Cartagena, Colombia, reached a new milestone in its tourism history with the arrival, for the first time, of a cruise vessel from the exclusive The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The ship is the Evrima, an ultraluxury megayacht that arrived in the city on Jan. 26, 2026, marking a key moment in Cartagena’s positioning as a high-profile destination in the Caribbean.
The Evrima’s stop not only represents the visit of an elite vessel but also the consolidation of Cartagena on the global map of boutique luxury cruises, a segment that prioritizes personalized experiences, select destinations, and top-tier services. This type of tourism moves away from the mass model of large cruise ships and focuses instead on exclusivity, comfort, and a closer connection with local culture.
With approximately 300 passengers on board, the Evrima offers a more intimate concept, similar to that of a five-star hotel sailing across the Caribbean Sea. Its arrival generated expectations among port authorities, tourism operators, and the hospitality sector, who see this type of vessel as an opportunity to strengthen the economy linked to premium tourism.
A luxury yacht that redefines the cruise experience
The Evrima is the first vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet and is designed under a concept that combines the elegance of a private yacht with the hospitality standards of one of the world’s most recognized hotel brands. It features eight decks, spacious suites with luxury finishes, high-end restaurants comparable to Michelin-level cuisine, wellness areas, and personalized services for each passenger.
Unlike traditional cruise ships, which can carry between 2,000 and 6,000 people, this megayacht focuses on exclusivity. The onboard experience centers on attentive service, signature cuisine, and tailor-made excursions at each destination. This also influences port selection, favoring stops in cities with strong cultural identity, attractive landscapes, and a sophisticated tourism offering.
@meirschon Aesthetic moments aboard Evrima. @Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection #RitzCarlton #RitzCalrtonYachtCollection #Evrima #aesthetic ♬ the night we met – lukvi ♫
Impact on the city and international projection
The arrival of the Evrima strengthens Cartagena’s image as a destination capable of welcoming high-spending travelers, a segment that generates a significant economic impact in sectors such as boutique hotels, gourmet dining, specialized retail, and personalized tourism services.
For the port and local authorities, this type of call opens the door to future visits from similar vessels.
From an environmental perspective, although any maritime activity has an impact, smaller-capacity yachts generally create less pressure than large cruise ships, particularly in terms of passenger volume and port operations. Nevertheless, the challenge remains to move toward increasingly sustainable practices in the bay.