The Ritz-Carlton Takes to the Sea - First Luxury Hotel Brand To Offer Bespoke Yacht Experiences

Setting Sail in 2019, Custom-Built Luxury Yachts to Bring the Iconic Ritz-Carlton Service and Style to Unique and Distinguished Destinations Around the World

 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., part of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), has announced its entry into luxury yachting and cruises – bringing the award-winning luxury hotel brand’s service and timeless style to sea. Created by The Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, in collaboration with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., The Ritz-Carlton will provide luxury hospitality service under a long-term operating agreement. Named The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, this venture represents a unique foray into the cruise industry for a luxury hotel operator. The first of three lavish cruising yachts in this series is scheduled to take to sea in the fourth quarter of 2019, and distinguishes Marriott International as the only provider of luxury accommodations both on land and at sea.

“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true stand outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalized service.”

Itineraries are being developed with an intent to combine the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton’s luxury resorts and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation. Calling at intimate and signature destinations alike, voyages will range from seven to ten days. The first ship will cruise a wide variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Due to the intimate size of the vessel, the yacht will call at unique locations typically not accessible to large cruise ships, from Capri and Portofino to St. Barths and the old town of Cartagena. With a relaxed pace, that includes both overnight and daytime ports of call, guests will be offered a uniquely curated destination experience.

The specially designed small capacity vessel will measure 190-meters, accommodate up to 298 passengers, and feature 149 suites, each with its own private balcony. The yacht will also feature two 138 square-meter lavish duplex penthouse suites, with modern craftsmanship and interior finishes jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and leading cruise ship design firm, Tillberg Design of Sweden. The onboard experience will reflect the sublime comfort and unparalleled level of individualized guest service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized; a first in the cruise industry.

“The Ritz-Carlton is known for its legendary service and high standards,” said Douglas Prothero Managing Director, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We are delighted to collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton as our hospitality operator in offering the most exclusive yachting experience to be found at sea in a venture that will give new meaning to curated luxury travel,” continued Lars Clasen, Managing Director, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Throughout the journey, guests will indulge in a cruising style that is unparalleled in the ultra-luxury cruise and private yachting sectors. The Ritz-Carlton yachts will feature a restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg; a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa; and a Panorama Lounge and wine bar, offering a wide variety of on-board entertainment. Additionally, the yacht will offer one-of-a-kind curated destination journeys through collaborations with local chefs, musicians and artists, allowing guests to experience the locations in unique and experiential ways, both onboard and ashore.

Reservations will open in May 2018. The ships of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter. For more information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/yachts. 

Live the Life Of A Celebrity On An Ultra Luxury Yacht Tour Of The Virgin Islands

Live the Life of a Celebrity On an Ultra Luxury Yacht Tour of the Virgin Islands 
7 Days of “Bucket List” Experiences for $252,000



Imagine arriving on a private jet to the enchanting paradise of the British and US Virgin Islands.  Picture visiting the most exclusive island retreats on a richly furnished, private yacht and being attended to by a superb staff, yours for an unforgettable week. See yourself surveying some of the area’s 60 + islands from a private helicopter. You’ll dine on five course gourmet dinners served at sunset on deserted beaches, visit storied venues only an insider would know, and be treated to a nature tour unmatched anywhere in the world. 

This adventure, with its impeccable “bucket list worthy” details, is provided by Hallas Travel, which creates bespoke luxury experiences in the most exotic locations on the planet. 

“Our clients are some of the world’s most discriminating travelers,” said Mo Sallah, Founder of Hallas Travel.  “We put our travel savvy to work for them, crafting exclusive experiences that are soul satisfying.”
 
The Virgin Islands Itinerary
6 nights/7 days, Maximum: 6 people

Day 1: Miami
From Miami, arrive in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands via private jet where you are met by Hallas Travel and transfer via Private Seaplane to the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.  Upon arrival in the North Sound, you will be taken to your private yacht for the week.  After meeting your staff for the week, enjoy the afternoon with an array of watersport activities or gourmet selections for your enjoyment.  Enjoy a North Sound sunset on the yacht prior to yourlocally inspired Five-course dinner.  Conclude your day under the North Sound stars before retreated to your private accommodations on your yacht.

Day 2: Virgin Gorda
Awake to the stillness of the North Sound and to a gourmet breakfast.  Enjoy Virgin Gorda for the day by starting with a sail to the Baths, a unique geologic formation with natural tidal pools, tunnels, arches that open to the sea.  Enjoy the afternoon with a selection of watersport activities or a privately chartered scuba dive excursion at one of the world-class dive sites in the British Virgin Islands. Your day will conclude with a private gourmet meal on the beach.

Day 3: Anegada
Spend your second morning in the British Virgin Islands with a local nature tour that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.  As your nature tour concludes, you will sail north to Anegada, the British Virgin Islands only coral atoll.  Experience marine life such as needle fish, mojarra, rays, and parrot fish while snorkeling the waters of Anegada.  As your days conclude, experience local cuisine and entertainment aboard your private yacht.  

