First Ritz Carlton Yacht Expertise

A Nice First Ritz-Carlton Yacht Expertise

We have been so glad we booked a Caribbean cruise as our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise.  Our cruise was only one a part of a luxurious Caribbean trip deliberate with some nice lodge stays earlier than and after the cruise.  We boarded the Evrima after a quick keep in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  And departed the ship for a brief keep in Fort Lauderdale.  

Our customer support expectations have been fairly excessive after we booked our cruise and the Women and Gents of the Ritz actually delivered.  We had enjoyable on some cruise excursions however took a number of days off and simply loved this luxurious ship.  

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Evrima positively offered the pampering atmosphere we loved with beautiful frequent areas, low key leisure and a few enjoyable particular occasions.  Not every little thing was good however we nonetheless had a great expertise.  As we cruised, we thought of why this expertise was sometimes called a “yacht experience” or typically as a “floating hotel”.  

The Women And Gents Of The Ritz Delivered On The Model Promise

Our experiences with the Ritz-Carlton Resorts model set a really excessive bar for our customer support expectations after we cruised on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht.  We puzzled if the identical degree of customer support might be delivered in a cruise atmosphere.  And we have been delighted after we discovered the concentrate on customer support excellence we anticipated.

From the second we entered the cruise terminal, we have been rapidly escorted by way of the arrival course of.  We have been impressed all through the cruise with the visibility of the senior and center administration leaders.  They stopped and regularly engaged with the company.  Enter was sought and the suggestions recorded. 

Virtually with out exception, the employees have been pleasant, useful and genuinely within the company.  We may rely on restaurant employees for excellent useful solutions.  Our cabin group went out of their approach to perceive and ship on our wants.  In all places we went we discovered the Women and Gents of the Ritz! 

At each alternative, your entire group wished to ship a pleasant expertise.  As a really small instance of the concentrate on each element …. The captain informed us they stroll the anchor to the sting and decrease it quietly to scale back the standard noise heard on cruise ships when anchoring early within the day exterior a port.  We knew from expertise how good this modification was!

We had a couple of minor points throughout our cruise.  However we discovered every was absolutely acknowledged and instantly a decision was sought.  This wonderful customer support restoration was what we took away and never the problems.  The customer support was exemplary on our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Was All Suites

Very similar to most of the luxurious cruise traces, all the cabins have been suites with balconies.  There have been many bigger suites above the one we selected however we wished to see what the bottom degree cabin was like.  Sadly not one of the bigger suites have been vacant on our cruise.  So we couldn’t try what bigger suite we would need sooner or later. However each cabin got here with Moet Champagne – often known as “Ritz water”.

We booked a Mid-Terrace Suite which was the entry degree suite.  We debated totally different places on the ship and eventually selected a set on Deck 6.  On this degree the balconies have been only a bit greater and it was a simple stroll to all ranges within the ship.  Two chairs with ottomans have been on the balcony.  

The format of the cabin was fairly typical.  A really giant toilet and bathe was a really nice deal with – though there was no bathtub at this degree.  However the giant toilet got here at the price of a misplaced walk-in closet.  Even so, we had no hassle hanging all the garments we introduced. 

The one odd design function was the dearth of a small couch.  There was only one chair and a stool below the mirror.  So after we each hung out within the cabin, one in all us sat on the mattress.

General the Ritz-Carlton yacht suite we booked was fairly much like what we discovered on most different luxurious cruises we’ve got achieved.  The employees’s consideration to element and customer support was persistently on the Ritz-Carlton normal.  And that did make a distinction on our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise.

Staying Linked Whereas Cruising

As a more recent ship, Evrima was nicely outfitted with electrical shops and had a wise interactive television the place all ship info was obtainable.  A small pill was additionally in every cabin with entry to the identical info as on the television.  

We downloaded the Ritz-Carlton Yacht App earlier than we left dwelling.  This good cellphone App may solely be activated as soon as we have been onboard.  It was purported to have the identical info on the television and pill.  However we typically discovered the knowledge there outdated.   

