The American hospitality titan took delivery of its newest luxury cruise liner at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France last Friday. The 790-foot Ilma is the second vessel to join the Ritz-Carlton fleet, following the 623-foot Evrima , which hit the seas in 2022. The fleet will also include the 794-foot Luminara , which is expected to launch in 2025.
The delivery ceremony was attended by Ritz-Carlton execs, Chantiers de l’Atlantique representatives, Ilma captain Steve MacBeath, and more than 350 crew who will participate in a series of preparation cruises before the ship’s maiden voyage in September.
“Today marks the culmination of a shared vision and the relentless pursuit of excellence, a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of all those involved,” Jim Murren, executive chairman and CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, said at the delivery ceremony. “We are deeply grateful to the exceptional teams here at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, whose hard work and passion have brought this vision to life.”
The Ritz-Carlton team aboard “Ilma.”
Named after the Maltese word for “water,” Ilma took two years of painstaking work to build. The 790-footer showcases a sleek, superyacht-inspired exterior by the folks at Finnish studio Aivan and an elegant, light-filled interior by British firm AD Associates. Some 224 spacious suites are thoughtfully positioned throughout, creating space for up to 448 passengers.
Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces that afford prime ocean views. As with sistership Evrima, Ilma has several larger, more luxurious suites for seafarers looking to splash cash. The top-tier Owner’s Suite offers just over 1,000 square feet of living space, an in-suite bar, and a chic dining area.
A rendering of Ilma.
Ilma offers plenty of space for relaxing indoors and out. The ship is also brimming with lavish amenities, such as a marina, an expansive pool area, a spa with 11 treatment rooms, three distinct fitness spaces, and an outdoor cinema. In addition, the liner is home to five dining venues, seven bars, and a wine vault. The crew-to-guest ratio is almost one-to-one, too, meaning passengers can enjoy the personalized service one would expect of a five-star hotel.
Ilma’s maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome is scheduled for September 2. The liner will then embark on more cruises to the Mediterranean and Caribbean, before sailing the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe during the 2025 summer season. For reservations, contact (833) 999-7292 or your travel professional.
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