Preview: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Ilma

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection debuted in 2021 with the 298-passenger Evrima, and now its second ship is on the way. 

Sister vessel Ilma will be nearly double the tonnage of Evrima — though not double the capacity — and will debut Sept. 2, 2024, sailing a maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome. An almost-identical ship, Luminara, will follow in 2025.

Editor’s note: This page will be updated as more information is made available.

Ilma Overview

An homage to the sea, Ilma means “water” in Maltese, and the ship will be flagged in Malta accordingly. Ritz-Carlton recently revealed several new renderings of the vessel’s exterior and interior designs that showcase that inspiration and registration. Helsinki-based studio Aivan is leading the exterior design work, and London-based firm AD Associates and lighting designer DPA are overseeing interiors.

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Onboard, clients can expect to see design features, color palettes and works of art inspired by elements of Maltese mythology and the region’s natural beauty, according to the line. Neutral tones will be juxtaposed with light and dark finishes in the ship’s interior, while the sleek exterior will nod the design of private yachts. Ritz-Carlton also touts a “fluid link between interior and exterior spaces” as a hallmark of Ilma. 

Ship Specs

While keeping its sleek, yacht-like appearance, Ilma will measure in at 46,750 tons volumetrically (not weight) and cater to 448 guests. Compared to Evrima, this amounts to an increase in passenger-space ratio — or volume of public space available per guest — from 85.24 (already impressively spacious) to a whopping 104.35 on the upcoming ship. The result is “the highest ratio of space per guest at sea,” according to the line. 

Suites Onboard Ilma

Ilma will spread its 448 guests across 224 suites with private verandas, beginning with the 294-square-foot Terrace Suites and extending to Owners Suites, which will measure as large as 1,033 square feet. Common services and amenities will include a personal concierge, premium Wi-Fi access, 24-hour in-suite dining, a welcome bottle of champagne, a provisioned mini-bar and more. 

Also bundled into all-inclusive fares will be onboard gratuities, most dining venues, ship-wide beverages, access to a communal marina-style terrace and non-motorized water activities (kayaking, paddle boarding and more).

Public Venues Onboard Ilma

Public onboard features will include five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault and the aft Marina platform, which will accommodate alfresco dining. New among the food venues will be the Beach House — a Peruvian and Latin-inspired, indoor/outdoor restaurant with 180-degree views — developed in collaboration with Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo Design.

Meanwhile, other complimentary (unless otherwise specified) dining venues will encompass the Tides main restaurant for regional breakfast, lunch and dinner; Dining Privee for exclusive experiences (reservations and fees apply); Seta su Ilma for Michelin star-level Italian cuisine (reservations and fees apply); Memori for dishes from Japanese wagyu to sashimi; the poolside Mistral, which is set to serve seafood, steaks, salads, pastas and pizzas; and The Living Room for fresh coffee, tea and pastries, plus other treats and canapes.

Seta su Ilma will showcase the cuisine of chef Fabio Trabocchi, who will craft seasonal tasting menus for the Italian restaurant. Guests will be treated to the likes of fresh seafood and homemade pasta, all of which will be paired with fine wines. And the Beach House, a collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, will offer food inspired by South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. Both venues will mark the first time either chef has been featured at sea.

Rounding out public spaces onboard will be the aforementioned Marina and Marina Terrace for refreshments, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, which will offer body treatments, barber and salon services and a fitness studio. There will also be a central and forward-facing main pool and aft-positioned infinity pool. The Living Room venue will further serve as a social gathering space where clients might enjoy live piano music by day or DJ-spun hits in the evening. Elsewhere on the ship, entertainment and enrichment will range from live musical performances in intimate onboard venues to immersive experiences led by local artists and historians.

Lastly, The Observation Terrace will be an open-air panoramic space, and The Boutique will offer retail opportunities right onboard. Cigar smokers will find a home in The Humidor, and Ritz Kids will, of course, serve as a children’s club.