Ilma is the Maltese word for water, and the name of the newest superyacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which just proved her prowess at sea.
The second ship in the Ritz-Carlton fleet has completed sea trials and is into final preparations for her maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome on Sept. 2. The 224-suite ship will welcome up to 448 guests, joining sister ship Evima in sailing to iconic yachting destinations throughout the Mediterranean and wintering in the Caribbean.
To gear up for the expansion of the fleet that will eventually grow to three, Ritz-Carlton is also making strategic promotions and additions to its management team. Jens Gorka has been promoted to Chief Shipboard Operations Officer, Phillip Herbert to Vice President of Hotel Operations, Andrea Leistner joins as Vice President of Procurement and Supply Chain, and Frank Koppelkamm steps in as Senior Director of Culinary Operations.
As The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection prepares to welcome Ilma and anticipates the debut of Luminara, these appointments underscore the company’s focus on curating immersive, personalized experiences and ensuring exemplary service for luxury travelers, shaping its evolution to innovate in premier yachting experiences, says Ernesto Fara, President and CFO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Ilma’s sea trails ensured that the ship will provide superior comfort and optimal performance at sea, engineers from shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection said. The tests checked seakeeping, noise, vibration, and wind comfort. Each spacious suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace offering sweeping sea views, connecting travelers with the shores they are sailing.
During the late summer and fall, Ilma will explore the Amalfi Coast and the beloved Greek Isles, continuing on to celebrated yachting destinations such as Monte Carlo and cultural gems including Rome and Barcelona.
In the summer of 2025, Ilma will inaugurate itineraries in the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe, offering guests the opportunity to discover intriguing cities including Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Reykjavík.
