San Juan (Puerto Rico) to Aruba
San Juan (Puerto Rico) to Aruba
Cruise overview
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About San Juan (Puerto Rico)
If you associate Puerto Rico's capital with the colonial streets of Old San Juan, then you know only part of the picture. San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León. More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros. The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future. Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan. He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location. In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St. John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S. control after the Spanish-American War. Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan. The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries. The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums. Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.
About Saint John Island
St. John, the smallest most idyllic of the three United States Virgin Islands, is best known for its dozens of post card perfect white sand beaches, turquoise bays abounding in colourful corals & rainbows of tropical fish endless vistas of green velvet hills. Only nine miles long (14.5 kilometres) and three miles (4.8 kilometres) wide, two thirds of the island is the Virgin Islands National Park, so its spectacular beaches & untouched forests will remain that way for generations to come and remain accessible to all. There are tours of the National Park by Jeep or safari bus and hikes on spectacular trails led by Park Rangers who enrich the experience with talks on the island's history and geology as well as its flora & fauna. While it is only twenty minutes from St. Thomas by convenient hourly ferry, St. John is the peaceful, uncommercialised paradise of island fantasies. It has no high-rise buildings, cruise ship docks or airport. Visitors can obtain discounted air fares to St. Thomas. Despite its unspoiled atmosphere, it offers every facility and amenity found at major resorts.
About Marigot
French and Dutch have lived side by side on St. Maarten/St. Martin for hundreds of years—with no border patrols or customs between them. The French side has a more genteel ambience, more fashionable shopping, and a Continental flair. The Dutch tends to be less expensive, has casino hotels, and more nightlife. Water sports abound all over—diving, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing are all top draws. And it's easy to while away the day relaxing on one of the 37 beaches, strolling the boardwalk of Dutch-side Philipsburg, and exploring the very French town of Marigot. Although luck is an important commodity at St. Maarten's 13 casinos, chance plays no part in finding a good meal at the island’s excellent eateries. The best way to explore St. Maarten/St. Martin is by car. Though often congested, especially around Philipsburg and Marigot, the roads are fairly good, though narrow and winding, with some speed bumps, potholes, roundabouts, and an occasional wandering goat herd. Few roads are marked with their names, but destination signs are common. Besides, the island is so small that it's hard to get really lost—at least that is what locals tell you. If you’re spending a few days, get to know the area with a scenic "loop" around the island. Be sure to pack a towel and some water shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Head up the east shoreline from Philipsburg, and follow the signs to Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond. The road winds past soaring hills, turquoise waters, quaint West Indian houses, and wonderful views of St. Barth. As you cross over to the French side, turn into Le Galion for a stop at the calm sheltered beach, the stables, the butterflies, or the windsurfing school, then keep following the road toward Orient Bay, the St-Tropez of the Caribbean. Continue to Anse Marcel, Grand Case, Marigot, and Sandy Ground. From Marigot, the flat island of Anguilla is visible. Completing the loop brings you past Cupecoy Beach, through Maho and Simpson Bay, where Saba looms in the horizon, and back over the mountain road into Philipsburg.
About Terre-de-Haut
About Canouan Island
About Willemstad
Dutch settlers came here in the 1630s, about the same time they sailed through the Verazzano Narrows to Manhattan, bringing with them original red-tile roofs, first used on the trade ships as ballast and later incorporated into the architecture of Willemstad. Much of the original colonial structures remain, but this historic city is constantly reinventing itself and the government monument foundation is always busy restoring buildings in one urban neighborhood or another. The salty air causes what is called "wall cancer" which causes the ancient abodes to continually crumble over time. The city is cut in two by Santa Anna Bay. On one side is Punda (the point)—crammed with shops, restaurants, monuments, and markets and a new museum retracing its colorful history. And on the other side is Otrobanda (literally meaning the "other side"), with lots of narrow, winding streets and alleyways (called "steekjes" in Dutch), full of private homes notable for their picturesque gables and Dutch-influenced designs. In recent years the ongoing regeneration of Otrobanda has been apparent, marked by a surge in development of new hotels, restaurants, and shops; the rebirth, concentrated near the waterfront, was spearheaded by the creation of the elaborate Kura Hulanda complex.There are three ways to cross the bay: by car over the Juliana Bridge; by foot over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge (locally called "The Swinging Old Lady"); or by free ferry, which runs when the pontoon bridge is swung open for passing ships. All the major hotels outside town offer free shuttle service to town once or twice daily. Shuttles coming from the Otrobanda side leave you at Riffort. From here it's a short walk north to the foot of the pontoon bridge. Shuttles coming from the Punda side leave you near the main entrance to Ft. Amsterdam.
About Aruba
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
- Private, spacious terrace overlooking the ocean with private whirlpool
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Luxurious and modern living and dining area
- Luxury custom king bed sleep system
- Double vanity bathrooms
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
- Your Suite Ambassador delivers attentive, anticipatory service for a personalized in-suite experience tailored to your preferences, from unpacking assistance and garment pressing to in-suite dining and beverages.
