Tried & Tested: Evrima, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The first ship in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has been braving the waves for a few months now, so it was time to take a closer look. From a luxury ship that's trying to bring the sophisticated hotel concept of its umbrella brand to the high seas, let's see how this gem on the water defines "ocean chic."
As experienced by LuxuryWise's Senior Editor, Cathrin Lührs
The Ship
Wow, quite striking this lady in dark blue, standing out elegantly against the lush green of the Azores island of Faial. It's here that I get my first close impression of the Evrima, which means "discovery" in Greek. All the other guests have already been on board since Puerto Rico and have completed the ship's first eastward Atlantic crossing. The chic yacht is moored in Horta for the day, and the passengers are off exploring the island.
Meanwhile, I marvel at the ship's elegance, which rivals that of a Ritz-Carlton hotel at first glance. When the Evrima is at full capacity, which is almost always the case for a cruise leading into the Mediterranean season, she holds 298 guests cared for by 246 crew members. Despite what may seem like a crowd, Evrima is expertly designed to accommodate her passengers on the 190-meter-long (620ft.) and nearly 24-meter-wide (79ft.) deck, with ample outdoor areas to explore.
The Design
Dark wood tones frequently meet marble and beige on the Evrima. But these are punctuated by splashes of color, and not just in the upscale boutique. In The Living Room for example, a kind of lobby bar/lounge on Deck 4 (pictured), there is a colorful collection of artwork. Later I learn it's not just for show, because there are more than 400 fine pieces on the ship, and they play a central role to the yacht's personality. Soon there will be an art and culture concierge who is very familiar with each of them, will offer guided tours, and (you guessed it) is also fluently versed with the art and culture of the ports of call.
Despite the fine works of art that are so prominent to the ship's aura, the underlying thread that wins the day is understatement. Nothing seems obtrusive. Rather, the Evrima aims to please everyone, and does a damn good job of it. It's worth looking twice in certain places to allow the design to reveal itself to you. For example, my first impression of the seats on the outside decks was that there were too few. With a double take I quickly realized there are more than enough of them, but that they're very cleverly arranged to optimize the space.
The Concept
If your clients are already experienced cruisers it's still worth elaborating on the Evrima. As the first luxury hotel brand to bring its services to the world's oceans, Ritz-Carlton has everything else in mind except for copying the experiences of existing cruise companies. Plainly put, this means that if your clients are looking for casinos, evening shows, and all the bells and whistles they're in the wrong place on the Evrima. On the other hand, if they are fans of personal service, excellent food, and the renowned Ritz-Carlton concept, then by all means, send them to this high-end yacht.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection sees its product as a hotel that is in a different location every day. The entertainment is limited to elegant music performances starting in the late afternoon and featuring piano-singer duets, as well as themed parties in the Observation Lounge. On sea days there are also a variety of offerings from fitness classes to coffee chats with the captain. Dance lessons in the Observation Lounge seem like an interesting choice, given one can develop a unique rhythm against the somewhat idiosyncratic waves of the Atlantic.
Perhaps you've noticed by now, but in case you haven't: the age demographic on the Evrima is mostly 50+. Of course, there are also guests well below and above that, and even children are welcome and well-served at the Ritz Kids Club. But with whom would your clients share the dance floor? At the moment it's mainly going to be with guests from the U.S., as the Ritz-Carlton brand is very popular there, and this love has beneficially translated to the still young subsidiary brand Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Europeans can also be found on board, but that demographic is still waiting to gain traction. This grand dame of the sea usually spends her summers in the Mediterranean, but in winter she turns her back on Europe and escapes to the Caribbean for seven-day voyages. The trips in Europe last an average of ten days and are therefore correspondingly more expensive than on the other side of the Atlantic, where a cruise starts at $5,500. For that you get an all-inclusive cruise, with one exception. But more on that later. Fun fact: solo travelers make up only about five percent of guests.
The Suites
No suite on the Evrima goes without its own terrace – sounds promising. I am booked in a Signature Suite, which is the second-lowest category and is a pretty decent size, clocking in at 40 square meters (430sq. ft.). In addition to an extremely comfortable king-size bed, there is a couch, an armchair, and even a dining table with four chairs in the living area. Unfortunately there is no actual room for them, because without moving the couch not even two people can comfortably sit here.