Day 4: Scrub Island & Marina Cay
Depart Anegada in the early morning for Scrub Island and Marina Cay.  Have the option of relaxation and wellness activities or watersport activities upon arrival.  Enjoy lunch at Marina Cay before your private helicopter tour of the British Virgin Island’s 60 islands.  Spend your evening enjoying dinner surrounded by the cool Caribbean breezes upon the stern private yacht.

Day 5: Jost Van Dyke & White Bay
Arrive at the shores of Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the British Virgin Islands 4 main islands.  Enjoy the classic Island life in and around Jost Van Dyke – local establishments you will experience include Foxy’s, Ivan’ Stress-Free Bar and of course, the world famous Soggy Dollar Bar in nearby White Bay.   Conclude your liming and fun with a private dinner on your yacht.

Day 6: Saint John & St. Croix
Work through the British Virgin Islands memories of enjoyment with exploration of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park in St. John.  Over 7,000 acres to enjoy in paradise!   Take a step back in time learning about the stories related to the local windmills and ruins.  As your day concludes, enjoy dinner at a famous restaurant in St. Croix. 

Day 7: St. Croix
Spend your morning aboard your private yacht for one last picturesque breakfast view of the Caribbean sea and reminiscing of the islands and adventures your experienced the 6 days prior.  Experience a seamless departure as you take one last Seaplane experience to your private jet for departure from your Virgin Islands “Island Hopping” Experience.

To make a reservation or for additional information contact Hallas Travel at 704 313 8125 or www.hallastravelcom
About Hallas TravelHallas Travel crafts custom luxury and experiential experiences for individuals, small groups and corporations around the world.  Founder, Mo Sallah and his team employ their deep understanding of the world’s most celebrated locales to deliver bucket list-worthy adventures.  Learn more at www.hallastravel.com.  

Crystal Cruises To Launch The World's Largest Megayacht

Months after the successful launch of Crystal Yacht Cruises 62-guest Crystal Esprit, and in response to traveler's feedback and enthusiasm, the "World's Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line" is again upping the ante with the world's first purpose-built polar class megayacht.

Measuring 600 feet (183 meters) long, the 25,000 gross ton new build with 100 guest suites will be the largest and most spacious megayacht afloat.

During a special press event at the annual SeaTrade Cruise Global convention in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Crystal's President and CEO Edie Rodriguez announced the introduction of the line's first-ever expedition megayacht, Crystal Endeavor, which will debut in August of 2018. Named after Captain James Cooks' research ship "HMS Endeavour," which discovered Australia and New Zealand nearly 250 years ago – the newly built vessel will be designed for global expedition in Arctic, Antarctic and tropical conditions.

The megayacht will be the first purpose-built Polar Code compliant yacht in the world with a PC6 Polar Class designation. As such, Crystal Endeavor will be able to cruise in Polar Regions during the summer and autumn in medium "first year" ice which may include old ice inclusions. She will also be fitted with the state-of-the-art offshore dynamic positioning technology, with computer-controlled systems to automatically maintain the ship's position with its own propellers and thrusters. This will enable the megayacht to float atop coral reefs and other underwater wonders without utilizing anchors, which can damage the terrain or other underwater wonders in waters too deep for anchors.

With the state-of-the-art offshore dynamic positioning technology, Crystal Endeavor will cruise in the Arctic; then follow the route of migrating whales along the coast of the Americas and Europe to Antarctica during the winter. Along the way, she will visit remote islands in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, which cruise ships seldom call or cannot access. With a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV, used extensively in the offshore industry), expedition cruises will also be organized to see sunken galleons, warships and passenger ships, such as the Titanic at 12,500 feet, and with dynamic positioning, she will just hover over deep sunken attractions without using anchors.

The 200-guest capacity Crystal Endeavor will offer extreme adventures by air, sea and land with a complete range of "toys" which are not commonly found on today's megayachts, including two helicopters and two landing pads for flightseeing expeditions, as well as two, 7-person submarines, eight electric amphibious zodiacs, jet skis, wave runners, kayaks, fishing facilities, paddle boards, snorkeling and scuba equipment, recompression chamber, dive support tender and a multi-person ATV. To further deliver guest experiences distinct from any other expedition vessels, Crystal Endeavor will be equipped with SEABOBs – the world's most technically advanced and powerful underwater scooter – that allows you to move gracefully underwater.

The standard guest suites will measure a minimum 400 square feet (including balcony), larger than all current expedition and luxury cruise ships, while the yacht's two Owner Suites' will each boast a whopping 3,122 square feet (1,615ft2 interior and 1,507ft2 balcony), making them the largest guest suites of any megayacht afloat. Owner Suites' guests will enjoy a master bedroom and two guest bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living areas, private conservatory, garden and outdoor Jacuzzi, private spa and gym outfitted with sauna, steam room and treatment room. The Owners Suite can be connected to a penthouse suite (806ft2) for a combined square footage of 3,928 feet (2,227ft2 interior and 1,654ft2 balcony), - surpassing any current and future build accommodations at sea.

