Skip to main content

Ritz-Carlton Yachts: The Ultra-luxurious Cruise Line for People Who Hate Cruising

Here at The Manual, we tend to favor the finer, simpler things in life. But, sometimes you have to splash out and go big. Like for your parents 30th anniversary or when you need a $25,000 bottle of Bowmore. Whatever the reason, Ritz-Carlton is giving us another way to celebrate. The brand has, for decades, been synonymous with sophisticated (one might even say “stuffy”) luxury hotels around the world. Now, they’re taking to the high seas with the aptly named Ritz-Carlton Yachts. Think of them as “cruise ships for anyone who hates cruise ships.”

Ritz Carlton Cruise Ship Yacht Marina
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Each ship in the ultra-luxurious fleet will stretch just 623 feet (minuscule by today’s cruise ship standards) and guarantee an intimate experience by accommodating just 298 passengers. All 149 handsomely designed suites will boast a private balcony, and two flagship penthouse suites will offer 450 square feet of living space. Onboard amenities will include a full-service spa, plus a state-of-the-art wine bar and panoramic observation lounge. Several gourmet dining options will be provided, including a restaurant by three-star Michelin Chef Sven Elverfeld (who currently heads up Aqua at Germany’s Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg). Needless to say, numerous relaxation areas will offer pools, hot tubs, and reading lounges. The company is also working on a host of on-board and land-side “one-of-a-kind curated destination journeys” to include unique experiences with local chefs, artisans, and musicians.

Recommended Videos

As you might expect, the ports of call will not include the typical stops on the well-worn Caribbean cruise circuit (no Jamaica or Cancun here). Ritz-Carlton Yachts’ seven- and ten-day itineraries will focus mostly on the Mediterranean, Europe, and Latin America. The ships will dock in some of the world’s most exclusive destinations, including old town Cartagena, Portofino, and Capri.

Ritz Carlton Cruise Ship Yacht Bar
a

These aren’t the first ultra-luxury yachts in the world. Other cruise lines like Crystal Cruises and Silversea have long offered passengers stratospheric cruise experiences that cost north of $1,300 USD per person per day. But, it is the first time that a legit luxury hotel chain has taken their brand to the water in such a big way.

The first three yachts will be based in Miami, Florida. Reservations are expected to open in Spring 2018, with the inaugural launch scheduled for late 2019. So, at least you have time to start saving.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
This California city was just named the friendliest in the U.S.
San Diego came out on top
A scene from San Diego Pride 2016

If you’re looking for good vibes, helpful neighbors, and plenty of friendly smiles, you might want to book a trip to San Diego, California, as it’s just been crowned the friendliest city in the U.S.

The ranking comes from Match Group’s Yuzu app, which surveyed users across the country to find out where locals are the most welcoming. The app asked people to rate their own cities on things like how often locals smile, help strangers, and offer positive interactions. Users gave each city a friendliness score from 1 to 10, combining both quantifiable data and real-life experiences.

Read more
Inside Hawaii’s iconic pink palace: A stay at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Although there are 22 Marriott Luxury Collection resorts in the United States, only one is located in the beautiful state of Hawaii: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel Waikiki. This stunning "pink palace" holds significant importance both to travelers and residents of the island of O'ahu, symbolizing both Hawaiian elegance and architectural beauty. You can read about the fantastic history of this resort online, but experiencing it in person is an entirely different experience. The resort immerses you in not just the history of the building, but also teaches you essential lessons about Hawaiian history and culture.

As one of the first luxury hotels in Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian has earned a hefty reputation due to its stunning pink architecture and elegant feel. Here's what you can expect during a stay at this luxury resort and what you don't want to miss.

Read more
Survey reveals the dirty truth about how Americans behave at the beach
Which of these bad beach habits have you seen?
Waikiki Beach

Looking forward to heading down the shore this summer? A new survey revealed that most Americans (93%) claim to practice good beach etiquette, yet almost 92% admitted to practicing at least one bad beach habit. In a survey of over 1,000 American adults, 93% believed they had good beach etiquette, but later contradicted themselves by admitting to some strange beach habits. The most confessed offenses include peeing in the water (70%), sneaking alcohol where it's banned (49%), and pocketing sand or shells (38%). Meanwhile, when asked, Americans reported the most annoying destructive beach behaviors as littering, not picking up after pets, playing music too loudly, and sitting too close to other people.

Per the survey, 70% of respondents said that poor beach behaviors can negatively impact their time at the beach. While 82% said littering is the worst behavior they've seen, nearly one in four respondents also admitted to participating in this bad habit themselves. When examining destructive beach behaviors, there is a generational gap in behaviors. Older Americans reported fewer destructive behaviors throughout their lives, even during their younger years. This response suggests the decline in beach etiquette isn't just associated with youth; each generation is slipping further from the standard.

Read more