The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has officially christened its second luxury yacht, Ilma, during a celebratory ceremony at Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, on 11th December, 2024.
The event followed maritime tradition with a ceremonial blessing and the symbolic breaking of a Champagne bottle on the ship’s hull, marking the start of Ilma’s service under good fortune and safe travels for all on board.
The event was attended by prominent figures from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, including Jim Murren, executive chairman and CEO, and Ernesto Fara, president and CFO, alongside Captain Magnus Bengtsson and General Manager Sasha Tyas.
Also present was Father Sandford Sears, affectionately known as “Father Sandy,” who led the official blessing.
A unique aspect of Ilma’s christening was its group of godmothers, a collective of female leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s shipboard and shoreside teams.
This gesture reflects the company’s commitment to recognising the contributions of women across all levels of the organisation.
“The christening of the Ilma marks a significant moment in our journey as we officially welcome this extraordinary yacht into our fleet. The Ilma represents growth and the exciting future of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,”
“We are incredibly grateful to all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this beautiful yacht to life, from our dedicated team members to our global partners.”
Jim Murren, executive chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
The event was attended by local officials, employees from the company’s Ft. Lauderdale office, and invited guests, all of whom gathered on board Ilma to mark the occasion.
The Ilma joins Evrima in the Caribbean
The Ilma is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s second vessel, following the launch of its sister ship, Evrima, which debuted in 2022.
After its official christening, Ilma will join Evrima in sailing the Caribbean for the 2024-25 winter season, offering exclusive voyages to the region’s most sought-after islands.
Ilma made its official debut earlier in the year, sailing from Monte Carlo to Rome in September 2024 as part of a series of inaugural voyages in the Mediterranean.
After its Caribbean season, the yacht will head north for summer 2025, exploring the picturesque waters of Northern Europe.
The 2025 itineraries will mark The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first-ever sailings in the North and Baltic Seas, where guests can visit iconic destinations such as Copenhagen, Reykjavík, and Bordeaux.
These new voyages are designed to offer a blend of cultural discovery, stunning natural beauty, and the company’s hallmark ultra-luxury experience.
Expanding the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection aims to redefine the concept of luxury cruising, offering a more intimate and exclusive experience compared to larger, traditional cruise ships.
The Ilma will continue this trend, following the path set by the Evrima. The brand positions itself as a bridge between the worlds of private yacht charters and small-ship luxury cruises.
The name “Ilma,” which means “water” in Maltese, reflects the ship’s emphasis on elegant design, refined service, and deep respect for the maritime tradition.
With itineraries spanning the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, Ilma aims to offer passengers a new level of exclusivity and refinement at sea.
As The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection expands its fleet and enters new regions, the company is poised to attract travellers seeking ultra-luxury cruises with a focus on immersive destination experiences, world-class dining, and personalised service.
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