Ilma, the Ritz-Carlton’s newest “superyacht”, embarked on its inaugural voyage from Monaco this Monday, but before setting sail, Monaco Life Editor in Chief Cassandra Tanti was invited aboard to witness first-hand how this esteemed hotel brand is charting a new course in the high-end cruise sector.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest vessel, Ilma, which arrived in Port Hercule early last week, drew significant interest with its impressive 790-foot length and sleek, modern design.
On Tuesday 29th August, President and Chief Financial Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Collection Ernesto Fara welcomed on board a small number of prestigious guests, including Monaco Life, for ‘An Evening in Monaco’, a showcase event for the Ritz-Carlton’s stunning second cruise ship, which it affectionately calls a superyacht, that was delivered by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire on 12th July.
Ilma set sail on its first grand voyage from the opulent shores of Monaco on 2nd September, a fitting departure for a brand celebrated for its heritage, service and exclusivity.
Celebrating luxury at sea
Ilma is designed to offer a luxurious, intimate experience at sea while accommodating 456 guests and almost as many staff. In fact, Ritz-Carlton takes pride in boasting the highest ratio of space and crew members per passenger in the luxury cruising industry.
The designers from Chapi Chapo and AD Associates have successfully prioritised space and comfort, creating the intimate atmosphere of a private yacht while offering the amenities of a larger vessel.
Adorned with all the refined touches expected from Ritz-Carlton, Ilma invites guests to admire a curated collection of artworks throughout the yacht – including Warhol’s ‘Turtle’ – alongside pieces created exclusively for Ilma, which fittingly means ‘water’ in Maltese.
There’s a full-service spa, hairdresser, two swimming pools, fitness centre and marina-style platform that can transport guests directly to the water for water sports. Entertainment options include a theatre for live performances, as well as smaller venues for concerts and lectures.
Shoppers, meanwhile, will love the dedicated Bulgari boutique.
Exceptional dining experiences
Dining options span five distinct restaurants, each offering its own unique atmosphere and culinary experience, ranging from fine dining to casual, al fresco settings.
I had the pleasure of dining at Seta, the fine dining gem helmed by Chef Fabio Trabocchi. His culinary genius is truly something special, and it’s exciting to see how he’s brought his unique style to the luxury cruise scene.
Chef Trabocchi’s dishes are a beautiful blend of traditional Italian roots with a modern twist, infused with global influences and made with only the best ingredients.
The result? A menu that feels both innovative and comforting, a combination that has earned him multiple Michelin stars and a lot of well-deserved praise.
Chef Trabocchi is perhaps best known for his D.C. restaurant, Fiola, which has become the gold standard for Italian fine dining in the U.S. This reputation will definitely resonate with the predominantly North American guests, who make up over 80% of Ilma‘s passengers.
Paired with exquisite Italian wines and flawless service, Seta is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning fine dining enthusiasts.
The luxurious suites
Ilma offers a variety of suites, with neutral colour palettes that are contrasted by rich marble stone-tops and warm oak wood finishes.
While the Terrace Suites are among the most popular options, featuring spacious layouts and private terraces that offer stunning views of the surrounding waters, the Signature Suites boast additional space, including separate living and sleeping areas, while the Grand Suites feature large private terraces, generous living and dining areas, and additional amenities such as a personal butler service.
The most exclusive offering aboard Ilma is the Owner’s Suite, which spans two levels and includes a private whirlpool, floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, delivering the ultimate in privacy and indulgence.
Itinerary and schedule
The inaugural voyage will see Ilma sailing from Monaco towards destinations including Saint-Tropez, Portofino and Amalfi, before concluding the journey in Athens. Then, Ilma is scheduled to continue offering cruises throughout the Mediterranean, with itineraries that include the Greek Islands, the Adriatic and the Iberian Peninsula.
Industry impact
Ilma’s introduction is seen as part of a broader strategy by the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to expand its presence in the luxury cruise sector.
Industry analysts will be watching closely to see how the vessel performs in a competitive market where demand for high-end, personalised travel experiences is on the rise.
Come on board Ilma with Monaco Life in our video below…
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Main photo by Monaco Life