Location & Check-In
The journey began in Istanbul, with guests having the option to commence their luxurious adventure from the Peninsula Hotel. A brief, five-minute taxi transfer whisked us away to Istanbul's Galata Port, a unique facility recognized as the world's first underground cruise terminal. Upon arrival, the process of dropping off luggage was handled with impressive efficiency by friendly staff, setting an immediate tone of seamless service. We proceeded through security and then to the priority check-in desk, where passport verification, a health checklist, and placing a credit card on file were completed swiftly. Our cruise pass was promptly issued, and we were guided directly to the ship.
Stepping aboard the Ritz Carlton Yacht Ilma, guests are met with a warm welcome and a quick scan of their cruise card, leading into the ship's elegant lobby. Here, guest services and a concierge are readily available to assist. The Ilma is part of the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, an ultra-luxury cruise line launched in 2022 with the ambitious promise to blend the renowned Ritz Carlton hotel brand's hospitality with the exclusivity of a yachting vacation. This particular sailing on Ilma, one of two new, larger vessels introduced to the fleet, aimed to address and overcome the reported issues from their inaugural ship, Eva, which included pool closures, F&B discrepancies, and butler service challenges. The Ilma, at 791 feet in length, may not be the largest vessel, but its unique selling proposition lies in its near 1:1 passenger-to-crew ratio and the highest space per guest in the cruise industry, ensuring an intimate and uncrowded experience. The ship's corridors, leading to the suites on Deck 6, felt distinctly hotel-like, a refreshing departure from typical cruise ship aesthetics, reinforcing the brand's commitment to a refined ambiance from the very first moments onboard.
Room & Facilities
Our accommodation, Signature Suite 658 on Deck 6, offered a generous 560 square feet of private space. The suite's design exuded sophistication, commencing with a comfortable yet firm sofa in the living room, perfectly positioned for enjoying movies on the 55-inch television. A tablet and telephone provided a direct line to the dedicated butler service. Adjacent to this, a well-appointed cupboard housed tea and coffee making facilities, an assortment of snacks, and a generously stocked mini-bar, all of which were included in the voyage fare. A small dining table, ideal for in-suite dining, greeted us with a welcome bottle of Moët, with the promise of replenishment upon request.
The bedroom featured a king-size bed, adorned with an abundance of pillows for personalized comfort. Conveniently placed by the bed were lighting controls and multiple power outlets, including USBC and A ports. A thoughtful design element allowed the bedroom to be completely closed off, enhancing privacy. While the suite did not boast a walk-in wardrobe, the built-in storage offered ample space for clothing, complemented by luxurious robes for use onboard. A separate dressing table in the suite's corridor featured a Dyson hairdryer, a testament to the attention to detail at this price point. The bathroom was a highlight, clad in Italian marble, featuring double sinks, a bathtub, and premium Diptyque amenities. Behind two separate doors, a private toilet cubicle and a spacious rainfall shower completed this opulent sanctuary.
Beyond the suite, the Ilma's facilities were designed for ultimate guest comfort and enjoyment. Deck 10 hosted the pristine main pool and the Mistral Sunset Bar, where all drinks are included, offering sweeping aft views. The adjacent sundeck, reminiscent of a chic beach club, provided ample space for relaxation without crowds. However, the observation terrace at the front of the ship was a missed opportunity, with a steel wall obstructing the forward view. On Deck 5, The Beach House offered Central and South American cuisine, featuring an aft terrace and the ship's secondary pool. For those inclined to indulge, midship boutiques presented a curated selection of luxury brands, from Bulgari and Hermes handbags to Rolex watches and Ritz Carlton merchandise.
The Living Room served as the yacht's social heart, boasting a full-service bar, plush furnishings, a dance floor with live evening entertainment, and a coffee shop where specialty coffees and gelato were included without a price list. Wellness facilities on Deck 4 included a spa with several treatment rooms, a sauna, and a salon, with pricing aligned with industry standards and notable reductions from previous sailings. A 24/7 fitness center and studios offering chargeable classes catered to active guests. A standout feature was the Water Sports Marina at the ship's aft. Accessible via a Marina Terrace, it offers direct access to a floating pontoon for activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking, epitomizing the superyacht experience. Guests must sign a waiver at the Marina Reception on Deck 2 before participating. Practical amenities like a laundry room for guest pressing were also available, underscoring the ship's comprehensive offerings.