The ship used StarLink for satellite tv for pc providers and every passenger had their very own login for fundamental WiFi providers.  This was so a lot better than having to share one WiFi account for each of us in a single cabin.  We discovered the WiFi sufficient for the work we did onboard with out paying for one of many upgraded packages.  General WiFi was a a lot better “free” service than on different ships we sailed. 

On our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise we had no hassle staying related and sharing our voyage as we travelled.

The Yacht Supplied A Lot Of Inside House Per Passenger

Luxurious cruise ships typically had a far superior passenger house ratio.  The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Evrima had a passenger house ratio even higher than different luxurious traces.

This meant that for a smaller ship, all the frequent areas felt giant and ethereal.  The Residing Room on Deck 4 had our favorite espresso bar and barista Vishal.  Day by day Vishal delighted us with a brand new design on our cappuccinos.

There was loads of seating nicely unfold out on this space and it was a quiet spot to take a seat through the day.  This massive house labored out completely since this was the world the place day excursions gathered earlier than leaving the ship.  On our “at sea” day, a number of social occasions have been held on this space.

On the highest deck we discovered the Remark Lounge.  This space was large enough to carry all 298 passengers for social occasions.  Once more we discovered the seating to be nicely unfold out.  There was further seating exterior and the views from the highest have been nice.  

The nicely spaced inside areas made in every single place really feel very roomy.  Due to the design, it will be a bit arduous to make use of these areas for big instructional shows and there was no theatre-styled room.  However this yacht expertise didn’t supply such occasions.  For the smaller group occasions we discovered on the Ritz-Carlton Evrima, the general public areas labored nicely.

We by no means had an issue discovering quiet, elegant and alluring indoor areas on our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise.

Out of doors Areas For Enjoyable And Quiet

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Evrima port schedule typically adopted the nice and cozy climate from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and again.  This meant that 3 of the 4 principal eating places had numerous outside tables.  This gave us nice views as we ate al fresco.  However when the climate turned nasty, the indoor restaurant house was at occasions squeezed.

We really deliberate a couple of days with no excursions to benefit from the pool and loungers whereas many individuals have been off the ship. There have been a number of pool or whirlpool areas on totally different ranges.  The swimming pools have been small plunge swimming pools and the whirlpools have been heat jacuzzis and never sizzling tubs. 

On Deck 9 we discovered a a lot bigger deck with a whirlpool.  And a great provide of “Ritz water” for self-service. It was an important quiet spot to flee.  On that very same deck we discovered lounge chairs alongside the aspect within the shade.  This was an important spot to take a seat with a guide. And if we actually wished to loosen up there was all the time the spa!

There was positively outside house on our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise to fulfill everybody’s wants.

The Marina Deck Was A Large Bonus

The decrease deck of Evrima was an enormous platform used for outside water sports activities.  We had a Marina deck earlier than after we cruised within the Caribbean with Windstar Cruises. And we even received to make use of the Marina Deck on the SilverSea Endeavour on our Antarctica cruise. So we regarded ahead to this deal with. 

The Marina was solely open when the ship was at anchor and solely when the ocean state was calm sufficient.  We have been fortunate to have the Marina open for 2 days on our cruise.

For entry to this space, we signed an in depth waiver.  A really small space was roped off for swimming or actually simply bobbing as a result of lifejackets have been required by all.  

The Marina had common kayaks, pedal kayaks and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) to be used by company. There was additionally a small HobieCat sailboat though we didn’t see it used.  We had plenty of enjoyable after we took the pedal kayaks out – even when we needed to keep fairly near the rear of the ship for security causes.

There have been a couple of extra lounge chairs on the water degree that have been claimed fairly early when the Marina was open for water sports activities.  We loved the massive bar and lounge space on this deck for our Marriott Bonvoy reception.  This was a quiet spot to take pleasure in when the Marina deck was open however no water sports activities have been allowed.

