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The Chantiers de l'Atlantique of Saint-Nazaire sign a new contract for two new Ritz Carlton luxury liners

The Chantiers de l'Atlantique of Saint-Nazaire sign a new contract for two new Ritz Carlton luxury liners

The Ritz Carlton Yacht collection is expanding its fleet and announces the construction of two future cruise yachts with launches scheduled for 2024 and 2025.

The order was announced in the salon of the Yacht club of France in Paris on March 17, 2022. This collaboration is excellent news for the largest shipyard in Europe which is part of the French maritime heritage. Its industrial expertise is global: essential leader in the fields of design, integration, testing and turnkey delivery of cruise ships but also military and electrical substations for offshore wind farms. The pioneering company is at the forefront of environmental performance and plays a major role in the energy transition of the cruise sector. Already under construction, the future Celebrity Ascent of the Celebrity Cruises company (APX, Edge, Beyond) will run on liquefied natural gas to reduce CO2 emissions. The Ritz Carlton Group has therefore chosen the Nazaire shipyard to build their new generation of high-end yachts powered by natural gas.

Luxury as a way of life

This collaboration is aimed at the ultra luxury niche. Names of two super yachts: Ilma and Luminara. These two liners are smaller than the giants of the seas: 242 meters (794 ft) long and 456 berths. They are inspired by the Evrima whose first cruise is scheduled for 2022. Their design presents the highest space ratios at sea with 228 suites: private terrace, high-end suites, some of which have a surface area of 100 square meters (1,076 sq ft). The architecture and design firm AD Associates and DPA highlight the know-how of modern craftsmanship. The yacht designer Aivan, based in Finland, developed the exterior design of the new constructions, inspired by the elegant aesthetics of private yacht design. 

Unparalleled comfort

The experience will embody the inseparable comfort and luxury of the Ritz-Carlton brand: a crew member will be at the service of each passenger. All the services of the cruise are there to please: five restaurants, six bars, a wine cellar, a marina, a Spa and a children's area. In the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, cruises will last between 7 and 10 days and no trip will be like another. Thus an all-inclusive experience where cruising rhymes with luxury and tailor-made.

An ecological propulsion

The cruise is made to please, of course, but not at any cost for the environment. Consumers and manufacturers are made aware of the environmental impact of liners. Reaffirming the commitment of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to implement sustainable practices throughout its activity, each ship will be equipped with four hybrid engines and will use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its main fuel. The yachts will also have sophisticated water treatment systems, an efficient heat recovery loop, LED lighting … 

"These ships will ensure their passengers the highest quality standards and the best in terms of comfort while being at the forefront of environmental performance. " said Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.  Reservations for the 2024 season itineraries will be open to the public this fall. 

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Related reading:

5 good reasons to make a stopover in Saint-Nazaire in 2022

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