Ritz-Carlton's new Yacht Collection cruise ship is fancy AF

With new ships from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Princess, and MSC along with new cruise line Virgin Voyages, 2020 is shaping up to be a huge year for the cruise industry.

But there’s another contender that might make the biggest waves across the industry. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is bringing unprecedented luxury to the cruise industry with its custom-built mega-yacht style cruise ships.

The inaugural ship, Azora, will bring a modern luxurious feel to cruising. Partnering with famed design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden, Ritz-Carlton is making sure Azora wows even the most seasoned of cruisers.
“A yacht evokes the feeling of freedom and the ability to go where you want in the world at your own pace. The inaugural yacht of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is designed to reflect this emotion by making guests feel as though they are onboard their own private yacht,” said Fredrik Johansson, Owner and Executive Project Director of Tillberg Design of Sweden. “In addition to a casually elegant atmosphere in the suites, dining venues and open areas to relax, there will be plenty of little escapes and private corners of the yacht, really giving guests the ability to define their experience.”

All 149 suites on the ship have private terraces and floor to ceiling windows. New renderings released by Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection give us new details on what to expect come 2020.

Six categories of suites range from the 312 square foot The Terrace Suites with their 67 square foot private terraces to the impressive 1,098 square foot Owners Suites with their 592 square foot terrace that has a private whirlpool. Azora will have the highest percentage of larger suites in all luxury cruising.

The Owners Suite has separate dining and living room areas, a bedroom with glass walls allowing for views of the ocean past the private terrace, a walk-in closet, and one and a half baths. Azora will have two Owners Suites on-board.

With a unique two-story design the Loft suites are the second largest on the ship clocking in with 700 sq. ft. The upper level has a half bath, a 76 square feet terrace, and living and dining room area with a sleeper sofa. The lower level has a large bedroom with a picture window and a full bathroom with a shower.

The 635 square foot Grand Suites have dual walk-in closets, a bathroom with a separate shower and tub, and 108 sq. ft. terrace.

Known as the View Suites, though some paperwork by RCYC has called these the Vista Suites, these shotgun house-style suites run along the sides of Azora and have floor to ceiling glass panels that can open allowing for the ocean breeze to fill the rooms. Separate living and dining areas provide plenty of seating. Azora will have four View Suites ranging in size from 571 sq. ft. to 624 sq. ft. with a sleeper sofa in each. The bathrooms have separate bathtubs and showers.

The Signature and the Terrace suites are similar with the Signature suites having a small hallway, a sleeper sofa, and separate bathtub and shower.
Like all Ritz-Carlton rooms, all suites on Azora will have double vanities, luxury linens, and king size beds. All suites have flat screen smart televisions, espresso machines with complimentary coffee and teas, and complimentary WiFi. All guests will be offered a choice of a complimentary chilled bottle of Champagne or wine when boarding.

Unlike most cruise ships and hotel rooms, suites on Azora won’t have typical doors between attached suites. Instead, they have blind walls that slide away to connect the two suites. When not opened, the soundproof blind walls look like just another wall.

Beyond the suites, Azore will have five onboard restaurants including one by Sven Elverfeld, head chef of the three Michelin-starred restaurant Aqua. Other amenities include a multi-level sundeck, a champagne bar, and a kids program.

While children are welcome on Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruises its estimated that they will make up less than 5 percent of all bookings, with the majority of those around holidays.

298 passengers will be served by a crew of 246, making Azore one of the best passenger per crew ratios at sea (a 1 to 1.21 ratio).

The christening for Azora will take place in Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 1, 2020, just ahead of next year’s Super Bowl in Miami. Bookings are now available. Stay on top of Orlando news and views. Sign up for our weekly Headlines newsletter.