Ilma, the second ultra-luxury superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has officially joined the fleet. Company officials took delivery of their new yacht at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
After two years of construction, the handover ceremony marked the final milestone of the construction, celebrated with several maritime traditions, including the changing of flags on board the yacht and a celebratory toast on top of the Ilma's expansive pool deck.
The handover ceremony was attended by executives from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Ernesto Fara, President and Chief Financial Officer, as well as Captain Steve MacBeath and more than 350 Ladies and Gentlemen of the yacht, who will take part 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 everyone involved,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
The Ilma, named after the Maltese word for "water," is 241 meters long and accommodates 448 guests in its 224 elegantly appointed suites. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace with sweeping sea views, connecting travelers to the coastlines they sail along. Boasting one of the largest space-to-sea ratios, the Ilma includes two new, spacious Superior Suites offering ample outdoor space to relax and enjoy the enchanting scenery.
Continuing the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton at sea, the yacht boasts one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruise category, providing almost one staff member for every guest.
In addition to unparalleled accommodations, Ilma boasts five restaurants, seven bars, a wine cellar, and exclusive spaces such as an expanded marina with a mezzanine and The Ritz-Carlton Spa® with 11 treatment rooms. Onboard amenities include three distinct fitness spaces and a dynamic pool and entertainment area on Deck 10. A reimagined destination onboard is the Beach House, a vibrant pan-Latin restaurant and lounge inspired by a global beach house, conceptualized with Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo Design, which will transport guests to a beachfront paradise with 180-degree views.
The ship has four dual-fuel engines that use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as their primary fuel source. Furthermore, Ilma is equipped with the latest energy efficiency measures and advanced water treatment systems to minimize its environmental impact.
The new vessel joins the company's inaugural yacht, Evima, to sail 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.
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