Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Teases Expansion Beyond Three Ships
According to CEO Douglas Prothero, the new cruise industry entrant is ‘working on what comes after the first three yachts.’
The first ship from the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection will make its debut at ILTM Cannes ahead of its February 2020 launch. Photo: Ritz-Carlton.
Avoiding an official announcement, Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection told media at Seatrade Cruise Global today in Miami that “We’re now working on what comes after the first three yachts. That’s all I’m going to say.”
Answering questions about possible delays with its first yacht, he said that both the yard and the company have built in extra time. He said Ritz-Carlton has a five week cushion, which he said is significantly longer than industry standard.
Prothero also said he expects to name the next two yachts this spring, as well as formalizing specifics on what type of relationship the cruise line will have with Marriott’s new Bonvoy loyalty program. He added he is close to signing a contract for its second ship, which he said will be built at the same yard in Spain that is building the initial entry.
In terms of bookings, he said, “We’re running about two times ahead of plan for sales.” Only one voyage for 2020 has availability for the two 1,100 square feet Owner’s Suites. He told the audience, “We have loads of demand.”
One of the unique aspect of its yachts, Prothero said, is the ability to accommodate all of its 298 guests for outdoor dining at the same time.