- 24-hour in-suite dining, espresso machine, complimentary coffee and teas and a mini-bar provisioned to your preferences, upon request once on board
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
- Private, spacious terrace overlooking the ocean, with entry from living area and bedroom
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Luxurious and modern living and dining area
- Luxury custom king bed sleep system
- Double vanity bathrooms
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
- Your Suite Ambassador delivers attentive, anticipatory service for a personalized in-suite experience tailored to your preferences, from unpacking assistance and garment pressing to in-suite dining and beverages.
- 24-hour in-suite dining, espresso machine, complimentary coffee and teas and a mini-bar provisioned to your preferences, upon request once on board
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
- Private, spacious terrace overlooking the ocean
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Luxurious and modern living and dining area
- Luxury custom king bed sleep system
- Double vanity bathrooms
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
- Your Suite Ambassador delivers attentive, anticipatory service for a personalized in-suite experience tailored to your preferences, from unpacking assistance and garment pressing to in-suite dining and beverages.
- 24-hour in-suite dining, espresso machine, complimentary coffee and teas and a mini-bar provisioned to your preferences, upon request once on board
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
- Dramatic floor to ceiling glass throughout
- Private, spacious terrace overlooking the ocean
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Luxurious and modern living and dining area
- Luxury custom king bed sleep system
- Double vanity bathroom
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
- Your Suite Ambassador delivers attentive, anticipatory service for a personalized in-suite experience tailored to your preferences, from unpacking assistance and garment pressing to in-suite dining and beverages.
- 24-hour in-suite dining, espresso machine, complimentary coffee and teas and a mini-bar provisioned to your preferences, upon request once on board
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
Private, spacious terrace overlooking the ocean
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Luxurious and modern living and dining area
- Luxury custom king bed sleep system
- Double vanity bathroom
- View Alternative Suite Configurations
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
- Your Suite Ambassador delivers attentive, anticipatory service for a personalized in-suite experience tailored to your preferences, from unpacking assistance and garment pressing to in-suite dining and beverages.
- 24-hour in-suite dining, espresso machine, complimentary coffee and teas and a mini-bar provisioned to your preferences, upon request once on board
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
- Private, spacious terrace overlooking the ocean
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Luxurious and modern living and dining area
- Luxury custom king bed sleep system
- Double vanity bathroom
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
- Your Suite Ambassador delivers attentive, anticipatory service for a personalized in-suite experience tailored to your preferences, from unpacking assistance and garment pressing to in-suite dining and beverages.
- 24-hour in-suite dining, espresso machine, complimentary coffee and teas and a mini-bar provisioned to your preferences, upon request once on board
MAGNIFICENT OCEAN VIEWS
- Private, spacious terrace overlooking the ocean
SPACIOUS SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Luxury custom king bed sleep system
- Double vanity bathroom
- View Alternative Suite Configurations
PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND AMENITIES
- Your Suite Ambassador delivers attentive, anticipatory service for a personalized in-suite experience tailored to your preferences, from unpacking assistance and garment pressing to in-suite dining and beverages.
- 24-hour in-suite dining, espresso machine, complimentary coffee and teas and a mini-bar provisioned to your preferences, upon request once on board
Ilma
With 224 suites, each with a private terrace, Ilma is designed with an exceptional sense of space, including two upper suite categories of more than 1,000 square feet. The Ritz-Carlton Spa® and an expanded Marina further define life on board, balancing relaxation, watersports, and time spent close to the water.
Ship Facts
| Launch Year | 2024 | ||||||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||||||
| Language | en | ||||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 46750 | ||||||||||
| Length | 241 | ||||||||||
| Width | 29 | ||||||||||
| Currency | USD | ||||||||||
| Speed | 18 | ||||||||||
| Capacity | 448 | ||||||||||
| Crew Count | 374 | ||||||||||
| Deck Count | 8 | ||||||||||
| Cabin Count | 224 | ||||||||||
| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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Deck 10
- Minstral
- The Main Pool
- The Main Pool Bar
- Mistral Bar
Deck 9
- The Observation Terrace
- The Owner's Suite
- The Concierge Suite
- The Grand Suites
- The Signature Mid Suites
- The Signature Suites
- The Terrace Mid Suites
- The Terrace Suites
Deck 8
- The Owners Suites
- The Concierge Suites
- The Grand Suites
- The Signature Mid Suites
- The Signature Suites
- The Terrace Mid Suites
- The Terrace Suites
Deck 7
- The Owner's Suites
- The Concierge Suites
- The View Suites
- The Grand Suites
- The Signature Mid Suites
- The Signature Suites
- The Terrace Mid Suites
- The Terrace Suites
Deck 6
- The Concierge Suites
- The Ilma Suites
- The Grand Suites
- The Signature Mid Suites
- The Signature Suites
- The Terrace Mid Suites
- The Terrace Suites
Deck 5
- The Living Room
- Beach House
- Infinity Pool
- The Humidor
- The Boutique
- The Terrace Suites
Deck 4
- The Ritz-Carlton Spa
- Memori
- The Fitness Studio
- Ritz Kids®
- Women Steam & Sauna
- Men Steam & Sauna
- Relaxation Room
- Launderette
- The Barber
- The Salon
- Guest Services
- Ritz Kids / Meeting Room
Deck 3
- The Marina Terrace
- The Marina
- Tides
- Dining Privee
- SETA
- Medical Centre
- Wine Vault
From elegant specialty restaurants to casual poolside eateries, the dining venues on board Ilma are sure to please every palate. Innovative menus are inspired by local cuisines from around the world, so your taste buds can travel from the Mediterranean to Southeast America without ever leaving the yacht. Contemporary interiors welcome you to dine in an ambiance of understated luxury, while alfresco spaces embrace the fresh sea air and panoramic views.
