Ritz-Carlton Yachts set sail to captivate Australian travellers

• The storied brand Ritz-Carlton is relatively new to the cruise market.
• But this year, it’s third yacht will launch and it is already gaining a reputation.
• Service is the key reason people sail with the brand.

The allure of luxury yachting is increasingly capturing the attention of Australian travellers, and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is positioning itself as a key player in this market.

The brand’s unique approach, blending the legendary service of Ritz-Carlton hotels with the intimate and exclusive experience of a superyacht, is resonating with discerning Australians seeking a different kind of sea voyage.

The Ritz-Carlton brand boasts a rich history, tracing its origins back to Swiss hotelier César Ritz, renowned as the “king of hoteliers.” Ritz redefined luxury accommodation in Europe, managing iconic hotels like The Ritz in Paris and the Carlton Hotel in London. Notably, Ritz and his chef, Auguste Escoffier, even brought their culinary excellence to the seas in the early 1900s, operating “Ritz-Carlton” a la carte restaurants on Hamburg-Amerika Line ocean liners.

This legacy of providing unparalleled luxury experiences has carried forward into the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

In an interview with Cruise Passenger, Seb Seward, Vice President of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, discussed the growing interest from Australian travellers and the key differentiators that set Ritz-Carlton Yachts apart.

“We’re definitely seeing growth in the number of Australians and Kiwis booking and travelling with us,” Seward revealed.

Ritz-Carlton difference

Seward emphasized that the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a distinct experience compared to traditional cruising, even within the luxury segment. He highlighted three key differentiators:

• Exclusivity: “The size of the yachts, the number of people on board…it’s a lot more exclusive,” Seward explained, contrasting the yachts’ capacity of 298 and 450 guests with larger luxury cruise ships accommodating 700 or 800 passengers.
• Service: This is where the Ritz-Carlton legacy truly shines. “The Ritz-Carlton service is legendary,” Seward stated. Drawing on his experience, he emphasized the brand’s dedication to providing a level of personalised attention rarely found even in the ultra-luxury cruise segment. “We have almost one of our ladies and gentlemen on board for every guest,” he added.
• Yachting Experience: The yachts are designed to access “the most beautiful yachting destinations, generally away from the crowds,” according to Seward. Features like the marina platform at the yacht’s stern allow guests to swim directly from the vessel, creating a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of being on a private superyacht.

Who is a Ritz-Carlton guest

Seward noted that while it’s still early days, the demographic of Australian guests aligns with a broader trend: a slightly younger, often still-working demographic, alongside more traditional cruise enthusiasts and intergenerational family groups. “Generally, what we’re seeing…is that it’s a slightly younger demographic, generally still working,” he said. He also highlighted the appeal to multi-generational families, with grandparents, children, and grandchildren travelling together.

Mediterannean itineraries

Europe, with its captivating coastlines and rich cultural heritage, remains a key destination for Ritz-Carlton Yachts. Seward expressed his personal preference for the European itineraries, highlighting their focus on accessing “coveted yachting destinations.”

“We’re doing it generally on an anchor basis, where we can access the most beautiful locations, away from those crowds,” he explained.

Ritz-Carlton Yachts offers a range of Mediterranean itineraries, including shorter five-night options and itineraries with overnight stays in ports like Livorno, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the destination.

“We try not to rush ticking off destinations,” Seward stated. “We’re trying to allow our guests to really enjoy and immerse themselves in the destination.”

Next new yacht

With the launch of its third yacht, Luminara, in July 2025, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is expanding its reach and solidifying its position in the luxury travel market. While acknowledging the strength of the Ritz-Carlton brand in markets like the US, Seward emphasized the importance of educating the Australian market about this unique offering.

“In Australia…there isn’t necessarily huge affinity to or knowledge of the brand,” he noted. “So there is still an education piece that needs to be made.”

However, the early signs are promising, with repeat bookings already being seen, indicating high levels of guest satisfaction.

As Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection continues to expand its global presence, including the upcoming deployment of Luminara to the Asia-Pacific region, it is poised to capture the imagination of Australian travellers seeking an extraordinary and unforgettable yachting experience.

For more go here.