The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Delays Debut

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced that they will be debuting the launch of their first ship, and therefore the launch of the line, to 2021. 

In a press release, the company said that "Due to delays at the Hijos de J. Barreras shipyard, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has been forced to reschedule the debut of the yacht’s inaugural voyage and subsequent voyages. Evrima, the first yacht of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, will now set sail on April 22nd, 2021 from Lisbon, Portugal to Palma de Mallorca, Spain.”

The majority of the shareholders of the Hijos de J. Barreras shipyard have agreed to give control to Cruise Yacht Yard Co Ltd, an affiliated entity to Evrima’s owner, Cruise Yacht 1 Ltd, also led by Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. This gives the newly formed oversight of the shipyard, and the new structure will ensure that Evrima debuts on time for her amended delivery date. 

“We sincerely apologize to all guests who were ready to sail with us. We remain deeply committed to ensuring a seamless delivery of the standards of quality and service that The Ritz-Carlton is known for as well as providing a highly customized, state-of-the-art build that will make our inaugural yacht the most distinctive of its kind,” Prothero said.

Passengers affected by the delay will be able to reschedule their voyage. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is extending voyage fare savings when guests reschedule, or full reimbursement for their cruise fare paid to date. Travelers that have independent air and hotel arrangements may also be reimbursed for change or cancellation fees that may incur. Travel agents who booked those guests will have protected commissions in the amount equal to the commission that would have been earned on the cruise-only fare, had the voyage not been canceled. 

Evrima was originally scheduled to launch in June 2020.

Information: Cruise Industry News