Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world’s most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it’s no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you’ll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city’s oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city’s gem cutters. It’s certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It’s pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam’s charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam’s being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe’s great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city’s triple-X reputation. They’re part of Amsterdam’s official coat of arms—three St. Andrew’s crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat’s motto (“Valiant, determined, compassionate”) was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.
Explore Antwerp, Belgium’s second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.
Explore Antwerp, Belgium’s second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.
Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie’s seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world’s sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city’s most famous product – port wine. Oporto’s strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town’s importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers’ quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city’s terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
Natural light streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Owner’s Suite, illuminating the interior of up to 1,033 square feet. The contemporary living area includes an in-suite bar for hosting cocktail hour before enjoying dinner with friends in the dining area — or alfresco on the expansive private terrace. After sunset, unwind under the stars in the terrace’s whirlpool spa and indulge in a soothing outdoor shower before heading inside to retire. The bedroom welcomes you to a sanctum of repose, complete with a custom king bed and spacious walk-in wardrobe, and the marble bath includes a modern shower, soaking tub, double vanity and a powder room that can be accessed conveniently from the foyer.
OWNERS SUITE
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
ACCOMMODATIONS
Bed & Bath
Suite Features
Size
SERVICES AND AMENITIES
Spacious indoors and out, the Concierge Suite offers up to 786 square feet of interior area and a private terrace of up to 409 square feet. The bedroom includes a generous walk-in wardrobe and dressing area as well as a marble bath with a double vanity, walk-in shower, soaking tub and an enclosed powder room accessible from the foyer. Sunlight casts a warm glow through the floor-to-ceiling glass in the bedroom and living room, which both open onto the terrace so you can step out to take in the views. The interior and outdoor spaces each feature an elegant dining area and a comfortable living area with a plush sofa, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a romantic evening for two.
CONCIERGE SUITE
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
ACCOMMODATIONS
Bed & Bath
Suite Features
Size
SERVICES AND AMENITIES
The Ilma Suite embraces the ever-changing vistas along the horizon with an expansive private terrace of 291 to 301 square feet. Sunbathe with a traveling companion on the dual chaise lounges or curl up with a bestseller on the comfortable outdoor sofa. Host friends for dinner with a seaside harbor as a backdrop when you dine alfresco on the terrace or view the tableau through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the indoor dining area. Within up to 657 square feet of interior space, the cozy bedroom retreat features a luxurious king bed, spacious closets, and a modern shower system in the bath, which may also include a separate soaking tub.
ILMA SUITE
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
ACCOMMODATIONS
Bed & Bath
Suite Features
Size
SERVICES AND AMENITIES
Within the View Suite interiors of up to 689 square feet, dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area and bedroom connect you to the surrounding seascapes. Step from the bedroom onto your private terrace of up to 205 square feet, where fresh sea breezes and scenic views await. After an alfresco breakfast, prepare for your day in the spacious marble bath featuring a double vanity, modern soaking tub and separate shower. The walk-in wardrobe and dressing area in the bedroom provide ample space to ready yourself for the day’s exploration. When evening comes, invite friends to join you in the dining area of your suite, which may also include a separate powder room for your guests.
VIEW SUITE
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
ACCOMMODATIONS
Bed & Bath
Suite Features
Size
SERVICES AND AMENITIES
With 560 square feet of interior luxury plus a private terrace of up to 199 square feet, the Grand Suite has all the comforts of home and then some. Host friends for dinner at the stylish dining table for four and enjoy after-dinner drinks and conversation in the spacious living area. When it’s time to retire, open the double doors onto your bedroom retreat, which includes dual walk-in wardrobes, and enjoy a relaxing soak in the marble-clad tub before drifting off in the comfort of the custom king bed. Each morning, sip an espresso on your terrace as you take in the view of the enchanting destination you’re about to explore.
GRAND SUITE
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
ACCOMMODATIONS
Bed & Bath
Suite Features
Size
SERVICES AND AMENITIES
The welcoming entry corridor of the Signature Suite leads to an intimate dining area for two, where you can enjoy a delicious meal at any time of day or night. Then take in a movie from the plush sofa in the living area, or from the custom king bed in the spacious bedroom that features a second television. The bath offers the convenience of a double vanity for couples, a walk-in shower and a soaking tub, perfect for unwinding after adventures ashore. The ample 409 square feet of interior space is complemented by a private outdoor terrace of up to 151 square feet, where a comfortable lounger is equally suited to sunbathing or stargazing.
SIGNATURE SUITE
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
ACCOMMODATIONS
Bed & Bath
Suite Features
Size
SERVICES AND AMENITIES
The airy interiors of the Terrace Suite offer 294 square feet of comfort, and just beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the namesake private terrace provides up to 108 square feet overlooking the sea.
This personal oasis includes a custom king bed, an ample wardrobe and a separate sitting area for curling up with a good book. The marble bath features luxurious amenities by Diptyque Paris, a modern shower system and a double vanity — ideal when sharing the space with a companion. Wake each morning to fresh coffee from the in-suite espresso machine and conclude each day with a nightcap from the mini-bar, while a Suite Ambassador attends to your wishes in the moments in between.
