Ritz-Carlton’s New Luxury “Yacht” Is Heading to the Caribbean This Winter, With Stops in St Barth, Virgin Gorda and St John 

The last few years have seen the growth of a new category of cruising: luxury super “yachts,” with a small number of guests, a high level of service and a decidedly boutique feel. 

They’re also mostly from a new kind of cruise company: a luxury resort brand making its way into the sea. 

First, that was Ritz-Carlton, which was the pioneer with its Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and its landmark yacht, Evrima. Then there was Four Seasons, which is now working on its first luxury yacht. 

But Ritz-Carlton continues to set the pace, this time with its second ship: Ilma, which just made its debut this week in Europe, with plans to head to the Caribbean this winter. 

The 790-foot-long ship has just 224 suites, and it will be heading to some of the most sought-after — and most difficult to reach – ports in the Caribbean. 

That will include Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands; St Barth; and the tiny, beloved island of St John in the US Virgin Islands. 

So what do you need to know about the new Alma?

There are five dining concepts, including a pair by Michelin-starrred Chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina.

There’s also a unique lounge-style eatery called the Beach Club, with panoramic ocean views. 

And yes, it’s still a Ritz-Carlton, which means there is a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa (with treatments from wellness brand ESPA) — including a whopping 11 treatment rooms, five of which can be used for outdoor treatments — part of a focus on the ship on indoor-outdoor experiences. 

The new ship is a “continuation of our mission to deliver legendary service and unparalleled enjoyment to our guests,” said Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection CEO Jim Murren in a statement obtained by Caribbean Journal.