The Ilma has begun traveling across the Mediterranean. Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton
Hospitality group Ritz-Carlton’s Yacht Collection is touting the debut of a new vessel.
Ilma, the company’s second luxury superyacht, embarked on its maiden voyage on Sept. 2, traveling from Monte Carlo to Rome over the course of a seven-day journey. The first trip marks the beginning of an eventful inaugural Meditteranean and Carribean season, with 55 sailing itineraries set to take place between now and October 2025.
“It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Ilma to our growing fleet,” said Jim Murren, executive chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, in a statement.
“Since Evrima’s debut, we have been steadfast in our pursuit of excellence at sea,” Mr. Murren said. “The addition of Ilma signifies a continuation of our mission to deliver legendary service and unparalleled enjoyment to our guests.”
Luxury at sea
Named after the Maltese word for water, Ilma contains 224 suites, holding a total of up to 448 guests across its 790-foot-long hull.
All aspects of the ship’s interior and exterior, from lighting to finishes, were handled by industry-leading design firms in a bid to enhance the overall guest experience. Amenities on-board include ocean-view terraces, a beach club, live entertainment stages, an event space, multiple pools, three gyms, an 11-room spa, seven bars and five dining venues, with two hosting culinary concepts and menus created by Michelin-starred chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina.
A free-flowing design aims to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton
“The launch of Ilma exemplifies the unwavering dedication of The Ritz-Carlton to setting new benchmarks in luxury travel, with the company’s commitment to thoughtful and transformative travel experiences guiding its mission,” said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts, in a statement.
“Ilma brings the exceptional luxury accommodations and personalized service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned to the sea, further redefining the standards in the luxury industry.”
Ilma will travel around the globe in its debut season, with stops in Athens, Barcelona, San Juan, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, currently planned.
Another ship, the Luminara, is poised to take The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection into new territory late next year, expanding into Asia Pacific in December 2025 (see story).