Stepping aboard Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton's luxury yacht, feels like entering an exclusive floating sanctuary. At 790 feet long, this sleek, custom-built vessel is a study in contemporary nautical design from Helsinki-based studio Aivan, blending modern sophistication with timeless elegance just as you would find at a Ritz-Carlton property. Launched in 2024, Ilma ups the ante on luxury cruising while also forgoing tradition — you won’t find a single casino, theater or buffet on board.
Instead, you’ll discover 224 suites designed by AD Associates, each featuring a terrace, that make you feel more like a guest in a hotel than a passenger on a cruise ship. Emulating the brand’s best land-based properties, Ilma sets an effortlessly serene ambiance with attentive service. Dining options range from a breezy open-air lounge to a multi-course chef’s table experience, while amenities include a sprawling spa, infinity pools and even a wine cellar with curated tastings.
- Each of Ilma’s 224 suites features an oceanfront terrace with plush furnishings, creating your personal haven for sunrise views or stargazing. The interiors are adorned with luxurious touches like Frette linens and robes, double-vanity marble bathrooms with Diptyque toiletries and walk-in closets.
- The Ritz-Carlton Spa is an ocean-going sanctuary, featuring a thermal suite, water-facing treatment rooms and bespoke services using ESPA products. A highlight is the open-air relaxation lounge, where you can sip herbal tea while listening to the waves.
- Two infinity pools, including an aft-facing option for panoramic sunset views, provide serene spaces for relaxation. The ship also boasts an onboard marina platform (aka “aquabana”) for direct access to watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding in secluded coves.
- The ship’s interior is inspired by coastal European elegance, featuring custom artwork, light-filled atriums and inviting spaces like the Observation Lounge. A rotating gallery of modern art (keep an eye out for Hockney, Warhol and Picasso originals) and a Bvlgari boutique further elevate the ambiance.
- Ilma offers exclusive, insider experiences, such as private vineyard tours in Bordeaux or guided architectural walks in Barcelona, designed for intimate groups with plenty of time to explore on your own.
- Acclaimed chef Michael Mina brings vibrant pan-Latin and Caribbean flavors to sea with Beach House, an indoor-outdoor venue equipped with wall-to-wall windows for unbeatable ocean vistas.
- Coveted seats at Seta Su Ilma will cost extra, but the 11-course menu from decorated toque Fabio Trabocchi is well worth it. Highlights of the ever-changing menu include the chef’s signature lobster ravioli and a wagyu beef course served with a 25-year-old balsamic emulsion.
- Memori is a buzzy spot for Asian-fusion plates ranging from sashimi and tempura to indulgent wagyu beef dishes. Arrive early to grab a seat at the sushi bar to watch your dinner be prepared.
- Tuck into simple Mediterranean fare at poolside Mistral. Ultra-fresh produce and expertly seasoned meats steal the show at lunch and dinner, though breakfast is a particular favorite thanks to the restaurant’s open-air layout.
- Seven bars provide plenty of ways to imbibe all day long. Sip on poolside pina coladas and mai tais at Beach House and Mistral’s alfresco bars, then end the evening with a nightcap and live soft rock at the chic Living Room lounge.
