The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced it will begin construction of a second yacht this year with expected delivery in 2021.
Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, said in a statement that the second vessel will also be constructed at the Hijos De J. Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain, with the keel laying expected to take place this year; it will be a “true sister ship” and follow the same design and styling as the first yacht.
The first yacht is currently under construction at H.J. Barreras Shipyard and is set to be delivered later this year, with its inaugural voyage slated for February 2020. Throughout its first year, the yacht will operate itineraries of mostly seven to 10 nights in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Canada and New England. Bonus: To create a longer yachting experience, guests can book back-to-back voyages without repeating ports.
The specially designed yacht will measure 624 feet and will accommodate up to 298 guests in 149 suites, each with its own private terrace. Highlights of the accommodations include two 1,000-plus-square-foot Owner’s Suites, each with its own private 592 square-foot terrace and Whirlpool. Guests can also book connecting suites with a soundproof pullout wall panel between the suites. This moveable wall panel replaces the traditional connecting door found on most ships.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection guests have access to a myriad of onboard activities and entertainment, including multiple dining venues, watersports from the yacht’s marina platform, a culinary experience at the yacht’s signature restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld of The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg and spa treatments. On shore, they can sign up for a variety of excursions offered through The Shore Collection.
When the first ship completed its float out ceremony, Prothero told Travel Agent that demand from luxury consumers and Ritz-Carlton's loyal guests has been very high. While the luxury brand expected that about one third of its bookings would come from "new-to-cruise" guests, he said about half the new bookings are coming from those who've never taken a cruise.
A third yacht is also likely to be delivered in 2021 or soon after.
Visit www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.
This article originally appeared on www.luxurytraveladvisor.com.
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