A Week Aboard a Ritz-Carlton Yacht: A Luxury Resort at Sea

The service

The service was nothing short of outstanding. The crew knew our names from day one and made us feel genuinely welcomed. We were a group of six, celebrating my father-in-law’s 75th birthday. My 8-year-old was along for the ride. Every crew member greeted him by name whenever we passed, making him feel special.

Our suite

We stayed in a Terrace Suite on Deck 6, which was a perfect size for my husband, son, and me. The crew set up a small bed for my son on the floor—great for a younger child, but likely not ideal for anyone over the age of 10. The suite had ample storage, including a spacious closet (which was much appreciated since I’m a notorious over-packer!).

Exclusive perks

Since I am a STARS travel advisor, I was able to secure some amazing perks for our trip—just as I do for my clients. Upon arrival, we were greeted with fresh flowers, three complimentary hats, a bottle of Moët 2015 (a $100 value), a deck of playing cards, and a small stuffed animal for my son—a thoughtful touch.

Ideal location on Deck 6

Deck 6 proved to be the perfect location—just one floor from the main pool and breakfast area on Deck 5 and two floors up from the "Living Room," our favorite evening hangout for post-dinner drinks, card games, and board games.

Culinary excellence

The food was exceptional across the board, from the perfectly cooked eggs at breakfast to the formal dinners. One highlight was the seven-course wine-pairing dinner with a three-Michelin-starred chef. This experience is typically $250 per person; thanks to my STARS perks, I was able to use the onboard credits to get one of us to eat for free! Was it worth it? Absolutely! Even my son was treated to special non-alcoholic drinks and a custom menu suited to his tastes. The entire experience was on par with Michelin-starred restaurants I have dined at on land.

Pools & marina

While the pools are not large, they are well designed. We always found seating—even on sea days. The only downside? Limited shaded areas. More shade options would be a welcome improvement.

The yacht’s marina was a major highlight. It was open twice during our sailing, though water conditions prevented us from swimming in the ocean the first time. The second time, we spent hours swimming directly off the dock, kayaking, and enjoying music playing from the back of the yacht—a truly special experience.

Entertainment & nightlife

Live music filled the yacht daily, with an ever-changing selection of performances, including a night of jazz and blues-infused rock songs. The entertainment was top-notch, from trivia games to an extensive selection of board and card games in the Living Room.

The themed parties were another standout. The Havana Night transformed the pool deck into a Cuban-inspired club (complete with complimentary hats for guests), while the White Party turned the 10th-floor observation deck into a lively dance venue where everyone was up and celebrating.

A family-friendly atmosphere?

While the yacht does have a kids’ club, we didn’t use it. My son had an incredible time, but he enjoys being around adults and appreciates luxury travel. This is not a trip geared toward children, but he was warmly welcomed by both guests and crew. He is very well behaved and he enjoyed the trip.

Dress code & overall vibe

The yacht had a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Most guests wore resort-style clothing for dinner, with swimwear and cover-ups during the day.

A special treat: Bridge tour

As a unique perk, the captain gave us a private tour of the bridge—an unforgettable experience!

This trip exceeded my already high expectations. I completely understand why my clients rebook this experience time and time again. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has done an extraordinary job of creating a luxury resort atmosphere at sea. Waking up each morning to a new destination, with seamless service and world-class dining, was truly incredible.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.