Our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise was positively enhanced when the Marina deck was open.

Particular Experiences On Our First Ritz-Carlton Yacht Expertise

Once we received our cruising paperwork, we discovered that there can be two particular nights onboard.  The En Blanc night time was a buffet and social gathering night time with passengers wearing white.  The Havana night time was a celebration night time with way more vibrant apparel.  Whereas some folks didn’t learn the emails or selected to not take part, we have been delighted with how many individuals have been absolutely ready for the festivities.  And the ship was adorned to match the theme night time.

As a Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite member we received a couple of particular advantages.  Free laundry was actually appreciated after we spent a couple of days in Puerto Rico earlier than the cruise.  Sooner or later we have been escorted with a couple of different Marriott Elite members for a bridge tour.  It was attention-grabbing to see the trendy instrumentation used on this new ship.  

On one other day our concierge Johanna took us out onto the bow of the ship.  Whereas there was an unlimited open deck, this space was not accessible to passengers since entry was by way of the crew corridors.  A bit unusual after we spent a lot time on the bow of the ship when we cruised in Antarctica.  

We cherished the possibility to take part within the particular experiences on our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise.

Our Meals Expectations Have been Very Excessive

We have now been spoiled after we sailed with Oceania Cruises which is understood for the “Best Cuisine At Sea”. Travelling on a bit greater ships, we received used to many alternative venues with plenty of choice and meals that regarded and tasted nice.  It was a excessive bar to fulfill as we moved to a lot smaller ships.

Our expectations for excellent meals was additionally set by our stays at Ritz-Carlton accommodations.  On the Ritz-Carlton Pinha Longa Resort in Portugal, we loved a variety of fantastic meals experiences on a resort with two Michelin rated eating places.  An extended weekend on the Ritz-Carlton Montreal offered us with meals delights within the Maison Boulod restaurant.  And on the Ritz-Carlton Santiago we have been handled to an incredible chef dinner with a number of programs of native foods and drinks.  

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Evrima had a number of totally different restaurant areas.  4 of the eating places have been open to everybody at no further price – the Pool Home, Evrima Room, Mistral and Talaat Nam.  Non-public rooms and comfy tables with a view have been obtainable throughout the Evrima Room. The S.E.A. restaurant was an additional cost and on a 7 day cruise with busy days we selected to not guide this venue.

The entire eating places have been open for reservations from 6:30 till closing.  Reservations might be made on-line prematurely for S.E.A. However for the others, reservations couldn’t be made prematurely on the net web site.  So after we boarded, we handed our restaurant preferences to our concierge.  We received all of the bookings we wished with no points.

Meals Was Not The Favorite Half Of Our First Ritz-Carlton Yacht Expertise

The menu at S.E.A. and Talaat Nam have been mounted and by no means modified.  However the menus within the different eating places modified a couple of objects each 3 days. So for these venues we received at the very least some change within the menus throughout our cruise.

The wonderful thing about eating on a cruise ship with selection within the menus was the flexibility to strive issues we would not usually have.  A few of our selections turned out to be large successes and have been repeated.  Some selections have been left on our plates uneaten. By the previous few days we discovered we have been repeating the few picks we actually preferred.  However we could also be far pickier than others.  

Sooner or later Afternoon Tea was provided within the Evrima Room.  We cherished to take our time with a leisurely Afternoon Tea service after we travelled.  We selected the candy and savoury objects we wished from a menu.  However our favorite was the sunshine buttery raisin scones.

Sooner or later we ordered room service for breakfast after we had an early tour.  There was actually no place in our cabin to arrange a desk and chairs for 2 folks.  So it was a great factor the climate was okay for breakfast on the patio.  Lets simply say this was not a Ritz-Carlton expertise in any respect.

