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While the market is there for it—with 20 million people boarding cruise ships every year—e Ritz- Carlton Yacht Collection still had to be innately different from even the best cruise packages. For one, there are just three yachts planned thus far and each one will only hold a mere 300 passengers (149 suites) in comparison to the 3,000-passenger ships on the market today. Besides having that exclusive, intimate feel on board, each voyage will dock at some of the world's most iconic ports like Portofino, St. Barths and the old town of Cartagena, places not reachable by larger cruise liners. Each 620-foot ship—complete with speed boat tenders similar to Blohm+Voss' Eclipse—is designed to adapt the slow-paced lifestyle of a superyacht, while encompassing the luxuries of a boutique resort and all those Ritz-Carlton extras (including a humidor) in one trip. At the ship's rear is the Marina and Marina Terrace, a space above for cocktails and one below for sun—including a hydraulic sports deck that allows passengers to swim right from the ship and arrange stays at luxury properties on land while at port. Exiting from the back deck translates to quicker transfers to land, as the yachts will call on smaller ports. In addition, e Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has partnered on an exclusive dining experience designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, a three Michelin-starred restaurant at e Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg. With personal assistants, Michelin Star dining, a world-class spa and interior finishes from Tillberg Design (Sweden), each voyage is craed to feel like a true first-class getaway. In classic Ritz-Carlton style, each ship will have a dedicated concierge for shore excursions that explore celebrated destinations and hidden gems alike. Guests will choose from five distinct categories from Ritz-Carlton's Shore Collection such as: Iconic Sights, Stirring the Senses, Cultural Connections, Active Explorations and Epicurean Experiences—each with their own unique itinerary, perhaps swimming with turtles in Tobago Cays or a private kayak tour along the coast of Reykjavik, Iceland. Every excursion is handcraed with local guides, ensuring a truly customized experience. "[e shore experiences] are not only unique and forward-thinking in their design, but illustrate our commitment to providing rare opportunities to today's luxury traveler," says Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for e Ritz- Carlton. "Combining e Ritz- Carlton's unparalleled service with journeys created specifically to offer immersion into the culture of the destination, e Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will set a new standard in sea travel and redefine the yachting experience." Reservations are now open for the e Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's inaugural season, which is set to kick off with a 10-day trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Bridgetown, Barbados—making stops in Fort- de-France, Martinique, Terre-de- Haut, Guadeloupe and Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis to name a few. Guests will also have the option to book back-to-back voyages without visiting the same port. And because e Ritz-Carlton is a subsidiary of Marriott International, there are rewards opportunities as well. "e opening of reservations marks an exciting milestone for e Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which is set to redefine luxury at sea," says Prothero. "Whether you are looking for culture, adventure, or the chance to go off the beaten path, we are thrilled to be able to invite guests to explore the world with e Ritz- Carlton Yacht Collection." The Terrace Suite V U E N J . C O M 81

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