What To Know For Your Voyage on the Ritz-Carlton Evirma
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Today I want to give you my tips and tricks for booking a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection voyage. I recently sailed on the Evrima, and I have a lot of thoughts. When you're paying over $1,000 per person, per night at sea, you'd better be getting the experience you think you're paying for — so let's make sure you pick the exact right yacht vacation for you.
Tip #1: Understand th Evrima
The biggest mistake you can make is assuming this is a normal cruise. It's not a mega ship and it's not a mainstream cruise line. The Evrima more like a boutique luxury resort at sea. It's even different from a Ritz-Carlton on land, which I often find has too many rooms to deliver what the brand promises. I absolutely loved my time aboard the Evrima, but it is not for everyone, since some may miss the activities and action of a larger ship. Understand what it is before you book, and you'll be far happier with the experience.
A Ritz-Carlton Yacht voyage is a big investment, and the logistics — flights, tender ports, picking the right ship and suite — are trickier than a mainstream cruise. I'm a travel advisor and can book it for you at no extra cost, often with extra perks, and help you plan every detail. Get a free quote and grab my free travel tips on Substack: substack.com/@jacksonjetsetting.
Tip #2: Pick the Right Itinerary
I did a three-night voyage to places I'd always wanted to go, like St. Barths, plus a return to Virgin Gorda (which I love). These ships sail all over the world on typically-longer sailings, so account for weather and season:
Many stops are tender ports, and if the seas are rough the day you arrive, the ship may have to skip the port entirely.
The Evrima has a heavily promoted marina — snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking right off the ship — but it isn't guaranteed. On my voyage we couldn't deploy it, not because of weather but because the port authorities wouldn't allow it. Some activities are simply out of the ship's control.
Embarkation ports can be harder to reach than the Miami/Fort Lauderdale mega-ship hubs. I sailed from San Juan (relatively easy, but a long flight from the West Coast), and farther-flung voyages get trickier to plan. Using an expert travel advisor like myself can help you get to port easier!
Tip #3: Choose Your Suite Carefully
I found myself hanging out in my suite far more than expected — partly because it was incredible (the Signature Suite, one step up from the base Terrace Suite), and partly because there are fewer planned activities than on a big ship, so I had time to read and catch up on things on land.
Capacity matters: the Signature Suite fits four guests; the Terrace Suite fits three. If you're traveling with kids or a larger group, upgrade so you're not cramped.
There are stunning options all the way up to multi-level suites, and service from your suite ambassador is excellent.
Any suite you choose will be impressive — but picking the right one for your group is one of the most important planning decisions, and exactly where a good travel advisor earns their keep.
Tip #4: Know What's Included
For the price you're paying, most things are included — but not everything:
Included: nearly all dining and beverages (including free-flowing Moët champagne), steam room and sauna access, and room service.
Not included: the spa (as expected), flights (some luxury lines bundle these; Ritz-Carlton did not on my voyage), the upcharge restaurant S.E.A. ($250 per person), and shore excursions.
A gripe: some shore excursions were astronomically priced. I'd love to see Ritz-Carlton include a few, or at least offer some at a lower price point.
Tip #5: Make Dining Reservations As Soon As You Board
You can book S.E.A. before you sail, but every other dinner reservation is made onboard. Board early and lock in your dinners — I got everything I wanted by stepping in as one of the first guests. The catch: switching is hard once the voyage starts. I couldn't move my reservation at Talaát Nam (the Asian restaurant, a favorite) on the last night, even with fewer than 300 people aboard.
A few dining notes: room service is included and was served hot (rare on a ship, so make use of it), there are no buffets, but there's a small grab-and-go coffee stand with light bites. Otherwise, you're ordering from a restaurant or room service.
Tip #6: Pack for a Luxury Resort, But Keep It Casual Side
What surprised me most was the casual dress code on Ritz. While pants were required in the dining rooms, I saw no tuxedos aboard. There was a White Night theme (common across luxury sailings), but no true formal nights. That may vary by voyage. I was comfortable in dark jeans with a polo or button-down. I wore dressy sneakers all week and was never turned away. The vibe is upscale but not stuffy, which I welcomed.
Tip #7: Don't Expect a Lot of Entertainment
There were nice evening performances (they brought a Broadway performer aboard), and longer sailings add lectures, but during the day it was mostly a morning and afternoon exercise class, plus trivia one day. Honestly, I was a little disappointed by how few activities there were. The gala events and cocktail hours were excellent and well-timed around sunset, and they revolved heavily around food and drink (which is what most guests want). But there's a lot of downtime, so pack your own entertainment — bring that book you've been meaning to read.
Tip #8: Marriott Bonvoy Members, Set Your Expectations
If you sail because you love the Marriott/Ritz-Carlton brand, don't expect a ton of recognition:
There was a nice happy hour on the marina terrace at sunset, and I got one free pressing on embarkation day (great for dinner shirts) as a Platinum.
Ambassador members get free laundry.
The letdown: earning is just 5 points per dollar on cruise fare, with no elite multipliers like the hotels on land. I wish the recognition and earning matched what loyal Marriott guests get elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a genuinely special, boutique-luxury way to sail — if you go in understanding what it is: relaxed, food-and-drink-focused, intimate, and light on activity. Pick the right itinerary, the right suite, and lock your dining early, and the Evrima delivers an incredible experience.
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Ready to book a Ritz-Carlton Yacht voyage — or another luxury cruise? Get a free quote; it's free to work with me. Sailed the Evrima or another luxury yacht? Tell me in the comments!
