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Ritz Carlton’s Ilma Christened in Ft. Lauderdale

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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection celebrated the christening of the Ilma on Dec. 11, 2024, at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The company said in a press release that in honour of maritime traditions, the ceremony featured a ceremonial blessing and the iconic breaking of a Champagne bottle, symbolizing good fortune and safe travels for all guests and employees on board.

Jim Murren, executive chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Ernesto Fara, president and CFO, joined from Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades.

They were joined by the Ilma’s Captain Magnus Bengtsson and General Manager Sasha Tyas, along with Father Sandford Sears, who is said to be known as “Father Sandy.”

Together, they celebrated a group of female leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, both shipboard and shoreside, who collectively fulfilled the role of the Alma’s godmothers.

“The christening of the Ilma marks a significant moment in our journey as we officially welcome this extraordinary yacht into our fleet. The Ilma represents growth and the exciting future of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said Murren.

“We are incredibly grateful to all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this beautiful yacht to life, from our dedicated team members to our global partners,” added Murren.

The celebration was held aboard the Ilma at Port Everglades and attended by employees from the company’s Ft. Lauderdale office, local officials and guests.

Joining the Evrima, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first ship, the Ilma debuted in the Mediterranean in September 2024, sailing from Monte Carlo to Rome.

For the 2024-25 winter season, the Ilma joins the Evrima in the Caribbean, offering voyages to the region’s islands. In summer 2025, the Ilma will explore Northern Europe, marking the company’s first itineraries in the North and Baltic Seas, calling on cities like Copenhagen, Reykjavík and Bordeaux.

Photo: From left: Ernesto Fara and Jim Murren

The city of Liverpool turn to the Cruise Industry for floating hotels for the EuroVision 23

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Celebrity Silhouette berthed in the city of Liverpool Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr) 

Cruise ships are being considered as alternative accommodation options for those travelling to Liverpool for Eurovision 2023 after the city’s hotels begin to sell out, according to reports in the national press.

Within minutes of the announcement, many of Liverpool’s hotels were reportedly fully booked on 13 May, including all of the city’s Premier Inns and Travelodge hotels.

According to ITV, some city-centre rooms and apartments were available on Booking.com, with the cost of a one-night stay ranging between £855 and £1,444.


Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and visitor economy, Cllr Harry Doyle, said: “I’m disappointed with some accommodation providers who have hiked prices.

“That’s normal, apparently after the initial announcement. We had planned for this and are looking at alternative arrangements including a cruise ship and campsites.”

Speaking to BBC News, Chris Brown, director of Marketing Liverpool, said the city will release more accommodation options “soon”.

“That could involve cruise ships or opportunities around a campsite, but we do have a pretty robust plan,” he added.

“We will certainly be addressing [hotels who have hiked their prices] who we feel are put together, or behaving in a way that we would not say is in the spirit of the ethos of why Liverpool went for Eurovision.”