By Erica Silverstein, Senior Editor, From Cruise Critic

New small-ship, luxury cruise line the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has unveiled the Caribbean shore excursion program for its maiden season, which begins in February 2020 with the launch of its first 298-passenger ship. The intimately sized tours fall into five classifications, encompassing active recreation, culture and voluntourism, culinary tours, sightseeing and wellness.

“While developing the Shore Collection, our goal was to offer guests extraordinary itineraries that provide an intimate look at each destination and its culture,” said Doug Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, in a statement.

Some of the tours take advantage of the offerings of Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts in the Caribbean. Passengers also have the option to personalize tours into private experiences, through the help of a dedicated concierge.

Below are a few of the highlights:

Stirring the Senses tours: This wellness-themed excursion in Aruba features a tour of the Aruba Aloe company, which produces skin and hair products, followed by a spa treatment at the The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Aruba, using aloe-based products.

Cultural Connections tours: These experiences will immerse you in the local culture. An Overland Adventure to Bogota is an overnight excursion, featuring a tour of Bogota’s colonial district and museums, an evening at the hilltop church of Monserrate, a market tour and a cooking class with a local chef.

Active Explorations tours: Those seeking more active or adrenaline-producing activities can opt for tours like the Flightseeing Over Blue Hole and Mayan Ruins excursion in Belize. A chartered plane will fly passengers over Belize’s marine and jungle landscapes; it will land by the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, where tour participants can enjoy a food and wine pairing lunch.

Reservations are already open for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s inaugural season, although the name of the line’s first ship has not been announced. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will feature luxury yacht-like cruise ships with all-balcony cabins, intimate dining venues and watersports equipment. Fares will be all-inclusive and cover alcoholic drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi.

Following its inaugural series of Bahamas and Caribbean sailings out of Florida, the ship will offer Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Canada & New England cruises; it will return to the Caribbean in fall 2020.

IMAGE: The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

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