The YACHTS
Clock up knots aboard impressive superyachts that deliver you to the doorsteps of glamorous destinations.
THE JOURNEY
Fort Lauderdale, US, to San Juan in Puerto Rico with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
THE VESSEL
One of the newly launched Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima accommodates 298 guests. The superyacht is designed to fuse the residential feel of Ritz-Carlton resorts with the innovative design quality of the world’s most stylish yacht interiors. Guests can expect the kind of luxurious experience found in a Ritz-Carlton hotel. The vessel measures 190m long and features 149 allbalcony suites. The ultra-luxe 102sqm Owner’s Suites have a spacious terrace with a private spa pool overlooking the ocean. Down near sea level is an open-air marina platform offering direct access to the water.
THE PORTS
Evrima sets sail from Fort Lauderdale in Florida. First stop on this eight-night voyage is laidback Key West, southernmost city in the continental US, before heading to the glorious beaches and amazing marine life of Turks and Caicos Islands and the Dominican Republic. The yacht sails on via La Romana and Ponce, then docks in the colourful, 16thcentury city of San Juan in Puerto Rico.
THE EXCURSIONS
There’s an array of shore excursions on offer. In the Dominican Republic, guests can ride horseback across the forested mountains of the Samaná Peninsula to the waterfall of El Limón, and have a swim in the pool at its base. Continue the adventure in San Juan, where you can hike El Yunque to experience Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and then have a surf lesson at one of the area’s best breaks.
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES
Designed by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-star restaurant at The RitzCarlton Wolfsburg, menus reflect the cultural traditions of each port visited. Elsewhere on board, you can indulge in a spa treatment or gym workout, read a book in the beautiful Living Room and later watch the sunset in the Observation Lounge. ritzcarlton.com
THE JOURNEY
Valletta, Malta, to Athens, Greece, with the SeaDream Yacht Club private cruise line.
THE VESSEL
SeaDream II is designed with all the attributes of a classic yacht. Think polished teak, brass detailing and white and blue stripes. It’s like your own private villa at sea. Best is the Owner’s Suite: at 42sqm it has a separate bedroom and bathroom (with tub and massage shower) and a living and dining room area with guest bathroom. Guests can expect Bulgari amenities and Belgian bed linen. In a nod to owner Atle Brynestad’s Norwegian heritage, there are original artworks and glass pieces by well-known Scandinavian artists throughout the yacht.
THE PORTS
The 10-day, 112-guest cruise begins in Malta, travels to Sicily and Otranto, then docks in Ksamil in Albania. It’s onwards to Greece, including two days in Hydra, then Spetses and Nafplion, before disembarking in Athens. SeaDream II offers water sports, so when in port guests can choose to frolic in the sea or be led by crew on cycles or hikes to discover more of each destination.
THE EXCURSIONS
In Sicily, guests can choose to hike Mt Etna or take part in a feast at the Godfather Villa. On the isle of Spetses, you’ll enjoy views of the whitewashed buildings and seaside cafes by taking a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride along the seashore. The seaport town of Nafplion is not only one of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in the eastern Peloponnese), it’s also renowned for great wine. The SeaDream adventure offers a wine-tasting adventure here.
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES
Dinner can be enjoyed in the main Dining Salon or under the stars at the Topside Restaurant. After dinner, guests usually gather for drinks at Top of the Yacht Bar or in the Piano Bar. You can even sleep under the stars on Deck 6, where there are beds made up and pyjamas provided. Onboard, there’s also a small swimming pool, hot tub, fitness centre, daily yoga, tai chi classes and more. seadream.com