The terrace, on the other hand, is equipped with several chairs, tables, and a sun lounger – all thumbs up! I nearly gasp at the spacious bathroom with its huge bathtub and separate rain shower. The amenities are provided by the French luxury brand Dyptyque, but don't they make anything for the bath? While the usual foams and oils sit ready in the bathroom, the chic marble tub looks quite lost without any decoration, bath salts, and all the other fixings. The suite itself also feels like it could be spruced up and a touch happier with a little more decor.
According to the official suite description, a chilled bottle of champagne awaits every guest in the suite upon arrival. I would have been happy about that, and also about a proper rooming upon check-in, but unfortunately that was not the case for me. I attribute it to coming aboard in the middle of a crossing voyage, and the process was probably not part of the ship's protocol. Likewise, information about obligatory safety procedures, which every guest must be provided, was also missing. Guests are required to watch a video in their suite and then report to their designated emergency areas as a drill. I found the video by coincidence on Day 3. Not cool in case of an emergency.
I also discovered the secrets of the suite mostly on my own until the end of the cruise – without the help of my suite attendant, who is supposed to familiarize each guest with their home away from home. Speaking of which: The Loft Suites (pictured) offer a completely different layout – they are stacked between two decks and have an entrance on both levels. Of course the two Owner's Suites offer the most space, each with 101 square meters (1100sq. ft.), while the suites in The View category are designed for an amazing panoramic view.
The Culinary
One thing's for sure: no one goes to bed hungry on the Evrima. Not only are there five restaurants, but they all also come highly recommended. From Asian delicacies with a mega-sushi bar for dinner at Talaat Nam, to Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Mistral, to all-day dining with international and American specialties, as well as local-seasonal cuisine at the Evrima Room (pictured) – there is nothing that is not exquisitely prepared.
Breakfast is offered in the Evrima Room and Pool House, and like all meals it's à la carte only. Personally I wish there was a buffet option because I like having choices, and I like to sample things without getting so stuffed, but I manage to try two or three of the sumptuous main courses. Still, everyone will find something on the menu, as there are deliciously sweet, healthy, and savory American breakfast options. At the same time, the basket of bread and pastries ought to be served with jam and not just butter, but maybe I'm just my mother's daughter and that's my European palate expecting it.
An all-day supply of various drinks is available in The Living Room, which serves the early birds their first coffee or latte macchiato at 7am. Interestingly, the latter seems to be available on board the Evrima in an exclusively special form. It doesn't matter in which restaurant I order it and how clearly I pronounce the words "latte macchiato," the specialty espresso drink consistently comes in a small cup like a cappuccino. Perhaps it's the Evrima way of latte. Before I can ask, I discover a hot tip for passengers with a sweet tooth: in the back of the library, candy bars and chips are somewhat hidden for free.
Also a big plus: all food and drinks are included in the travel rate, except for the restaurant Sea (pictured). That's because it's the culinary star on board the Evrima. Sea is under the supervision of Sven Elverfeld, who just confirmed (Germany's only) three-star chef status at the The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg. He's been running the restaurant Aqua there for many years and designed the tasting menu for Sea. And let me grab you by the proverbial lapel and tell you now: it's seven courses that pack a punch (and not just because excellent wines accompany each course).
Whether it's Vitello Tonnato Upside Down or Elverfeld's legendary Flamed Lemon Créme – it's all fantastic, and comes at a pretty penny. Guests who book the tasting menu with wine pairings have to fork out a whopping $295USD per person. That may be a lot of money, but the quality and service match the rate.
The Excursions
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has created a whole range of excursions tailored to each port of call and they are run and organized by a dedicated team. To ensure that each guest knows where the cruise will take them the next day, there is a detailed briefing on the destination and the ship's docking point the evening before. The way it's presented is very accurate, but also hints at the age of the main target group. Let's put it this way: the Evrima team is very concerned about making sure that no one gets lost.
Unfortunately I was unlucky when it came to excursions, but that was more due to the weather than to the Evrima team. The Azores proved why they are so green, as it rained on São Miguel. And not just a little. In fact, it rained so much and so hard that my group could not leave the bus. We would have been drenched to the bone after just a few feet. This also meant there was no city tour in Ribeira Grande, or a drive up the mountain to Fire Lake. Instead, the excursion team came up with an immediate alternative and we ended up visiting the oldest tea plantation in Europe (pictured). For that they had my respect: not every operator can manage that in such a short time.
