In early January, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection celebrated the milestone keel laying of its inaugural yacht at the Hijos[ds_preview] De J. Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain. Representing a unique first for a luxury hotel operator, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brings the brand’s service to the seas with a bespoke yachting experience. The vessel’s launch is anticipated in Q4 2019.
Reservations for the first of three yachts in this series will open in May 2018. The inaugural ship will cruise a wide variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. The ships of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter. The specially designed, small capacity vessels will measure 190m and feature 149 luxury suites to accommodate up to 298 passengers and 246 crew members.
The cost of the first 24.000 gt ship is estimated at 210mill. $. It will run on marine diesel and combine diesel-electric propulsion with common rail fuel injection technology. ABB will supply two gearless Azipod D thrusters to each vessel. MAN Diesel & Turbo was chosen as engine partner for the yacht project.
»The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true stand outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,« said Herve Humler, President and COO of the Hotel Company. »This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant and comfortable atmosphere.«