Whereas there have been a couple of fails within the meals, the customer support within the eating places was all the time exemplary. Meals points have been acknowledged and addressed instantly. Workers took the time to assist us by way of menus to pick and order particular requests for “no spice”. And there was all the time extra meals to supply after we wanted to interchange a range.

More often than not we ate nicely on our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise.  However we sadly weren’t wowed by the meals.  Maybe our expectations have been too excessive.

Heaps Of Areas For Socializing

We’re not large drinkers and should admit we will’t share plenty of expertise with the bars round Evrima.   However we all know they have been typically busy social areas.

Our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise had an all inclusive drink bundle.  We may have wine, beer, cocktails or good liquor at any time of day.  There have been further higher shelf liquors and an enhanced wine record obtainable for further expenses too.

Since we drink so little, we knew we by no means received our cash’s price with consuming packages.  However it was good to have a drink after we wished.

For people who smoke there was a Humidor Room on Deck 10.  This was a lot bigger with nice views than many we discovered on different ships.  And after we regarded in, it was a well-used social house.

Should you wished to drink and smoke, there was a number of house on the small ship Evrima.

Giant Cruise Ship Leisure Was Lacking For Some Individuals

We don’t search for large leisure or casinos after we cruise.  Actually, we stayed away from the bigger ships the place every ship appeared to go greater and higher to attract new passengers.

The leisure on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Evrima was low key.  There was no Cruise Director main actions across the ship day by day.  And no overhead bulletins to maneuver folks from occasion to occasion.  For our one sea day there have been just some small occasions publicized.  

The band chief Tom welcomed us onboard together with his guitar and huge repertoire of songs whereas we had lunch on the Pool Home.  On the En Blanc night time, the band offered extra dwell leisure.  Tanya the DJ was a favorite along with her energetic tunes.

A number of occasions a day one of many leisure group offered dwell music.  However there was no stage present at night time and no actual venue for one in the event that they wished to offer one.  There was no on line casino on board both.  Though we have been informed the nightly trivia sport grew to become fairly aggressive!

The leisure choices have been nicely publicized so it shouldn’t have been a shock to any of the passengers.  However some may need missed having extra alternative or greater productions.  We have been completely entertained on our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise.

A Caribbean Cruise With A Good Itinerary, Ports and Excursions

We selected a Caribbean cruise from Puerto Rico to Fort Lauderdale for our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise.  It was straightforward to get to and from the ship ports.  And we added some luxurious lodge stays on both finish of the cruise.  

There have been a lot of good excursions provided for a value for each port.  We deliberate a mixture of port tour days and left different days free to only benefit from the ship.  And we solely had one sea day on this cruise.  

On our cease in Virgin Gorda within the British Virgin Islands (BVI) our tour took us first for a land tour for panoramic views of the islands.  After which we took a ship journey and noticed Virgin Gorda from the water.

Jost Van Dyke was our second port within the BVI.  We had a sunny and largely calm as we headed out for a snorkelling tour.  

In Grand Turk in Turk and Caicos we received off the ship for a brief stroll within the cruise port and in San Salvador within the Bahamas  we by no means left the ship.  We used these two days to actually benefit from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Evrima whereas many others have been on excursions.  And we have been delighted after we may go to my finest pal on our cease in Nassau, Bahamas.

This Caribbean cruise was deliberate as a calming break from a busy journey 12 months in 2023.  We have been glad we received some good shore excursions blended with time to benefit from the ship.  

Was It A Yacht Expertise On A Floating Ritz-Carlton Resort?

We have been not likely certain what to anticipate when many individuals stated the Ritz-Carlton Yacht was a special luxurious cruising expertise that offered a “yacht experience” and never a “cruise ship experience”.  We didn’t have plenty of expertise with non-public yachts.  However we did have some nice Ritz-Carlton lodge experiences.  Reflecting on our journey, there have been some issues that maybe have been fairly totally different on this primary Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise from different luxurious cruises we did.

