Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Cruise to the Caribbean

Imagine your favorite hotel room allowing you ever-changing views over the course of the day and throughout the week. That’s what we experienced on the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection cruise to the Caribbean. We decided to take a cruise last November aboard the RC’s Evrima, the line’s first yacht. We boarded the ship in Bridgetown, Barbados and were immediately impressed with the ease of embarkation. The process was done in a very organized and efficient manner. Immediately afterwards, we were escorted to our cabin, which was one in the mid-terrace category. The door was opened and we instantly felt at home and very comfortable. The furnishings were what we would expect from the Ritz brand with classic lines and impeccable design. What we did not expect was the spaciousness of our accommodations. There was no feeling of tight spaces. We had plenty of room to spread out with a good-sized bedroom, a comfy chair for relaxing and a desk area should we want to do some work. Our drinks of choice were waiting for us. The bathroom was roomy, as well, with a double vanity and a comfortably sized shower. The doors to our balcony revealed the place where we would spend most mornings, enjoying a variety of views with a cup of hot coffee.

The ship was spotless with places to relax and read a book, meet with friends or listen to live music. There was a beautiful pool overlooking the water and a casual restaurant for us to enjoy. Additionally, there was a spa, gym and self-laundry facilities, which was nice. Several bars and a variety of restaurants were found on various decks throughout the ship. The boutique allowed you to shop on days the ship was sailing, and there were some exquisite pieces for purchase.

Food was expertly prepared and beautifully presented. There was a nice variety on the menus. The only problem with the meals was that there weren’t enough days to sample all the mouth-watering menu options at the five unique dining venues. They ranged in cuisine from continental to casual, Asian to Mediterranean and more. Plus, you had the option to dine in your own suite. The service was on-point, yet friendly and professional. Our favorite drinks were brought to the table without us even mentioning a thing. The food was prepared as requested and plated like a work of art. We loved the fact you never felt like you were crammed into the dining room right on top of other diners. While reservations were suggested, they were not essential. On Thanksgiving, we misunderstood the set-up for a traditional turkey dinner, and went to a restaurant not serving that. When the staff realized we were disappointed, they quickly called another venue, and had us seated within minutes. Kudos to the chef and his staff for an exceptional dining experience.

We chose this cruise because we needed some time to unwind. Reading a good book was the activity of choice on many days. When we felt like a change, we had some great options onboard, including flower arranging, sushi-making and a chocolate tasting event. It was fun learning something new. Then we had the option to go off-ship and explore on the days we were docked in one of the Caribbean ports, including Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique, St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados. The excursions, which were chosen and paid for individually, included historic places of interest, a chocolate-making class, a tour of an old estate with a cooking demonstration with a farm-to-table dining experience. There was also a sailing experience in the Grenadines on an old wooden vessel. You could either join one of the excursions or set out to explore on your own.

One of our favorite special nights on board the Evrima was called “En Blanc.” Guests were asked to dress in all white (it was suggested but not required). White Night happened after dinner on the upper desk, which had been decorated all in white-white garlands, flowers and unusual table decorations. It made for a very dramatic and beautiful ambiance. Even the cocktails were white and they were delicious! It was definitely a festive night under the stars.

The service was exceptional. Every request was quickly honored. You were greeted by name in the hallways or in the dining room. Staff were cheerful and willing to engage in conversations about the ship or their own personal experiences. You were made to feel pampered and appreciated at every point. The service level really set this cruise apart and was felt every day.

The week ended with us being ready to book our next cruise with this fabulous brand (subsequently, we decided on a Mediterranean cruise going from Lisbon to Barcelona). We left very well-rested but also feeling we had been on a fun and informative vacation and pampered from start to finish.

Here are some other facts about the Ritz Carlton’s Evrima. She is a vessel measuring 624 feet in length with a 75-foot beam. Her spacious decks accommodate 298 passengers in 149 all-suite outside cabins. The Evrima boasts a very conscientious crew of 246, making the ratio of crew to guests almost 1 to 1. The ship has one spa, five dining spaces, two pools and direct water access from Deck 3, which also houses its fleet of non-motorized water vessels.

Even though the week’s cruise was pretty close to perfect, we ended the cruise with a three-day stay at one of our very favorite hotels, Sandy Lane. We were picked up at the cruise dock and whisked a few miles up the west coast to the beautiful pink shades of Sandy Lane. We were welcomed back by name, shown to our lovely room with views of the Caribbean, then spent time on the beach. I had a great spa experience the next day. The massage was the right blend of pressure and relaxation. In the evening, we visited a couple of old-time favorite restaurants, The Tides and Lone Star, both situated a short drive from the resort and right on the Caribbean. It was not a necessary stop, but it was incredibly wonderful!

If the thought of a relaxing and pampering cruise is what you are dreaming about, please email or DM me for more information. I will be happy to share more of my personal experience on this beautiful ship and the itinerary. Dates of travel and itineraries for the coming months are available and already booking quickly for 2025 and into 2026. We traveled at the tail end of hurricane season. You might want to consider that there is a chance of hurricanes. This is usually September - November. I also look forward to sharing the perks available through Fora to take your vacation up a notch.

Bon Voyage!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Barbados page.