Ilma, the second ultra-luxury superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has officially joined the fleet. Company officials took delivery of its newest yacht at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, on July 12, 2024. After two years of construction, the delivery ceremony marked the final build milestone, celebrated with several maritime traditions, including the changing of flags on board the yacht and a celebratory toast on top of Ilma’s expansive pool deck.
Superyacht Ilma Officially Delivered
The delivery ceremony was attended by company leadership from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, including Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO, and Ernesto Fara, President and CFO, along with representatives from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, including Laurent Castaing, General Manager, and Arnaud Le Joncour, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Project Director. Also in attendance was Captain Steve MacBeath and over 350 of the yacht’s Ladies and Gentlemen, who will participate in a series of preparation voyages before welcoming guests for Ilma’s maiden voyage from Monte Carlo on September 2, 2024.
“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 CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We are deeply grateful to the exceptional teams here at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, whose hard work and passion have brought this vision to life.”
“Ilma represents a collaboration of two like-minded organizations committed to excellence, offering the best in both hospitality and shipbuilding. The design and construction of Ilma has been a distinctive project for Chantiers de l’Atlantique that has elevated the highest luxury standards in terms of guest experience, technical innovation, and craftsmanship,” said Arnaud Le Joncour, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of
Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Program Director. “We are incredibly proud to deliver an ultra-luxury cruise product that achieves elegance and performance.”
Ilma, named after the Maltese word for “water,” will measure 790 feet (241 meters) and accommodate up to 448 guests across its 224 elegantly appointed suites. Each airy 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 enchanting scenery.
Harmoniously blending contemporary craftsmanship with a relaxed ambiance, Ilma showcases refined interior finishes envisioned by renowned London-based architectural and design firm AD Associates and award-winning lighting designer DPA. The yacht’s exteriors reflect the vision of Helsinki-based design studio Aivan, drawing inspiration from the graceful aesthetics of private yacht design. Continuing to bring the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton to sea, the yacht boasts one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruising category, providing nearly one staff member for every guest.
In addition to unparalleled accommodations, 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 will transport guests to a waterfront haven with 180-degree views.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Reaffirming The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s commitment to implementing more sustainable practices, Ilma features four dual-fuel engines utilizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its main fuel source. Additionally, Ilma is equipped with the latest in energy efficiency measures and advanced water treatment systems, with the goal of minimizing environmental impact.
Ilma will build on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s vision of reimagining luxury cruising, offering travelers more opportunities to enjoy the highly tailored itineraries for which the company is recognized. Ilma will join the company’s inaugural yacht, Evima, in sailing to iconic yachting destinations and hidden gems throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean. In the summer of 2025, Ilma will explore the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe, allowing guests to discover dynamic cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Reykjavík, and more.
For more information about The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.