New highlights include our collaboration with two award-winning chefs. At the Beach House on board, James Beard Award winner Chef Michael Mina offers menus inspired by the bold flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean, while Chef Fabio Trabocchi of the Michelin-starred restaurant Fiola brings his expertise to contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine in Seta su Ilma. Explore our collection of restaurants that are redefining dining at sea.
Tides
Designed with an inviting balance of privacy and connection, Tides is the spacious main restaurant aboard Ilma. Intimate seating, warm lighting and a relaxed sense of ease set the tone for quiet meals or shared moments. Evolving menus draw on regional flavors and seasonal ingredients for dining with connection to the destinations.
Dining Privée
Dining Privée is an intimate enclave within Tides, ideal for celebratory dinners, hosted gatherings or an evening with friends. Soft lighting and refined finishes create a warm, contemporary ambiance. Curated menus reflect the seasonal approach and regions explored aboard Ilma, offering a personal, elevated private dining experience.
Seta Su Ilma
Created with Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi, Seta Su Ilma offers a contemporary expression of Italian cuisine that feels both rooted and modern. Fresh seafood, prime cuts and handmade pastas highlight pristine ingredients, complemented by thoughtful wine pairings. Warm breads, fine olive oils and seasonal truffles complete an intimate, elevated dining experience.
Memorī
Memorī offers a contemporary interpretation of Japanese cuisine, highlighting purity of flavor and thoughtful technique. Fresh sashimi, delicate tempura and charcoal-kissed Wagyu reflect a modern yet respectful approach. With a vibrant design and a central sushi bar, the setting suits relaxed meals, shared plates or leisurely dinners, balancing elegance with ease.
The Living Room
The Living Room Café and Bar is a warm, inviting gathering place throughout the day. Mornings begin with freshly roasted coffee and pastries at the espresso counter, while daytime brings treats ideal for moments between activities. As evening settles in, the space offers a relaxed setting for a quiet drink or light bite.
In-Suite Dining
In-suite dining offers the comfort and privacy of enjoying thoughtfully prepared dishes in your suite or on your private terrace. The all-day dining menu features favorites from across the yacht’s venues, delivered with attentive presentation. A late-night menu adds flexibility, creating a seamless, refined experience at any hour.
Beach House
At the Beach House, bright, airy interiors open onto an expansive pool deck, creating an effortless setting for Pan-Latin cuisine, craft beers, bold wines and an elevated tequila selection. Developed with Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina, the menu draws on fire-born flavors of South and Central America while highlighting Caribbean ingredients in light, shareable dishes.
THE LUXURY OF SPACE AND TIME.
With the highest ratio of space per guest at sea, Ilma evokes the feeling of your own personal superyacht, and the onboard experience reflects the freedom and flexibility of the yachting lifestyle. Stylish and refined, yet relaxed and casual, onboard spaces embrace the natural surroundings that Ilma explores. Fresh sea breezes flow through the open-air terraces, and indoor venues are flush with light from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Ilma invites you to go wherever the day takes you. Indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa or relax at the Main Pool on Deck 10. When at anchor, step from the yacht’s Marina into the sea for snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. Come evening, sip on a fine wine or handcrafted cocktail in one of the plush lounges as a classical pianist or jazz musician entertains you.
The Boutique
The Boutique features a curated selection of high-end sportswear, designer apparel, jewelry and leather goods, offering guests the opportunity to explore thoughtfully chosen pieces throughout their journey. On select voyages, the shopping experience is enhanced by exclusive collaborations with local artisans who share their craft and present distinctive creations inspired by the regions visited.
The Observation Terrace
The Observation Terrace offers panoramic views that blur the line between land and sea, creating an inspired setting for lounging, cocktails or quiet conversation. As twilight settles in, the atmosphere shifts into a relaxed venue with live entertainment that extends into the evening.
The Humidor
The Humidor is an intimate, quietly sophisticated setting for unhurried moments at day’s end. Guests can enjoy fine cognacs, single malts and other aged spirits while exploring a curated selection of hand-rolled cigars showcased in a state-of-the-art humidor. Warm and nuanced, it’s a welcoming place for reflection or relaxed conversation.
Marina and Marina Terrace
Nestled at the water’s edge, the Marina offers an inviting place to unwind while at anchor, with sun loungers and an exciting selection of water toys for time on the sea. Just above, the Marina Terrace provides a refined open-air setting for handcrafted cocktails and light bites, creating an effortless transition from water activities to leisurely afternoons looking to the horizon.