“The Unvarnished Traveler” by Brian Raymond

For travelers seeking the pinnacle of luxury at sea, Ritz-Carlton Yachts and Four Seasons Yachts offer an ultra-premium experience that blends the best of high-end hotel hospitality with the intimacy of yachting. But how do these two elite brands compare, and which one is right for you? Let’s take a deep dive into what each has to offer.

The Similarities: Luxury Hospitality Meets the Open Sea

Both Ritz-Carlton Yachts and Four Seasons Yachts bring the same high standards of service and elegance that their land-based properties are known for. They cater to discerning travelers who value privacy, personalized service, and exceptional culinary experiences. Here’s what they have in common:

• Exclusive, Intimate Atmosphere: Unlike traditional cruise ships, these luxury yachts offer a small-ship experience with fewer passengers (Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima accommodates about 298 guests, while Four Seasons Yachts will host approximately 100 suites with a guest capacity around 200-250).
• Suite-Only Accommodations: Both lines feature spacious, all-suite accommodations with private terraces, luxurious interiors, and high-end amenities.
• Exceptional Dining: Michelin-inspired, fine-dining experiences with multiple gourmet restaurants onboard, curated by world-renowned chefs.
• Personalized Service: A nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio ensures top-tier service, including private butlers and concierge assistance.
• Curated Itineraries: Each brand prioritizes bespoke experiences, with overnight stays and extended port visits in destinations not typically accessible to larger ships.
• Wellness and Spa Offerings: Comprehensive wellness programs, world-class spas, and fitness facilities designed to mirror their luxury hotel counterparts.

The Differences: What Sets Them Apart

Despite their similarities, Ritz-Carlton Yachts and Four Seasons Yachts differ in several key aspects, which can help you determine which is better suited to your luxury travel style.

1. Brand Philosophy and Design

• Ritz-Carlton Yachts: The design philosophy leans toward modern, contemporary elegance, resembling a floating Ritz-Carlton resort. The aesthetic is sleek, understated, and sophisticated, emphasizing a warm yet refined ambiance.
• Four Seasons Yachts: While still embodying modern luxury, Four Seasons aims to bring a distinctive, yacht-inspired experience, designed for exclusivity and high-end personalization. The ship’s architecture and interior design will feature innovative layouts with an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.

2. Accommodations & Suite Design

• Ritz-Carlton Evrima: Suites range from 300 to over 1,000 square feet, all featuring private terraces and large windows to maximize ocean views.
• Four Seasons Yachts: Promising some of the largest suites at sea, some accommodations will offer triple-level designs with expansive terraces and plunge pools, creating a villa-like experience.

3. Dining & Culinary Approach

• Ritz-Carlton Yachts: Evrima offers five dining venues, including an exclusive dining experience by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua (the three-Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg).
• Four Seasons Yachts: While details are still emerging, expect a more diverse culinary program, potentially including partnerships with celebrated chefs and ultra-personalized in-suite dining options. Lunch and dinners are not included in your cruise fare, nor are alcoholic spirits – kind of like if you stay at one of their hotels where drinks and meals are not included.

4. Wellness & Spa

• Ritz-Carlton Yachts: The Ritz-Carlton Spa onboard offers bespoke treatments, thermal suites, and holistic wellness programming.
• Four Seasons Yachts: With Four Seasons’ deep-rooted expertise in spa and wellness, their onboard spa experience is expected to be more expansive, integrating cutting-edge wellness trends and possibly offering more private treatment spaces.

5. Itineraries & Destinations

• Ritz-Carlton Yachts: Focuses on Mediterranean, Caribbean, and transatlantic crossings, with bespoke shore excursions tailored to luxury travelers.
• Four Seasons Yachts: Expected to explore Mediterranean, Caribbean, and more remote island destinations, potentially with an edge in exclusive, off-the-beaten-path stops.

6. Price & Value

• Ritz-Carlton Yachts: Generally priced at a premium, with all-inclusive rates covering accommodations, dining, and most experiences.
• Four Seasons Yachts: Expected to be even more exclusive, possibly commanding higher prices due to the larger suites and hyper-personalized experiences. Lunch, dinners, and alcoholic spirits are not included.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Ritz-Carlton Yachts if:

✔ You love the refined, contemporary luxury of Ritz-Carlton hotels. ✔ You prefer a slightly larger yacht with a balanced mix of relaxation and curated activities. ✔ You want a luxurious, yet comfortable and approachable small-ship experience. ✔ You’re looking for a proven luxury yacht product that is already sailing. ✔ A more inclusive fare including lunch, dinner, and alcoholic spirits.

Choose Four Seasons Yachts if:

✔ You want next-level exclusivity, with ultra-spacious suites and innovative yacht design. ✔ You value Four Seasons’ legendary hospitality and expect their signature personalized service. ✔ You are willing to pay a premium for a new, cutting-edge yacht experience that offers unparalleled privacy and luxury. ✔ You’re interested in a more villa-like experience at sea.

The Verdict: Both Offer Unparalleled Luxury at Sea

Ultimately, both Ritz-Carlton Yachts and Four Seasons Yachts deliver a new era of ultra-luxury cruising, offering a seamless blend of privacy, indulgence, and curated travel experiences. If you’re looking to sail soon, Ritz-Carlton Yachts is already operational, making it a solid, reliable choice. If you’re willing to wait for a groundbreaking, high-end yachting concept, Four Seasons Yachts is shaping up to be a game-changer.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be immersed in an intimate, world-class yachting experience, where the journey is just as luxurious as the destination.