The 298-passenger Evrima aspires to bring Ritz-Carlton hotel comfort and service to sea. — Photo by Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Innovative two-story loft suites, with the bedroom downstairs and a light-filled living room upstairs, are among accommodations choices. — Photo by Photographer: Francisco Jose Martinez Mendez

With sleek modern design, rich materials, plenty of lounge space, personalized service, and a restaurant with menus designed by a Michelin three-star chef—and after a nearly three-year delay—the first ship of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is ready for its debut. The 298-passenger Evrima will carry its first guests on a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Nice on Oct. 15.

Stalled construction at Spanish shipyards and pandemic-exacerbated supply chain troubles caused the launch date to be pushed back eight times. While thousands of passengers may have had their early bookings cancelled or delayed, the ship remains one of the most anticipated luxury ships in years, especially among Ritz-Carlton enthusiasts.

“We are moving into a space we believe many of the affluent consumers have wanted to go but have not had the brand to support them,” says Chris Gabaldon, senior vice president, luxury brands, for MAR:US" target="_blank" data-web-url="https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/MAR:US" rel="noopener">Marriott International Inc. “The millions of Ritz-Carlton customers are ready for the next innovation of the brand, and they are demonstrating, in terms of bookings, that they are willing to come with us.” Most reservations, Gabaldon adds, are from people who never have cruised before.

In an open-air space at the ship’s Marina, catch views of the sea while enjoying cocktails and light bites.
— Photo by Photographer: Christopher CypertIn an open-air space at the ship’s Marina, catch views of the sea while enjoying cocktails and light bites.
— Photo by Photographer: Christopher Cypert
In an open-air space at the ship’s Marina, catch views of the sea while enjoying cocktails and light bites. — Photo by Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Suites were designed with a residential feel inspired by the contemporary look of the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Sunny Isles, Miami Beach, and Los Angeles.
— Photo by Photographer: Francisco Jose Martinez MendezSuites were designed with a residential feel inspired by the contemporary look of the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Sunny Isles, Miami Beach, and Los Angeles.
— Photo by Photographer: Francisco Jose Martinez Mendez
Suites were designed with a residential feel inspired by the contemporary look of the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Sunny Isles, Miami Beach, and Los Angeles. — Photo by Photographer: Francisco Jose Martinez Mendez
The ship’s Marina Terrace is both a lounging spot at water’s edge and a place to borrow water toys such as kayaks and paddleboards.
— Photo by Photographer: Christopher CypertThe ship’s Marina Terrace is both a lounging spot at water’s edge and a place to borrow water toys such as kayaks and paddleboards.
— Photo by Photographer: Christopher Cypert
The ship’s Marina Terrace is both a lounging spot at water’s edge and a place to borrow water toys such as kayaks and paddleboards. — Photo by Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Dining Privée is a private space guests can reserve for a dinner party for up to 10.
— Photo by Photographer: Christopher CypertDining Privée is a private space guests can reserve for a dinner party for up to 10.
— Photo by Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Dining Privée is a private space guests can reserve for a dinner party for up to 10. — Photo by Photographer: Christopher Cypert
The top-deck Observation Room is a socializing and cocktail spot that morphs into a nightclub in the late hours.
— Photo by Photographer: Christopher CypertThe top-deck Observation Room is a socializing and cocktail spot that morphs into a nightclub in the late hours.
— Photo by Photographer: Christopher Cypert
The top-deck Observation Room is a socializing and cocktail spot that morphs into a nightclub in the late hours. — Photo by Photographer: Christopher Cypert

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