Dining & Service
The culinary journey aboard the Ilma was a highlight, characterized by an array of exceptional dining experiences, largely included in the fare. Our evenings often began with a pre-dinner aperitif served in-suite by our butler. This thoughtful touch included a bottle of Moët, which could be replenished, alongside options like a Hendricks and tonic, complemented by a personal favorite: caviar. The inclusion of such premium items without additional charge was a refreshing departure from standard cruise line practices.
Our inaugural dinner was at Setasu Ilma, the ship's sole paid restaurant, situated on Deck 3. Despite the mind-blowing $700 price tag for a 10-course tasting menu for two, this was graciously included as part of our booking through a specialized Marriott Travel Advisor. The experience was an extravagant two-hour affair, commencing with a glass of Conte de Monte Carlo Champagne. Appetizers featured exquisite caviar, toasted brioche with red king crab, and a gazpacho with olive oil gelato. The bread course presented Italian sourdough with Tuscan extravirgin olive oil and cultured farm and seaweed butter. Subsequent courses included langoustine carpaccio with peach and basil emulsion, sea bass garnished with caviar and a Mediterranean herb sauce, and delicate lobster ravioli with ginger emulsion. The main event was a Wagyu beef ribeye, complemented by a 50-year-old balsamic, retailing at nearly $500 a bottle. The meal concluded with a rich dark chocolate with gelato, leaving an impression of unparalleled gastronomic indulgence.
Mornings began with the convenience of pre-ordered room service breakfast, delivered promptly to our suite. The menu offered a wide selection, from shakshuka and Greek yogurt parfait to a pastry basket, fruit platter, and avocado toast. Our Nespresso machine in-suite, stocked with preferred Ilspresso capsules, ensured a perfect caffeine hit. Lunch at The Beach House on Deck 5 offered a delightful array of Central and South American cuisine. Highlights included fried chicken and a trio of dips, followed by main courses such as Peruvian rotisserie chicken and a soft shell crab sandwich—a significant improvement over the disappointing equivalent on the previous vessel, Eva.
Dinner at Tides, also on Deck 3, provided a more traditional yet equally refined dining experience. While an extensive wine list included some upcharges for premium selections, the inclusive house Moët was always available. Dishes like amberjack with tomato reduction and caviar, or octopus with comfy potatoes and smoked paprika, showcased culinary artistry. Main courses varied from slow-cooked chicken and poached langoustine to a Greek kebab with tzatziki and pita bread. The dessert selection was solid, with a memorable profiterole trolley and the fabulous Ritz Carlton Yacht signature cake.
Mistral, an informal dining venue on Deck 10 aft, offered Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the added charm of al fresco dining on its terrace. Its breakfast menu was notably extensive, though our lighter appetites favored avocado on toast or an omelette. Our final evening's dining at Memory, the ship's contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant, specializing in Southeast Asian fusion and sushi, was utterly outstanding. The open sushi bar created an engaging atmosphere as we indulged in shrimp tempura sushi, dragon roll sushi, king salmon nigiri, crispy chicken, royal imperial dim sum, cauliflower, and grilled octopus. Dessert, including a black sesame chocolate cake with peanut butter ganache, provided a spectacular conclusion.
Service throughout the voyage was nothing short of phenomenal. The near 1:1 passenger-to-crew ratio ensured personalized and attentive care. Staff were consistently friendly, efficient, and proactive, anticipating needs before they arose. The butler service was a standout, managing everything from in-suite dining to communicating via the suite's tablet. Despite carrying over 400 passengers, the ship maintained a quiet, uncrowded ambiance, with virtually no wait for amenities like elevators, further enhancing the sense of exclusivity and impeccable service.
