Big news from the cruise industry: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has launched the hull of its inaugural yacht. The ceremony took place October 9 at the Hijos De J. Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain.
In accordance with maritime tradition, at the launching ceremony the yacht slid stern-first down the slipway and touched the water for the first time. In attendance were Douglas Prothero, CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; Timothy Grisius, global real estate officer for Marriott International; HJ Barreras Chariman Jose Carica Costas; Fredrik Johansson, owner and executive project director, Tillberg Design of Sweden; Anthony Capuano, EVP and global chief development officer for Marriott; and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection executive team and members of investor group Oaktree Capital Management.
The ceremony means that exterior construction is almost complete on the new ship, bringing the yacht into the outfitting phase and one step closer to its anticipated debut in 2020. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will celebrate its naming ceremony this December, and will hold a christening celebration prior to the inaugural sailing in February 2020.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the new yacht cruise brand from Ritz-Carlton Hotels. Plans call for three yachts, each of which will be able to accommodate up to 298 passengers in 149 suites, each with its own private terrace. The yacht will also have two 1,700-square feet Owner’s Suites, which will have their own private whirlpools.
The Yacht Collection is all-inclusive, with accommodations, onboard activities and entertainment, beverages, multiple dining venues, onboard gratuities, Wi-Fi and water sports from the yacht’s marina included in fares. Signature experiences available for an additional fee include a culinary experience at Aqua, the yacht’s signature restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld, spa treatments, and immersive excursions offered through The Shore Collection.
Luxury Travel Advisor was on location at the event, and we were able to tour a mock-up of the new yacht’s Owner’s Suites. Stay tuned for our firsthand report.
This story originally appeared on www.travelagentcentral.com.
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