Ritz‑Carlton Yacht Collection adds new luxury superyacht, Ilma, to its fleet

The yacht started its journey with a seven-night voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome, beginning on September 2, 2024.

Jim Murren, executive chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, expresses his excitement about the new launch. “It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Ilma to our growing fleet,” he says. “Since Evrima’s debut, we have been steadfast in our pursuit of excellence at sea. The addition of Ilma signifies a continuation of our mission to deliver legendary service and unparalleled enjoyment to our guests.”

Ilma, which means "water" in Maltese, is designed to offer guests a blend of spacious accommodations and high-end amenities. The superyacht features 224 suites, each with a private terrace that provides direct access to the sea. With the capacity to host up to 448 guests, Ilma has one of the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios among luxury yachts.

The yacht’s design is the work of several leading design firms, including London’s AD Associates for interiors and Helsinki’s Aivan for exteriors. The design aims for a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, helping guests connect with the sea and the locations they visit. The design draws on elements of Maltese mythology, coastal features, and history, using neutral tones and textures to create a modern, inviting atmosphere.

Ilma offers itineraries that combine well-known and less-visited destinations. Its first season in the Mediterranean includes stops in places like Santorini, Porto Cervo, and Valletta. After the Mediterranean season, Ilma heads to the Caribbean, with planned stops in Virgin Gorda, Gustavia, and St. John. In the summer of 2025, the yacht will explore the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe, with stops in cities like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavík.

Jenni Benzaquen, senior vice president of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts, notes the company’s focus on quality experiences. “The launch of Ilma exemplifies the unwavering dedication of The Ritz-Carlton to setting new benchmarks in luxury travel, with the company’s commitment to thoughtful and transformative travel experiences guiding its mission,” she says. “Ilma brings the exceptional luxury accommodations and personalized service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned to the sea, further redefining the standards in the luxury industry.”

Ilma features five distinct dining venues that cater to a variety of tastes. Among these are two venues developed by Michelin-starred chefs: Seta su Ilma, an Italian fine-dining restaurant by Chef Fabio Trabocchi, and The Beach House, designed by Toronto-based Chapi Chapo Design, which features a menu created in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina. Other dining options include Memorī, which focuses on Pan-Asian cuisine; Mistral, offering Mediterranean dishes near the main pool; and Tides, a restaurant that adapts its menu to reflect the yacht’s destinations. For a more private experience, Dining Privée offers a secluded setting for special occasions.

In addition to dining, Ilma offers various amenities designed to enhance guest experiences. The yacht includes a large marina and marina terrace, complete with glass windows and a hydraulic platform that allows guests direct access to the sea when anchored.

The yacht also features The Ritz-Carlton Spa, which includes treatments from brands like ESPA and 111SKIN in 11 treatment rooms, some of which offer outdoor options. Fitness facilities on board include a Movement Studio, Cycle Studio, and Fitness Studio equipped with a range of weights and cardio machines.

With Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection aims to offer a high level of design, service, and guest experience in the luxury cruise industry. The addition of this new superyacht signals the company’s continued effort to expand its presence and redefine what luxury travel at sea can offer.