The Ritz-Carlton to get into the yachting business

Nancy Trejos | USA TODAY

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is taking its luxury brand to the seas.

The company, part of Marriott International, has announced that it is getting into the yachting and cruising business.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will debut with three vessels in the fourth quarter of 2019.

It will be Marriott’s first foray into the cruising business. After acquiring Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Marriott is now the largest hotel company in the world.

“This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalized service,” Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, said in a written statement.

Voyages will range from seven to 10 days. The first ship will cruise various destinations, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

The ships will be smaller than typical cruise vessels, allowing it to visit towns with smaller ports such as Cartagena, Colombia; Capri, Italy; and St. Barths.

The yachts will measure about 690 feet and fit up to 298 people. They will have 149 suites, each with a private balcony.

They will also have nearly 1,500 square-foot duplex penthouse suites.

The Ritz-Carlton has created the line with maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, in collaboration with Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. The Ritz-Carlton has agreed to a long-term operating agreement with its partners.

The yachts will feature a restaurant by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg in Germany. They will also have a Panorama Lounge and wine bar and a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Guests can make reservations starting May 2018.