Ultimate Luxury Escape: 3-Night ILMA Ritz-Carlton Cruise from San Juan to Virgin Gorda & St. Barth

If you're looking to embark on an unforgettable luxury getaway, the Ritz-Carlton ILMA three-night yacht cruise is the perfect choice. Departing from San Juan, this exclusive journey will take you to the stunning islands of Virgin Gorda and St. Barth’s. Whether you're cruising solo, with a partner or with family (yes, kids are allowed on the ship, although in smaller than large cruise ship ratios), this trip promises relaxation, adventure and world-class amenities.

This ultra-luxurious yacht offers an intimate, boutique cruise experience with only a select number of guests. The Ilma is no ordinary cruise ship. It’s a small, intimate luxury yacht, designed to provide a more personalized and serene atmosphere compared to large, crowded cruise liners. First-time guests will appreciate the exclusivity and more private feel. For those who may not have experienced luxury cruising before, this 3-night option is a perfect entry point. It's long enough to dive into a lavish escape but short enough to fit into a busy schedule. Offering a rare and unforgettable experience without the pressure of an extended trip.

Marriott Stars exclusive in room arrival gift; In room mini bar

Pre and post-cruise stays

La Concha is in the heart of Condado, San Juan, which offers a blend of vibrant city life and serene beachfront relaxation. La Concha provides a stylish, upscale experience right on the beach with a range of amenities, from stunning ocean views, a casino, to an ocean-front workout room.

We spent three nights at La Concha getting acclimated to the time change. During our time in San Juan, we hired a private guide to explore El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. We spent another day exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also known as El Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal and Old San Juan.

On our third morning, we enjoyed the free breakfast included in my perks at La Concha and literally walked upstairs at 11:30 am to begin our check-in for the Cruise. The Ritz completely takes over a fourth-floor ballroom, stocking it with bottomless champaign, soft drinks and snacks, giving you just a glimpse into what your onboard experience will look like. This allows for a stress-free prearranged transfer to the ILMA yacht, easing you into relaxation mode. Do ask Ritz personnel for disembarkation information at this time. You can plan to be brought back to La Concha via their free shuttle or private transportation.

Alternatively, if you prefer something more intimate, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel provides a historical yet luxurious atmosphere with oceanfront views and exquisite dining options. It is right next door to La Concha, in fact, these two properties share a beach.

In room sweet treat from Seta su ILMA; 10 course dinner, Nikki Beach

Essentials to bring

Packing for a luxury yacht cruise means you’ll want to balance comfort with sophistication.

Daytime casual: Light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton for daytime wear. Think sundresses, polos, shorts and light button-down shirts. Don’t forget hats, sunglasses and comfortable, stylish sandals or sneakers for exploring the ports.

Evening wear: The ILMA offers exquisite dining options and upscale themed evening events. Women can opt for a mix between sun and cocktail dresses, while men can pack a collared shirt with a blazer for a refined yet comfortable look. Our evening themed nights were En Blanc (all-white) and Havana Nights. Ladies garnered white eyelet material short to very long dresses or pant suites in all white for En Blanc and very vibrant florals and colored options for Havana Nights. Men tended to lean more toward light linens with collars or jackets for both nights.

Swimwear: With plenty of opportunities for sunbathing and water activities, bring at least two swimsuits. Colorful cover-ups, sarongs, large-brimmed sun and dad-style baseball hats were most notably worn. The yacht has excellent high-end reef-safe sunscreen stations on deck near each pool and outdoor shower.

Shoes: Pack slip-on shoes for easy access to the decks, comfortable walking shoes for exploring ports and evening footwear for formal dinners.

Other essentials

Waterproof phone case for excursions. Travel documents and identification, including your passport and any health-related paperwork required for travel.

Dining options

Dining aboard the ILMA is truly exceptional, offering a range of gourmet experiences — there wasn’t a buffet in sight. ILMA offers specialty dining, Seta su ILMA, to casual poolside eateries, Beach House. Breakfast on our balcony via Room Service (offered 24/7) quickly became our morning routine.

Layout and amenities

Spacious suites: Sleek, modern decor and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors offering spectacular ocean views. The suites feel extremely spacious and are designed for ultimate relaxation.

