The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection took delivery of its second ultra-luxury superyacht, Ilma, on Friday at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint- Nazaire, France. After two years of construction, the delivery ceremony marked the final build milestone, celebrated with several maritime traditions, including the changing of flags on board the yacht and a celebratory toast on top of Ilma’s expansive pool deck.
The delivery ceremony was attended by company leadership from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, including Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO, and Ernesto Fara, President and CFO, along with representatives from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, including Laurent Castaing, General Manager, and Arnaud Le Joncour, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Project Director. Also in attendance was Captain Steve MacBeath and over 350 of the yacht’s Ladies and Gentlemen, who will participate in a series of preparation voyages before welcoming guests for Ilma’s maiden voyage from Monte Carlo on 2 September 2024.
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“Today marks the culmination of a shared vision and the relentless pursuit of excellence, a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of all those involved,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We are deeply grateful to the exceptional teams here at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, whose hard work and passion have brought this vision to life.”
“Ilma represents a collaboration of two likeminded organisations committed to excellence, offering the best in both hospitality and shipbuilding,” said Arnaud Le Joncour, SVP Sales and Marketing of Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Program Director.
“The design and construction of Ilma has been a distinctive project for Chantiers de l’Atlantique that has elevated the highest luxury standards in terms of guest experience, technical innovation, and craftsmanship. We are incredibly proud to deliver an ultra-luxury cruise product that achieves both elegance and performance.”
Named after the Maltese word for “water,” Ilma measures 241 metres and accommodate up to 448 guests across its 224 suites. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace. With one of the highest space ratios at sea, Ilma includes two new, spacious upper category suites offering ample outdoor space to lounge and soak in the enchanting scenery.
Harmoniously blending contemporary craftsmanship with a relaxed ambiance, Ilma showcases refined interior finishes envisioned by renowned London-based architectural and design firm AD Associates and award-winning lighting designer DPA. The yacht’s exteriors reflect the vision of Helsinki-based design studio, Aivan, drawing inspiration from the graceful aesthetics of private yacht design. Continuing to bring the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton to sea, the yacht boasts one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruising category, providing nearly one staff member for every guest.
In addition to unparalleled accommodations, Ilma features five restaurants, seven bars, a wine vault, and signature spaces such as an expanded Marina with a mezzanine feature and The Ritz-Carlton Spa® with 11 treatment rooms. The yacht’s amenities include three distinct fitness spaces and a dynamic pool and entertainment area on Deck 10. A reimagined onboard destination is the Beach House, a vibrant Pan-Latin restaurant and global beach-house inspired lounge space conceptualised with Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo Design, which will transport guests to a waterfront haven with 180-degree views.
Reaffirming The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s commitment to implementing more sustainable practices, Ilma features four dual-fuel engines utilising liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its main fuel source. Additionally, Ilma is equipped with the latest in energy efficiency measures and advanced water treatment systems, with the goal of minimising environmental impact.
Ilma will build on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s vision of reimagining luxury cruising, offering travellers more opportunities to enjoy the highly tailored itineraries for which the company is recognised. Ilma will join the company’s inaugural yacht, Evima, in sailing to iconic yachting destinations and hidden gems throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
In the summer of 2025, Ilma will explore the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe, offering guests the opportunity to discover dynamic cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Reykjavík, and more.
More on the superyacht and its itineraries can be accessed at ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/yachts/ilma
Lead image, from left are: Ernesto Fara, President and Chief Financial Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; Pascal Favreau, Ship Erection Manager of the project, Chantiers de l’Atlantique; Sebastien Le Boulluec, Senior Project Manager of the project, Chantiers de l’Atlantique;
Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique; Steve MacBeath, Captain of Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Arnaud Le Joncour, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Program Director
