Here comes Her Royal Highness – Evrima
Evrima, the first yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has opened a new chapter in the cruising industry. Named after the Greek word for “discovery,” this hybrid of a cruise ship and a yacht is redefining the cruising world by offering all the luxury and comfort of a private yacht.
The visionary behind this concept—merging cruising with personalized yachting service—is Ernesto Fara, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Launched in 2021 at the Astilleros Barreras shipyard in Vigo, Spain, Evrima is 190 meters long and accommodates 298 guests.
Evrima is not just a luxury yacht; it represents Ritz-Carlton’s vision for the future of the ultra-premium cruising market.
Recognizing a gap between private yachting and the mass cruise market, Evrima’s mission was simple yet ambitious: bring the Ritz-Carlton experience to the sea, but for an exclusive audience. Create a new brand in the cruising market? Or leverage the strength of an existing one? The latter was chosen, giving birth to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection—instantly granting brand credibility and recognition among Ritz-Carlton’s loyal clientele.
And who is the Ritz-Carlton audience? These are seasoned global travellers accustomed to luxury resorts, people seeking an alternative to mass-market cruising, without the obligations of owning a private yacht. They seek authentic experiences, exclusivity, and prioritize quality above all. That meant fewer passengers for a more intimate setting, exceptional custom-made service with a high level of personalization, undiscovered destinations inaccessible to larger cruise ships, Michelin-star-level gastronomy, and interiors inspired by luxury hotels rather than traditional ships.
As demand for more intimate and exclusive travel experiences grows, two additional ships have joined the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet—Ilma, launched in 2024 with a capacity of 448 guests, and Luminara, launched in 2025 with capacity for 452 guests.
Gastronomy and Service Without Compromise
Evrima offers an experience that pushes the boundaries of luxury sea travel. With a guest-to-crew ratio of 1:1, Evrima is more than just a cruise ship—it’s a floating luxury resort.
It features 149 spacious suite-style accommodations, all with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. The design is by Tillberg Design of Sweden, a leading studio for luxury ships, while the interiors are crafted by UK-based AD Associates.
Public spaces include a range of luxurious restaurants, including one led by Michelin-star chefs, where menus change based on local ingredients along the cruising route. Every meal is a part of a personalized experience, supported by sommeliers, mixologists, and concierge teams devoted to fulfilling guest wishes. Additional amenities include a Cognac bar, infinity pool, open-air spa and fitness centre, shopping boutique, and a children’s club. There are also yoga areas on deck and the Marina Terrace—a platform offering direct access to the sea for water sports, paying homage to the yachting lifestyle.
A Route for the Select Few – Far from the Crowds
Evrima doesn’t dock at the standard cruise ports. Instead, it opts for more exclusive destinations.
In the summer, these include charming Mediterranean ports like Portofino, Santorini, Trogir, and Saint-Tropez. In winter, the itinerary shifts to the hidden gems of the Caribbean and Latin American coasts.
Thanks to its size and flexibility, Evrima provides guests with what most cruise ships cannot—an authentic destination experience, away from the crowds and commercial docks. A seven-day Mediterranean cruise from Athens to Venice, for instance, includes Greek ports like Parga and Corfu, Montenegro’s Kotor, and Croatia’s Dubrovnik and Šibenik. Prices start at €10,000 per person for the smallest suite, and go over €40,000 for the most luxurious accommodations. The price of the Owner’s Suite is available upon request
Upon disembarkation, guests are met with black limousines, VIP buses, luxury vans, guides, and privately guided tours. In Šibenik, for example, popular excursions include exclusive guided visits to Krka National Park and Skradin, guided city centre tours with a visit to the Cathedral of St. James, light refreshments in local establishments, winery tours with tastings, or a visit to a nearby beach club resort. Some guests opt to reserve a private vehicle for the entire day to explore surrounding cities like Split and Zadar with a guide.
A New Standard in Luxury Cruising
Ritz-Carlton hasn’t merely built a ship. Their goal was to redefine luxury sea travel—just as White Star Line and Cunard once did.
Evrima is part of a broader strategy: to create a new travel category between traditional mass cruising and private yachting.
With Evrima’s success, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has laid the foundation for an entirely new industry niche—hospitality at sea.
Evrima is, in fact, an answer to the question:
What does the future of luxury travel look like?