Spa and wellness: Indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the onboard spa. Offering a range of luxurious services like facials, massages and body treatments accompanied by cold and hot plunge pools.

Barber and salon services: The Salon offers a variety of beauty and hair services including manicure and pedicure treatments, hair cutting, styling and blow-drying. Next door at The Barber, gentlemen can enjoy a close shave before heading to the humidor to enjoy a Davidoff Grand Cru No 5 paired perfectly with a Macallan.

Macallan bar cart in the Humidor

Fitness center: Keep up with your fitness routine at the state-of-the-art gym or join a yoga class to stretch and relax.

Ritz Kids: Childcare services are not available on board; however, Ritz Kids is a great option for young ones to stay engaged. The program combines education with fun, allowing children to explore and learn while being entertained. Various sessions are available throughout the voyage for an additional cost, with enhanced options during the holidays and summer months.

Ritz shopping: Wow, just wow. While at sea, you can visit the Bvlgari boutique to view their stunning collections. There is also a vintage boutique that offers the largest Birkin bag collection I’ve ever seen. In addition, you can browse a curated selection of luxury items branded with the Ritz Carlton or ILMA logos. Sundries and luxury skincare and beauty products were also available, though purposely hidden to maintain a certain sophistication.

Water activities, pools and toys: There are two pools on the ILMA. The Main Pool and Pool Bar are located on Deck 10 and the Infinity Pool on Deck 5, offering endless views of the horizon. The Marina and Marina Terrace are on Deck 3, sitting right at the water’s edge, highlighting the perfect escape with sun loungers and seamless access to the sea. From paddleboarding to snorkeling and kayaking, indulge in a wide range of thrilling water activities, making it your ultimate playground while at anchor. Just above, the Marina Terrace awaits, offering breathtaking views alongside handcrafted cocktails and delicious light bites. This amenity is one of my absolute favorites — it offers you a glance into what it might truly look like to own your very own private yacht!

Entertainment: A daily activities schedule will be left in your suite during turndown service the previous night, helping to make the most of your luxury yacht experience. In addition to the water sports and pools, there is no end to the onboard entertainment and enrichment offerings. The ILMA has an Entertainment Director that coordinates everything from the Theme Inspired Nightly parties to the piano lounge with live music, dancing and DJ’s accompanied by a Sax player. We enjoyed an unforgettable pre-dinner experience at The Lounge. Featuring delicious bar snacks, dirty martinis with hand-stuffed blue cheese olives and live performances by the talented Resident Musicians every single night. The female singer could rival Nora Jones any day, and her piano skills were astonishing!

Shore excursions: While the Ritz Carlton offers a wide variety of excursions in the various ports, I naturally booked our own. I hired a private boat to explore a must-see list of islands I assembled in the Virgin Gorda area, ending at the newly rebuilt Soggy Dollar. The next day, we hit Saint Barths for a morning of shopping and private yacht viewing. Around noon, I flagged a taxi down to take us to our much-coveted lunch table at the famous Nikki Beach Club. Hiring a Travel Advisor to secure your Ritz Carlton Yacht experience would also allow you to request a fully customized shore experience.

Norman Island stop at Prirate's Bight

The Ritz-Carlton cruise experience offers an entirely all-inclusive journey where every detail is taken care of for you. For a single price, you get all of your meals, from gourmet dining to casual bites, included. The cruise even covers gratuities, so there’s no need to worry about tipping during your journey. It also includes premium beverages and personalized services that make your trip truly luxurious. From the moment you step on board, the price covers it all, leaving you free to indulge and enjoy without ever reaching for your wallet. Aboard the ILMA, you do have the opportunity to purchase dinner at the Seta su ILMA, premium special vintage wines or cigars at the humidor to enhance your inclusive sailing experience.

I’ve only scratched the surface of the unforgettable personal experiences and shore excursions I enjoyed during my Ritz-Carlton Yacht Adventure. From luxurious amenities to breathtaking destinations, there's so much more to explore. I could easily write a novel about my three-day journey! Let me help you create your own extraordinary experience by assisting in booking your next Ritz-Carlton Yacht adventure today!

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