Crowning the megayacht will be Crystal's signature Palm Court, which will offer 270-degree panoramic views for whale-watching and viewing other wildlife. Crystal Endeavor will boast a combined Spa and Conservatory space of a 10,000 square feet, featuring a full-service Spa, Yoga, Pilates, Salon and Wellness Center; Jacuzzis; and an infinity pool whose base can be lifted to be a dance floor or an alfresco dining area. The megayacht will also feature six dining options, as well several guest amenities including a 200-seat theatre; numerous lecture rooms; cinema; card room; and a computer center.

True to the Crystal trend of spacious public areas, the vessel will offer numerous indoor and outdoor areas for guests' independent leisure and relaxation. Further, Crystal Endeavor will be all-inclusive and will offer the award-winning service for which Crystal has been celebrated for more than 25 years. The line's acclaimed butler service will be available for all guests, as the megayacht will boast a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, with 200 crew members serving the 200 guests on board.

Crystal Endeavor will be built by the Lloyd Werft Group, a collection of four shipyards in Bremerhaven, Germany, which has built over a thousand vessels, including cruise ships, ice-breakers, and megayachts. Crystal Endeavor voyages will open for booking in late 2016. Steel cutting for the ship will begin May 2016 and Crystal will take delivery in August 2018.

For more information and Crystal reservations, call your travel agent of Crystal Cruises at 310.785.9300, or visitwww.crystalcruises.com.

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

One & Only Palmilla Launches Exclusive Cruises Aboard New 90-Foot Catari Yacht

The award-winning beachfront resort,One&Only Palmilla, has announced the launch of its very own One&Only Catari Yacht, a 90-foot luxury vessel that will now be available exclusively to guests of the famed getaway in San Jose del Cabo. The One&Only Catari Yacht, which was custom-built in Italy, includes four cabins and can accommodate up to 25 guests on a day tour. It features an elegantly decorated fly bridge-perfect for having a drink while enjoying the views-and a spacious lounging area that allows guests to soak up the sun and the sea breeze. Guests have the option of dining inside the soft and neutrally appointed interior or on the expansive deck overlooking the water. A multi-course gourmet on-board menu can be custom-tailored to guests' preferences by the yacht's talented culinary team, and include signature specialties such as fresh fish ceviche, pesca del dia and flank steak fajitas. One&Only Palmilla, a AAA Five Diamond-rated resort, is situated at the tip of the Baja Peninsula and offers a 27-hole golf course, tennis, adventure, nature excursions and water sports. With the addition of a luxury yacht tour around the Cabo San Lucas Bay, guests can experience an exclusive excursion and view the spectacular Los Cabos area from a different perspective. The crew on board consists of a captain, a private chef and personal staff, to ensure that the exceptional service standards synonymous with One&Only are experienced. The One&OnlyCatari Yacht is the only yacht in Mexico to hold the esteemed RINA certification, which considers various factors including: on-board equipment, the prevention of marine pollution, safety and personnel. Activities available on-board The One&Only Catari Yacht include kayaking, standup paddleboarding, snorkeling and waterskiing. When guests return from their cruise, they can indulge in the One&Only Spa, relax by one of the pools, take a dip at the resort's Pelican Beach (the only swimmable resort beach in Los Cabos), or try "Mexiterranean" or Euro-Asian cuisine prepared by the resort's Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. One&Only Catari Yacht tours start at $1,800 for a two-hour excursion (including food and beverages), and at $7,000 for an overnight cruise for up to 10 guests (excluding food and beverages), plus taxes and service charges. Beginning in summer 2015, One&Only Palmilla will also debut a special package, combining four nights at the resort with the option of two or three nights aboard the One&Only Catari Yacht to explore the wonders of the Sea of Cortez and the Espiritu Santo Islands in La Paz. For more information about One&Only Palmilla, or for reservations please visit:oneandonlyresorts.com.    About One&Only Resorts Created exclusively for the ultra-luxury resort market, One&Only Resorts are conceived as hallmarks of excellence.  Set in some of the most beautiful locales in the world, each award-winning resort offers guests a distinctive style and personality borne of its local culture, a genuine hospitality and a lively energy that is unrivalled.   These properties include One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives; One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius; One&Only Royal Mirage and One&Only The Palm in Dubai; One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas, One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, One&Only Cape Town in South Africa and One&Only Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef in Australia.  One&Only has also announced plans to develop and operate three new One&Only resorts, in Sanya, Hainan, China; in Montenegro, which will be the first property for the collection in Europe and in Bahrain. More information on One&Only is available at oneandonlyresorts.com