Recent news from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection indicated the first yacht in the series, originally expected to launch in early February 2020, has now been delayed until June next year. However, we do finally have a name for the inaugural yacht – she will be christened Evrima, a word of Greek origin, meaning “discovery.”
Shipyard delays are not unexpected, (witness the setbacks experienced by the Scenic Eclipse which was recently delivered) especially for a prototype yacht of the calibre that Ritz-Carlton will deliver.
Having closely followed the last five years of the emergence of The Ritz-Carlton brand at sea and its plans for several yachts, we are getting ever closer to the first in class that will eventually become the Evrima.
With the knowledge I have about the debut of this stunning and ultra-glamorous vacation alternative, I have great anticipation about the onboard offerings and the fabulous suites, all with an individual terrace. More recently I have learned a lot about the onboard array of culinary options which will offer various charming venues and tasty epicurean delights.
Ten Tantalizing Culinary Experiences
As with any luxury travel experience, choice will be forefront on the new Ritz-Carlton yacht, with no less than 10 dining experiences, many open-seating, ranging from casual al fresco spots including a poolside grill, a main dining room, 24-hour in-suite dining, an Asian Fusion restaurant and the pièce de résistance, the signature specialty dining experience, S.E.A. designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, Wolfsburg, Germany.
Most dining will be offered on an all-inclusive basis as are the wines, select spirits and Champagne, with a daily offering of hand-selected vintages available by the glass and chosen from key wine regions. Gratuities are also included in the cruise fare. There will be an additional charge for à la carte beverages, premium wines and dining in the specialty restaurant.
Seating just 28 guests, S.E.A. will present an exclusive and intimate dining experience with a five-course culinary journey paired with fine wines and Champagne. It serves dinner and reservations are required.
Mistral will offer a casually elegant ambiance and fabulous views. Specializing in steaks and seafood prepared to order from the grill in a lovely outdoor setting, it will open for lunch and dinner.
Small plate Asian delicacies are featured at Talaat Nam which translates to Floating Market or Water Market in Thai. Guests dining here for lunch or dinner will enjoy a warm and comfortable atmosphere and can join the classic sushi counter, enjoy a family-style table or opt for gentle breezes and sea air while dining al fresco and enjoying the views.
Main Restaurant – Dine Anytime
The yacht’s spacious main restaurant newly dubbed The Evrima Room, showcases a contemporary à la carte offering, intimate seating arrangements and seasonally inspired menus highlighting local creations from the regions in which the yacht is sailing. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – dine where, when and with whom you choose.
Specialty-Dining
The Pool House, as its name implies, is a casual eatery also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving a variety of cuisines prepared à la minute in an inviting open-air space. Guests will be able to relax by the pool, snack on tasty dishes, enjoy a glass of wine or a blended cocktail while lounging on a chaise, getting some sun and watching the world go by. This venue also offers a fun pop-up experience with a variety of offerings such as a Spritz Station, Milkshake or Bloody Mary bar, a Mojito Cart and more.
Other choices for dining on the yacht include the intimate, laid-back Marina Terrace serving handcrafted cocktails and accompanying light bites accented by stunning views just steps above the water’s edge. Frozen treats and sherbets will also be served when the Terrace is open – only when the yacht is at anchor.
The Living Room, a communal oasis for guests, will serve freshly roasted coffees, baked pastries and tasty delights and also offers a modern twist on the Afternoon Tea tradition.
The-Marina-Lounge
And if there’s a preference to dine à deux, in the comfort of a spacious suite, or on their private terrace, then a 24-hour menu is available, and guests may order from the main dining room menu during regular hours.
Each suite contains an X9 Espresso maker for both tea and coffee service and a mini-bar fully stocked to each guest’s preference. A welcoming bottle of Champagne is also placed in each suite upon arrival.
When the Evrima does set sail, I have no doubt that she will elicit many compliments and offer a true wow factor. The attention to detail and the thoughtful design undertaken, along with the Ritz-Carlton adage of “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen” will, no doubt, be much-appreciated by both travel advisors and their clientele.
Vanessa Lee Columnist
An internationally-known luxury cruise expert, Vanessa is publisher and editor of Cruise and Travel Lifestyles magazine. She appears with Nina on the bi-monthly video Cruise Factor.