The Marina
Yes, the Evrima is a yacht, and it puts this on impressive display for its guests while visiting fair-weather destinations. As soon as the ship is anchored someplace that's not a harbor, that's when the Marina – the beach club of the Evrima – really comes to life. Who needs sand at a "beach club" when you have a crew that brings out a whole host of water sports equipment like canoes and SUP boards? Fun is their business when they set up a seawater pool with a giant floating ring. Don't forget the sun loungers on the Marina Terrace, and the crew members serving chilled drinks from the adjacent bar. What a great way to spend the time!
Alas, that's what makes it even more a personal pity that I couldn't enjoy the Marina experience like others would. I'm not so keen on testing the temperature of the Atlantic in spring, but the Mediterranean and the Caribbean on the other hand? That's where I can definitely see the Marina's time to shine, promising yacht life at its best for guests.
The Service
One thing the Evrima team has really mastered to perfection? Hospitality. Every member of the staff is attentive – always concerned about whether you're feeling well (read: seasickness) and whether you still want something to eat or drink. No one looks stressed, and they all seem to really enjoy chatting with the guests – there is banter that goes way beyond cordiality. It was visible that the passengers who took part in the entire Atlantic crossing found it difficult to say goodbye at the end of the voyage. Not just from each other, but also from the crew. The crew often knows not only the names, but also the preferences and favorite places of the guests even after such a short time, and they make you feel extremely welcome.
This is exactly what I would have liked from my personal concierge whose job it is to make reservations or fulfill other requests for me. The first meeting in my suite was a bit subdued. The only other touch points thereafter were two calls, both of which were late in the evening, and which felt merely transactional to confirm reservations. I think there ought to be more to it than that – like being greeted when you happen to run into each other on the ship, for example.
While we're on the topic of reservations – these, as well as all other activities on board, should show up in the "Yacht Journey" app. Unfortunately, at least for me, it's only semi-functional. Activities don't come up for me on the app until the last day of the cruise, so I have to carry around the printed versions, which are at least always in the suite the night before. Restaurant reservations, on the other hand, seem to have a life of their own. At first they're not there at all, then some are added at strange times like 6am. At least the ones for dinner are occasionally correct. My tip: if in doubt, advise your clients to check with Guest Services on Deck 4, or the Personal Concierge to make sure everything is going as planned.
The Spa
Sea days are perfect for a round of kneading in one of the five treatment rooms, each of which can be prepared for massage indoors or out. I drop in to visit the sauna ahead of time. After all, warming up the muscles before a Deep Muscle Massage can't hurt. Please advise your clients: on board the Evrima, bathing suits are compulsory in the sauna and steam bath, which by the way are separated by gender and located in the locker rooms.
The locker room sadly brings us to one of my sore points. Where exactly are you supposed to put your clothes? If I come dressed and want to put on a bathing suit, I should at least be able to store my clothes and sit down. Unfortunately that is not the case here, so I have to change clothes standing in front of the locker or in the adjacent restroom. There is not much space since the two showers, as well as the sauna and steam bath are also located in the estimated 30 square meter (98sq. ft.) room. The steam bath itself is very pleasant, as is the sauna – if only it weren't for the rather loud pop music blaring from the sauna speaker, which has very little to do with wellness.
Nevertheless, my muscles have been sufficiently preheated, so it's easy for wellness therapist Nami to turn me into butter and send me to spa cloud nine with her soothing massage strokes. In an instant, a very pleasant lavender scent wafts around me as Nami kneads it into my back. By the way the fragrance, also available in mint, was created by the high-end spa brand ESPA especially for Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Besides Nami, the massage bed is definitely the highlight of the room. It's heated and has such a fluffy surface that I don't want to get up. An hour can be over sooooo soon!
In a Nutshell
Basically, this product is a no-brainer. After just a short time at sea the Evrima seems to have a lot of fans who appreciate everything the yacht has to offer. It feels like it has already conquered the American market, but it still needs to raise its profile in Europe. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection does a lot of things right and will find its regular guests in other markets as well. The low level of entertainment on board, as some see it, is perhaps exactly the difference that has kept some clients away from a cruise so far, so it's worth offering something new to them. And for anyone who finds the Evrima too small, there will be a somewhat larger alternative when the second ship in the fleet, the Ilma, first makes berth in 2024.
Trade Contact: Kristian C. Anderson, Vice President Global Sales