TERRACE SUITE
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
ACCOMMODATIONS
Bed & Bath
Suite Features
Size
SERVICES AND AMENITIES
The thoughtful design of the spacious main restaurant creates a warm, welcoming ambiance that balances a sense of privacy with the desire for social connection. Both traditional and innovative, the breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes showcase the fresh local ingredients and seasonal cuisines of the destinations that Ilma explores, with menus ever changing like the tides of the sea.
Join friends at a private enclave within Tides for an exclusive dining experience. The stylish and inviting ambiance of Dining Privée provides the perfect setting for celebratory dinners and other special events. Reservations are required, and an additional fee applies.
In collaboration with Chef Fabio Trabocchi, Seta Su Ilma, named after the Italian word for “silk,” offers a contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine, nodding to regional flavors. Savor fresh seafood, perfectly grilled steak and handmade pasta — each course impeccably paired with a fine wine. Accompaniments like freshly baked bread, cold-pressed olive oils, and seasonal truffles complete an elegant Italian dining experience worthy of a Michelin star. Reservations are required, and an additional fee applies.
From sashimi to tempura to Wagyu beef dishes, Memorī offers contemporary interpretations of authentic Japanese cuisine. With sleek angles and textural accents, the vibrant space centers around the sushi bar at the heart of the restaurant, while also offering ample seating at comfortable tables indoors and alfresco.
Comfortable and stylish, The Living Room greets you with fresh coffee, tea, pastries and other sweet and savory treats each morning. As the day progresses, the bar pours premium cocktails, fine wines and champagne, and a live pianist sets the mood. Each evening this becomes the perfect spot to enjoy canapés and an aperitif before dinner — and then return afterward for late-night dancing.
When you wish to dine in the comfort of your suite or on your private terrace, our All-Day Dining menu offers a variety of selections from the onboard restaurants. Later in the evening, a Late-Night Dining menu is available.
At the Beach House, bright, airy interiors flow into an expansive outdoor pool deck, creating an effervescent setting for enjoying Pan-Latin cuisine alongside craft beers, bold wines, and an elevated tequila selection. The menu, developed in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, is inspired by the bold, fire-born flavors of South and Central America while highlighting ingredients from the Caribbean with light, refreshing shareable bites, such as grilled meats, seafood, and ceviche. Located on Deck 5.
From exclusive sportswear and branded apparel to jewelry and leather goods, The Boutique offers enticing options to shoppers. In select ports, your shopping experience is further enhanced by collaborations with local artisans who come on board to showcase their bespoke offerings.
A tranquil open-air retreat on Deck 9 forward, The Observation Terrace offers comfortable chaises and sofas for sunbathing or socializing while taking in the panoramic views. Cool off with a frozen cocktail, spritzer or ice cream treat from the bar, and enjoy attentive deck service offering chilled misting and iced towels.
A softly lit enclave furnished in rich leathers and dark walnut timbers, this cozy lounge is named for its state-of-the-art humidor showcasing fine tobaccos that include an exceptional collection of hand-rolled cigars by Davidoff. Settle into a plush armchair and sip a premium cognac or a well-aged Macallan single-malt whisky.
Right at the water’s edge, the Marina offers space for lounging as well as direct access to the sea for kayaking, paddle boarding and other watersports. Just steps above, the expansive Marina Terrace serves cool refreshments, such as handcrafted cocktails, frozen sorbet and chilled fruit brochettes, with a backdrop of dramatic seascapes.
Listen to the gentle lap of waves while reclining on a massage table, savoring a therapeutic spa treatment from the private terrace of one of our treatment rooms. Inspired by the destinations we visit and curated to fulfill your needs, our treatments feature the finest ESPA products to awaken the senses, refresh the body and renew the spirit. Arrive early, stay a while and drift away into relaxation aboard your oasis at sea.
With panoramic views from high atop the yacht, Deck 10 is home to Ilma’s large Main Pool, with tanning ledges and spacious sundecks for lounging and The Pool Bar serving refreshing drinks. This lively space is also an entertainment hub for sail-away parties, themed events and movies under the stars. A few decks down, the Beach House not only serves delicious Latin-inspired cuisine but also features the aft Infinity Pool, where views from a comfortable chaise stretch as far as the horizon.
The Fitness Studio is home to a health and wellness program that integrates fitness and spa with lectures and nutrition that can be customized for each guest. From personal training to sunrise yoga and mat Pilates, each voyage has opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With a selection of machines such as bikes, rowers and ellipticals as well as free weights and other equipment, guests can take their regular exercise routine onboard.
The Salon offers a variety of beauty and hair services including manicure and pedicure treatments, hair consultations, cutting, styling and blow drying. Next door at The Barber, gentlemen can enjoy a close shave or invigorating facial before heading ashore to explore the port feeling refreshed and revitalized.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes families traveling the world together. Ritz Kids® is an educational and fun-filled program that encourages children to explore the world around them. Enhanced services are available during holidays and summer months.