With a keel-laying ceremony, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection celebrated a significant milestone at the world-renowned shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The keel-laying ceremony, a long-standing nautical custom, marks the formal start of construction by lowering the first modular block of Ilma into the building dock.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone and to partner with Chantiers de l’Atlantique on the construction of Ilma,” said Douglas Prothero, Chief Executive Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We look forwards to continuing to provide unique experiences that highlight the yachting lifestyle and are redefining the luxury cruising market as we expand our fleet.”

Ilma, which means “water” in Maltese, will be The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s second boat, set to launch in 2024. The custom-built superyacht will have the highest space and staff-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruise category.

Ilma will be 790 feet long, with the largest ratio of space per guest at sea. The ship will have 228 airy, light-filled suites, all with their own terraces. Five restaurants, six bars, and a wine vault offer culinary experiences to suit all tastes. The ship’s aft Deck features spacious areas where you can dine alfresco while admiring the seascapes or engage in water sports from the vessel.

The onboard experience will mirror the famed comfort and service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is known. It will be the first yacht in the collection to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel source, further establishing its status. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is an industry pioneer.

“Chantiers de l’Atlantique is very proud of its partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said Arnaud Le Joncour, Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing. “With this ceremony, we wish Ilma the greatest success throughout construction, knowing that the vessel’s elegant design, elevated materials, and environmental performance will position Ilma as a legendary symbol in a new era of luxury cruising.”

Luminara, the line’s third ship, will be delivered in 2025 by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Almaco will outfit the galley facilities onboard the Ilma and Luminara, while ABB will provide the electric propulsion systems and remote support.