Ritz-Carlton is diversifying its operations with the launch of a new luxury cruise line.

Marriott’s luxury brand has teamed up with Douglas Prothero, Lars Clasen and Oaktree Capital Management to launch “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection” – a new venture that will include three large yachts handling fewer than 300 passengers each.

“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true stand outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” said Herve Humler, Ritz-Carlton’s president & chief operating officer. “This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel.”

The first Ritz-Carlton vessel will measure 190 metres in length and will be able to accommodate up to 298 passengers in 149 suites, each with its own private balcony. Accommodation will include two 138m² duplex penthouse suites.

The Ritz-Carlton yacht will also feature a restaurant based on the three Michelin-starred Aqua restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg, plus a spa, lounge and wine bar. The company said it would also collaborate with local chefs, musicians and artists to create “experiences” for its passengers.

Ranging from seven to 10 days, the yachts’ itineraries will initially include seasonal voyages in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Ritz-Carlton said that passengers would enjoy the “casual freedom of a yachting vacation”, and due to their relatively small size, the yachts will be able to call at ports that are inaccessible to large cruise ships. Capri, Portofino, St Barths and Cartagena were cited as examples.

Reservations for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will open in May 2018, ahead of its scheduled launch in the fourth quarter of 2019.