcrowded venues.  Even though we did have reservations, making changes in time or venue was no problem.

Speaking of dining, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht offers an impressive variety. The Evrima Room is the most formal, offering elegant dinner settings with live piano music. Taalat Naan, the Asian restaurant, was a favorite of many guests for its excellent and varied dishes. Then there’s S.E.A., fine dining with an upcharge, and the Pool House, offering continental fare and an atmosphere that doesn’t make one feel like they’re eating poolside. Mistral offers seafood in a beautiful outdoor seating area.  In fact, most of our meals onboard were enjoyed outdoors.

A Suite Fit for a King

Our Grand Suite was truly a luxurious space. We entered via an entryway with a coat or hat rack, desk, bar, coffee/tea area, and fully stocked refrigerator.  This opened up to a spacious living area and a dining space for up to 6.  The bedroom had two well-equipped walk-in closets, and the bathroom was impressive and beautifully provisioned for all requests.  There was a large soaking tub (a surprise rose-petal bath drawn for me one evening) and a spacious shower. Plenty of thoughtful touches, like a dedicated make-up area, a discreet safe in a drawer and an abundance of storage space accommodated every need.   Features throughout the yacht conveyed the realization of the thought that went into planning all the spaces.  Everything was totally state of the art. 

The service overall was a highlight!  We had on call a personal suite attendant and an assistant who seemed to know exactly where we were at all times, ensuring we were comfortable, even escorting us wherever we needed to go and anticipated every need. They were most helpful with the technology in the suite, which was a bit overwhelming at first.  But by the end of the cruise, we were enjoying the many choices!

Onboard Amenities: Everything You Need and More

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht offers a wealth of amenities to keep guests entertained. The Living Room is the central hub for guest services, shore excursions, a beverage and snack bar as well as a full-service bar. Here you will often enjoy musical entertainment of varying genres, where you can relax with a drink and enjoy the vibrant or tranquil atmosphere, based on the type of performance. For those seeking relaxation or a chance to work off some calories, the spa and fitness center offer top-tier services. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, the marina offers opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming.

A Relaxed Dress Code and Casual Elegance

The dress code aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht is comfortably luxurious. We noticed that most men opted for collared shirts and khakis for dinner, and only a few wore jackets. On our six-night cruise, there were two theme nights, one an All-White-Attire evening and the other a Havana Night, where guests dressed casually but elegantly and partied late in the specially decorated lounge. Everything is thoughtfully done, from the poolside Frette linen napkins to the impeccable service encountered everywhere aboard.

A Few Final Thoughts

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection truly delivered on its promise of luxury, service, and comfort. The ship itself is a floating paradise, with exceptional dining, spacious suites, and a level of service that felt personalized and ultra-attentive. It’s luxury at its finest, and the relaxed yet refined atmosphere makes this cruise unlike any other. We can’t wait to experience one of their other ships.