Introducing the first Forbes travel Guide Five-Star cruise Ship: Ilma Sets a New Standard in Luxury Sailing
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has revolutionized maritime travel with Ilma, the pioneering cruise vessel to achieve a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating. Accommodating just 448 guests in all-suite accommodations, this superyacht forgoes customary cruise elements such as buffets, casinos, and theaters to offer an experience reminiscent of an exclusive boutique hotel rather than a conventional cruise liner.
Luxury Cruising’s Accelerated Growth and Ilma’s Distinctive Role
The global cruising industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with passenger numbers projected to approach 38 million by 2025. Within this surge, the luxury segment is expanding at an even faster pace-high-end bookings exceeding $50,000 soared by 43% last year alone. Despite luxury cruises tripling since 2010, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection continues to lead innovation in this space.
Following the debut of Evrima in 2022-the first Four-Star yacht launched by a renowned hotel brand on water-The Ritz-Carlton expanded its fleet with Ilma in 2024 and plans for Luminara’s arrival in 2025. While other elite hospitality brands like Aman and Four Seasons have announced their own vessels recently, none have yet matched Ilma’s groundbreaking achievement of securing a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star distinction.
An Intimate Boutique Hotel Experience at Sea
Ilma reimagines cruising by eliminating large-scale entertainment venues common on traditional ships. Rather of buffet lines or sprawling casinos, guests enjoy thoughtfully curated à la carte dining across twelve distinct restaurants and bars designed for relaxed social interaction. This shift reflects modern travelers’ preference for personalized experiences over mass entertainment.
“Our vision was to create an atmosphere akin to that of a private yacht or boutique hotel,” shares Ernesto Fara, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We prioritized what truly matters to our guests rather than replicating typical cruise ship features.”
Bespoke Service Tailored Seamlessly Onboard
A defining characteristic of Ilma is its exceptional service ethos transplanted from The Ritz-Carlton hotels onto open waters. Crew members anticipate guest preferences intuitively-from recalling favorite drinks to organizing customized shore excursions-crafting an surroundings where luxury feels effortless yet deeply personal.
This elevated service demands rigorous training due to ever-changing maritime conditions such as weather fluctuations or itinerary modifications-all managed discreetly so passengers remain fully immersed without interruption.
- An outstanding employee-to-guest ratio guarantees attentive care throughout every journey.
- Each suite benefits from a dedicated “suite ambassador” who functions as a personal butler handling everything from dinner reservations to garment pressing services.
Sophisticated Suites Designed for Ultimate Comfort
The sleek interiors crafted by London-based AD Associates feature spacious suites equipped with private terraces and premium amenities including Diptyque or Bvlgari bath products, separate soaking tubs enhanced with bath salts, Dyson hair dryers alongside Nespresso machines and tea kettles. Guests are welcomed aboard with personalized minibars stocked with champagne plus thoughtful gifts such as skincare sets and gourmet chocolates throughout their voyage.
Culinary Mastery Across Diverse Dining Venues
Diners can savor contemporary italian cuisine at Seta su Ilma under acclaimed chef Fabio Trabocchi or indulge in South American-inspired dishes created by celebrated chef Michael Mina at The Beach House restaurant.In total there are five unique restaurants complemented by seven bars offering atmospheres ranging from vibrant lounges to serene retreats overlooking expansive ocean views.
A Tranquil Wellness Retreat Amidst Ocean Horizons
The onboard spa boasts eleven treatment rooms including five outdoor cabanas where guests can receive massages while breathing fresh sea air-a rare amenity that elevates relaxation beyond typical spa offerings found on most vessels today.
Pioneering Shore Excursions & engaging Onboard Experiences
A standout innovation aboard Ilma is its marina platform-a hydraulic extension that lowers into calm waters when anchored-transforming into a private dock ideal for swimming directly off the ship or launching kayaks and paddleboards into pristine seas. This “ocean pool” concept provides unmatched access between luxurious vessel comfort and immersive nature experiences rarely available elsewhere at sea.
“Our excursions focus on exclusive access tailored specifically for our guests,” says Fara. “Instead of generic tours we curate authentic cultural encounters unavailable through standard channels.”
- An example includes complimentary Evening Beach Soirées during select Athens round-trip itineraries where passengers enjoy private gatherings at Mykonos’ renowned Alemagou beach club featuring cocktails, Mediterranean delicacies live music against breathtaking Aegean sunsets-offering genuine local experiences few could arrange independently.
The Rise of Experiential Luxury Travelers Seeking Connection & Culture
The average age aboard Ilma skews younger compared with traditional luxury cruises-around 54 years old versus nearly ten years older elsewhere-with many first-time cruisers transitioning from upscale hotel stays or villa vacations seeking immersive cultural journeys combined with wellness offerings delivered unhurriedly consistent with contemporary tastes favoring experiential travel over mass tourism hustle-and-bustle environments.
A Milestone Reflecting Visionary Craftsmanship & Operational Excellence
Earning Forbes Travel Guide’s inaugural Five-Star rating validates years devoted toward perfecting every detail-from architectural design through staff training-to deliver unparalleled quality afloat:
“This accolade honors not only our innovative spirit but also celebrates our dedicated Ladies & Gentlemen whose passion animates this extraordinary voyage daily,”
Fara concludes emphatically: “Ilma demonstrates that true luxury cruising transcends outdated norms-it embraces personalization without compromise.”
