NEW YORK – Global luxury travel network Virtuoso has accepted The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection into its portfolio of world-class cruise lines, providing an exciting new option as the desire for an elegant small-ship experience continues to grow among its discerning clientele.
“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a natural partner for Virtuoso due to our long-standing alliance with this renowned luxury brand,” said Beth Butzlaff, vice president of cruise sales at Virtuoso. “With 56 Ritz-Carlton properties already in our Hotels & Resorts portfolio, we know how strong the appetite is among our clients for The Ritz-Carlton experience, which it consistently delivers seamlessly. Now offering the choice to enjoy that excellence on land or at sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will introduce new guests to cruising, which is welcomed news for the entire industry.”
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will offer significant advantages to Virtuoso clients. In 2020, it will participate in the network’s Virtuoso Voyages cruise enhancement program, offering six sailings with complimentary benefits to guests who book through a network advisor. Two of the voyages will feature a Virtuoso host as well as the guest’s choice of a complimentary shore excursion, shipboard credit or private car and driver. All six sailings will offer an exclusive cooking class and chef’s tasting.
“We are delighted to partner with Virtuoso and their robust global network of luxury travel advisors,” stated Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “As a Virtuoso preferred cruise line, we look forward to enriching the guest experience through the Virtuoso Voyages program and offering a highly personalised yacht style experience to Virtuoso clients – not only existing cruise and Ritz-Carlton customers, but also those who are new to cruising.”
Combining the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton and the freedom of yachting, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will offer voyages on the first of three custom-built yachts in 2020. Most itineraries will range from seven to ten nights, providing many overnight calls and unique, curated shore experiences. Each yacht will offer 149 suites, all with a private terrace, and accommodate up to 298 guests in a casually refined ambiance. As with The Ritz-Carlton on land, each yacht will feature highly personalised service, inspired dining and luxury amenities. Reservations are open for the 2020 inaugural season, which will begin in the Caribbean in February.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection joins Virtuoso’s portfolio of the finest cruise companies, now featuring 33 lines. Guests can choose among ocean, river, yacht and expedition ships with thousands of itineraries visiting ports the world over. Virtuoso also offers advisors passionate about cruising the opportunity to refine their specialty in the Virtuoso Voyages Community, uniting advisors and partners to increase knowledge, collaboration and sales in the niche.
