Ritz Carlton cruise reviews 2026–2027: yachts, fares and our verdict

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection at a glance

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection puts the Marriott-owned hotel brand on three small ships. Evrima launched in October 2022, Ilma in September 2024 and Luminara in July 2025. The line calls them yachts, though the two newest are about 790 feet long.

Brand

The Ritz-Carlton, a Marriott brand

Price tier

Luxury

Yachts

Evrima (298 guests), Ilma (448 guests), Luminara (452 guests)

Included in the fare

Restaurant, bar and housekeeping tips, most drinks, Starlink Wi-Fi, most dining

Not included

Excursions, spa treatments, the S.E.A. restaurant, premium wines and spirits, transfers

Regions

Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, Hawaii and Polynesia in 2026–2027

Ritz-Carlton yachts

Ilma and Luminara are sisters, and Evrima is the smaller first ship.

• Evrima2022, 298 guests, 149 suites, 624 ftThe smallest yacht, sailing Hawaii and Polynesia this winter.
• Ilma2024, 448 guests, 224 suites, 790 ftFive restaurants and seven bars, with short Caribbean voyages this winter.
• Luminara2025, 452 guests, 226 suites, 794 ftThe newest yacht, splitting 2027 between Asia and Alaska.

What does a Ritz-Carlton cruise include?

The fare includes tips for restaurant, bar and housekeeping staff, a selection of wines, spirits, cocktails, beers and soft drinks across the yacht and in your suite, and Starlink Wi-Fi. Most dining is covered too. Excursions, spa treatments and the S.E.A. restaurant cost extra.

What costs extra: One Mile at a Time’s 2026 Evrima review lists these as extras:

• Shore excursions and spa treatments: neither is in the fare.
• S.E.A.: the review puts the normal cost at $285 (checked November 2026).
• Premium wines and spirits: anything beyond the included list.
• Private car to the airport: the author paid $338 for up to two people (checked November 2026).
• Laundry service: self-service laundry is free, and some Bonvoy elites get the full service free.

Non-motorized watersports from the marina were listed as included in a 2022 guide. The marina opens only on some days, depending on weather and local rules, so don’t plan around it. Our all-inclusive cruise guide shows how this fare compares.

Are Ritz-Carlton cruises worth it?

Ritz-Carlton cruises are worth it if you value the suite, the terrace and a hotel-style service and you’ll use the included drinks. They’re weaker value if you’d book excursions in every port, because lines such as Regent include them. Add those extras before you compare fares.

We haven’t sailed Ritz-Carlton for this page, and we don’t publish scores here. Three things to weigh before you book:

• The size. Ilma and Luminara carry about 450 guests, so they’re yachts by name and small ships in practice.
• The crowd. One Mile at a Time described a mostly adult mix, much like a US luxury hotel.
• The tenders. Yachts often anchor off port. On that review’s sailing the tenders ran every few minutes, with no real wait.

Where do the Ritz-Carlton yachts sail?

The yachts split across three regions, and the plan changes by season.

• Evrima, winter 2026–2027: its first Polynesia season, with 13 voyages of 7 to 12 nights linking Hawaii and Tahiti.
• Ilma, November 2026 to April 2027: more than 20 Caribbean voyages of 3 to 7 nights from Miami and San Juan.
• Luminara, winter 2026–2027: 19 voyages of 5 to 14 nights in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan.
• Luminara, summer 2027: 15 Alaska voyages between Vancouver and Whittier, plus Asia voyages from Tokyo and Seoul.

Is Ritz-Carlton good for families or solo travelers?

It’s workable for families and expensive for solo travelers. Ritz-Kids takes children aged 4 to 12, but One Mile at a Time saw only a handful of children on its sailing and calls the yacht family-friendly, not built for kids. A 2022 guide reported a 200% single supplement on every suite.

Confirm both before you book, because the supplement figure is several years old. Our family cruise guide and solo cruise guide cover better fits.

How Ritz-Carlton compares

• Against Regent: Regent Seven Seas includes excursions on every ocean cruise, which Ritz-Carlton doesn’t.
• Against Seabourn: Seabourn also runs small all-suite ships with drinks and gratuities in the fare, and adds expedition ships.
• Against Silversea: Silversea has a larger fleet and a butler in every suite.
• Against Crystal: Crystal runs larger, older ships of 606 and 740 guests, with a butler for every room.
• Against Explora: Explora Journeys is the other new-ship option at the luxury end.
• Our ranking: Ritz-Carlton isn’t yet a ranked pick in our luxury and small-ship ranking.

Ritz-Carlton prices

Our price snapshot covers sailings sold on CruiseBound, and Ritz-Carlton isn’t in it, so this page shows no from-price. Two checks help when you compare:

• Add excursions and S.E.A. to the bill. Then compare it with a line that includes more.
• Check the solo rate. Ask for the supplement on your exact voyage.

Ritz Carlton cruise reviews FAQ

Is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection all-inclusive?

Mostly on board. The fare covers tips, most drinks, Wi-Fi and most dining. Excursions, spa treatments, the S.E.A. restaurant, premium wines and transfers cost extra.

How many yachts does Ritz-Carlton have?

Three: Evrima, Ilma and Luminara, carrying up to 298, 448 and 452 guests.

Are shore excursions included on Ritz-Carlton yachts?

No. Reviews list shore excursions as an extra cost, so budget for them.

Does Ritz-Carlton sail to Alaska?

Yes. Luminara began Alaska sailings in 2026 and has 15 Alaska voyages in summer 2027, sailing from Vancouver and Whittier.

Is there a dress code on Ritz-Carlton yachts?

A 2022 guide reported no formal nights, with a casual yacht dress style and a smarter one at S.E.A. Check your voyage documents for the current rules.