1) Ship Atmosphere

The decor of this specific Ritz-Carlton Yacht was certainly way more like a luxurious lodge than cruise ship. In speaking to senior employees, a lot of the decor was special-ordered to be distinctive.  We have been certain that the picket flooring would doubtless not be on any future ship.  It reminded us of many Ritz-Carlton accommodations we stayed at.

Aside from teams of boisterous folks having enjoyable, we discovered the ship atmosphere quiet and stress-free.  The bigger indoor areas buffered sounds.  Music was typically at a decrease quantity across the ship.  

2) Much less Structured

We discovered there was virtually a complete lack of overhead bulletins to maneuver folks from occasion to occasion. The Captain solely did an announcement when he apologized for being late into port when the winds have been too excessive to dock after we arrived.  This made for a really quiet and fewer structured cruise expertise.  Though new cruisers may need wished a bit of extra course.

3) Costume Code 

Once we began to cruise with SilverSea Cruises, we struggled a bit of with the variety of nights that required fairly formal costume. Travelling with Oceania Cruises, we preferred the “Country Club Casual” that required some degree of applicable clothes for night time eating venues. Actually, one night time David was despatched to vary his sneakers when he confirmed up for dinner together with his costly sandals on!

Whereas on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Evrima there was a “Yacht Sophisticated” costume code, it was by no means enforced.  Individuals wore what they wished to any venue.  Many individuals selected to decorate up.  Many others felt completely comfy in public areas in swimwear.  It was a really informal “come as you choose” ambiance.  The yacht felt like many different excessive finish seashore resorts we visited.  And was maybe extra like a Ritz-Carlton resort than lodge.

4) Good Itinerary However No Unplanned Stops

The smaller dimension of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht meant that a lot smaller ports have been visited.  However we nonetheless had a hard and fast itinerary.  

We have been a bit shocked that there have been no little diversions for attention-grabbing sights as a real yacht would possibly supply.  This was very totally different than our expedition cruise to Antarctica the place the tour chief and Captain had fairly a little bit of liberty to decide on nice spots for excursions day-after-day.

5) No Butler Service

Once we booked luxurious cruises, we typically had a butler shared with different cabins.  Whereas there have been cabin attendants to make up rooms, the butler offered private providers. 

We’re not actually butler folks and customarily had few calls for. But when we had room service, they set a correct desk and typically even served course by course.  Day by day canapés and particular treats have been delivered day by day.  And the butlers by no means forgot that David is a chocoholic! We even had a butler who escorted us to dinners.  And one other who stored a provide of my favorite ice cream as a deal with day-after-day!

On the Ritz-Carlton Yacht, there have been no butlers at our cabin degree. As a substitute we had a shared concierge who was thought of a “personal assistant”.  Our concierge checked in with us periodically but it surely didn’t seem she really offered any providers immediately.  We weren’t certain what if something we may ask of her.  Or if this service was totally different if we had a bigger suite.  This concierge position appeared much like Buyer Expertise roles we discovered at different Ritz-Carlton resorts.

Fantastic Reminiscences From Our First Ritz-Carlton Yacht Expertise

We have been so glad we lastly received our first Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise.  It was one thing we wished to do for the reason that first ship was launched.

It was nice to flee Canadian winter for a couple of weeks on our luxurious Caribbean trip.  We explored some new cruise ports and had some wonderful outside experiences.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Evrima group delivered exemplary customer support and set a brand new bar for our cruising expectations.  The ship was luxurious and spacious.  The expertise was laid again and we certain loved our time onboard.  Some elements of our cruise didn’t exceed our luxurious cruising expectations.   However on stability, we have been very pleased with our Caribbean cruise from San Juan to Fort Lauderdale with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Membership.  

We all know there are thrilling enlargement plans for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Membership.  New ships, expanded itineraries and revolutionary ideas would would certain lure us again to expertise this wonderful degree of customer support.

Have you ever had a primary Ritz-Carlton Yacht expertise?  Did the expertise make you a convert?

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