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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, part of Marriott International, which boasts a luxury beach resort in Bahrain amongst its properties, has entered into the luxury yachting and cruises hospitality segment.
The move has been launched under a long-term operating agreement created by The Ritz-Carlton, in collaboration with Oaktree Capital Management and maritime operator Dolce Cruise Management and represents the first foray into the cruise industry for a luxury hotel operator.
The first of three lavish cruising yachts in a series is scheduled to take to the sea in 2019, and distinguishes Marriott International as the ‘only provider of luxury accommodations both on land and at sea’.
“The yachts of The Ritz-Carlton will have a distinctive personality and sense of place,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant, and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalised service.”
Calling at intimate and signature destinations alike, voyages will range from seven to 10 days.
With a relaxed pace, that includes both overnight and daytime ports of call, guests will be offered a ‘uniquely curated destination experience’. It is not known whether Bahrain will be on the schedule of stopovers.
The vessel will measure 190m, accommodate up to 298 passengers and feature 149 suites, each with its own private balcony.
The yacht will also feature two 138sqm duplex penthouse suites jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and cruise ship design firm, Tillberg Design of Sweden.
The Ritz-Carlton yachts will feature a restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa and a Panorama Lounge, offering a wide variety of on-board entertainment.
Reservations will open in February 2018. For more information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com
