We set sail on the maiden voyage of the luxurious Ilma, the second ship to be launched under The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection A playground for the rich and famous, the French town of Saint-Tropez has seen its fair share of superyachts over the years. So much so, in fact, that yacht spotting has become a popular pastime for visitors, who cram the town’s glamorous harbour to scrutinise the latest arrivals. On a recent summer’s day, however, one ship gets tongues wagging – and it isn’t the 95-metre (310-foot) CC-Summer, which boasts a 12-metre (39-foot) swimming pool and a basketball court on the bow.
Instead, all eyes are on a sparkling newcomer, Ilma – “Water” in Maltese – anchored in the distance. This 240-metre (790-foot) sleek, dark blue beauty, which boasts 224 suites – each with its own terrace – embarked on its maiden voyage across the Mediterranean in early September, carrying a select group of press and VIPs, including yours truly. {"@context":"https://schema.
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jpg"} You won’t find a walking track on the deck of the Ilma, the second ship in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Advertisement Full disclosure: going on a cruise, even one.