Wow, you guys! If you’ve never thought of yourself as a “cruise person,” prepare to re-think everything.  Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection recently announced it is launching 3 luxury yachts in 2020 and 2021. I recently got a sneak peek that I’m excited to share with you!

Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection’s first ship is launching in 2020

Last week, Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection announced the name of its maiden ship, Azora. I was honored to take part in one of the first presentations to learn what makes this floating luxury hotel unique.

Azora is truly a masterpiece in sleek navy, with beautiful teak decks, and phenomenal blue lighting. The back of the boat, known as “the marina,” has a great deck for lounging by the ocean while at anchor. It will also be stocked with your choice of water toy and is great for ocean swimming or relaxing with a cocktail.

The living room and observation lounges are stunningly designed, as are the three separate pools. The pool decks offer full service during the day and at evening can be used for events or movie nights. There’s also a spa and fitness facility on board, a humidor, barber shop, and boutique. 

All the suites are spacious, have a terrace, and most have a separate living/dining area. The owner’s suite is an impressive 1,100 square feet with a 600 square foot terrace and comes with a dedicated personal assistant.

There are five restaurants on board, each with a slightly different twist. They range from Southeast Asian cuisine, to locally (wherever you’re sailing) inspired cuisine, and even an experience designed by three Michelin-starred chef, Sven Elverfeld.

Azora boasts innovative itineraries

Most of us think mainly about the Caribbean or Mediterranean when it comes to cruising. The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection does these destinations spectacularly (of course), but I like that they are also offering other, more innovative itineraries.

Iceland has become a huge destination lately, but it’s hard to get around to the lesser visited places comfortably. Now you can visit via Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection and circumnavigate the island without ever having to unpack.

Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection is also offering a New England fall foliage itinerary. You’ll sail past rolling farmland, evergreen forests, rugged coastlines, and visit historic waterways like the St. Lawrence River.

Even within the Med, Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection is visiting interesting ports like Sicily and Sardinia, Malta, Slovenia, and the Canaries. In the Caribbean, you’ll be able to anchor near yacht club destinations rather than having to dock at mass market ports. Destinations include all my favorite islands like St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, and the BVIs. If you just want to enjoy life at sea, enjoy interesting lectures, and partake in the great food – check out one of their ocean crossing itineraries.

Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection 2020 cabins are selling fast

There has been an incredible response to this new category of floating luxury and many of the 2020 sailings are selling quickly (for example, the Iceland itinerary). More than 30% of all cabin nights are already sold for the year.

If being one of the first to experience the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection intrigues you, book soon to get your ideal sailing dates and itinerary. If you do decide to book, make sure to work with a travel advisor – the collection is currently negotiating with consortia and advisors like Bell & Bly Travel may be able to get you additional perks or shipboard credit. Happy sailing!