Ilma, the second ultra-luxury superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has officially joined the fleet. Company officials took delivery of the new vessel at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, on 12 July. After two years of construction, the delivery ceremony marked the final build milestone and was celebrated with several maritime traditions, including the changing of flags onboard and a celebratory toast on Ilma’s expansive pool deck.
The ceremony was attended by leadership from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and representatives from Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Captain Steve MacBeath and over 350 of the yacht’s staff were also present and will participate in a series of preparation voyages before welcoming guests for Ilma’s maiden voyage from Monte Carlo on 2 September.
“Today marks the culmination of a shared vision and the relentless pursuit of excellence, a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of all those involved,” said Jim Murren, executive chairman and chief executive of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Arnaud Le Joncour, Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s senior vice president of sales and marketing and programme director, added, “Ilma represents a collaboration of two likeminded organisations committed to excellence, offering the best in both hospitality and shipbuilding. The design and construction of Ilma have been distinctive projects that have elevated the highest luxury standards in terms of guest experience, technical innovation, and craftsmanship. We are incredibly proud to deliver an ultra-luxury cruise product that achieves both elegance and performance.”
Ilma, named after the Maltese word for water, measures 241 meters and accommodates up to 448 guests across its 224 elegantly appointed suites. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace with sweeping sea views, connecting travelers with the shores they are sailing. With one of the highest space ratios at sea, Ilma includes two new, spacious upper category suites offering ample outdoor space to lounge and soak in the scenery.
The yacht showcases refined interior finishes envisioned by London-based architectural and design firm AD Associates and lighting designer DPA. Its exteriors reflect the vision of Helsinki-based design studio Aivan, drawing inspiration from the graceful aesthetics of private yacht design. Ilma provides nearly one staff member for every guest, ensuring personalized service.
Ilma features five restaurants, seven bars, a wine vault, and signature spaces such as an expanded Marina with a mezzanine feature and The Ritz-Carlton Spa with 11 treatment rooms. The yacht’s amenities include three distinct fitness spaces and a dynamic pool and entertainment area on Deck 10. A reimagined onboard destination is the Beach House, a vibrant Pan-Latin restaurant and global beach-house inspired lounge space conceptualized with Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo Design, which transports guests to a waterfront haven with 180° views.
Equipped with four dual-fuel engines using LNG as its primary fuel source, Ilma also incorporates the latest in energy efficiency measures and advanced water treatment systems, aiming to minimize environmental impact.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, please see our website www.sovereigncruise.co.uk. To book at the guaranteed lowest fares, please call us on 03331 224466.