The cruise insider: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Back last summer, Chris and I had the chance to sail aboard Ilma, the brand-new yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. It was a three-night "shakedown" sailing for industry partners, designed to fine-tune the experience ahead of its first guest voyage. We'd never taken an ocean cruise before (our closest was a relaxed river cruise on the Danube), and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it feel busy? Cruise-y? A bit much? The answer was a resounding no. Ilma is the antithesis of what most people associate with cruising: elegant, low-key, beautifully designed, and completely unhurried. It was like checking into a chic floating hotel—one that just happened to wake you up in St. Tropez ☀️!
First Impressions
From the moment we stepped aboard, Ilma exuded a quiet sophistication. With just 224 suites and 448 guests, it feels more like a boutique, five-star hotel than a traditional cruise; spacious, personal, and completely unhurried.
This isn’t for the cruise-goer who thrives on packed schedules or fixed dining times. Instead, it’s designed for travellers who love freedom, flexibility, and top-tier service without the cruise ship hustle.
Design, Comfort & Onboard Feel
Light, airy, and spacious
Thoughtful design ensures you never feel crowded—even at full capacity. Elegant public spaces like the pool deck and observation lounge invite both social gathering and quiet relaxation.
Quality by the inch
Every fixture, from Frette linens to curated art and polished furnishings, reflects meticulous attention to detail. It's luxury you can literally feel beneath your fingertips.
Dining & Crew Experience
Open‑seat dining, without the drama.
Five dining venues, no assigned seating, no expectations - just show up, sit down, and enjoy. Beach House (Peruvian), Memorī (Pan-Asian), Mistral (Mediterranean), Tides (local cuisine), and a boutique wine cellar, all distinct and relaxed.
Culinary delight.
The food rivals Michelin-level quality. Standouts: bright, bold flavors at Beach House (thanks to Chef Michael Mina-inspired leadership) and polished Mediterranean fare elsewhere.
Warm, real service.
Welcoming champagne at check-in, attentiveness throughout, and enough personal warmth to make it hospitable but never stuffy. With it being just the shakedown, a few new faces felt in training, but they’re already on the right track.
Suites, Views & Private Space
Our home-away-from-home: Signature Suite 643
Spacious, open-plan, floor-to-ceiling windows, a separate shower and tub (though deep enough for tall travellers), and a private terrace. Dyson hairdryer included, and plenty of outlets (US & EU) for your tech needs.
The terrace cascade
The 6th-floor suites cascade subtly, so a small part of the deck above may overlook yours. For most, privacy’s still excellent—but a note for those wanting complete seclusion.
Still peaceful, even full
Despite high occupancy, the yacht was quiet. Thanks to Ilma’s ratio of space-to-guest, you'll rarely hear anything other than gentle ship sounds.
Shore Visits & Port Life: St. Tropez
Smooth transfers
Tenders ran every 20–30 minutes, operated by polite RC staff who handled boarding/disembarkation smoothly with key scans and escort services.
A walkable day out
Our small‑group guided tour (about 12 people) was relaxed yet insightful. For independent travellers, this approach hit the perfect balance: you can hang with the group or break off for your own adventure—before regrouping for drinks at Hôtel de Paris.
Pools, Spa & Onboard Amenities
Pools for dips & lounging
These are perfection for a refreshing splash or sunset sip—intimate, elegant, never crowded.
Fitness, spa & style
Gym, spin studio, salon, spa treatments, library/bar, art tour—you’ll find just enough going on to keep interesting, without feeling pressured to fill every minute.
Marina cool
The aft marina area isn’t just for boarding tenders—it’s a laid‑back social hub with gorgeous views and casual lounging.
Final Takeaways
Ilma represents a shift in luxury cruising—an experience carved out for independent travellers who crave comfort, customization, and understated elegance.
Perfect for:
Discerning guests who value freedom over formality, boutique ambiance over ship scale, and thoughtful curation over big-show flair.
How it compares:
Evrima feels more “private yacht” in scale and tone, but Ilma’s larger size doesn’t dilute its elegance—it adds choice. Explora’s scale is bigger, but lacks Ilma’s intimate feel.
In Summary
Ilma’s shakedown revealed a yacht that nails the art of relaxed luxury: beautifully finished suites, chef-grade food, spacious public spaces, and intuitive service—all with no cruise ship baggage. Ideal for those new to cruising and seasoned travellers alike, Ilma introduces a confident (and unhurried) new standard at sea.