Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (RCYC) has today become Marriott Bonvoy participating, allowing members to both earn and redeem their points for sailings + earn elite qualifying nights & spend + take advantage of limited elite benefits.
Marriott Bonvoy members earn 5 points per USD on their cruise (no elite bonus) and redeem their points at 0.55 cents each (less than a cent) towards the cruise fare.
You can access Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection here.
READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers
Elite Benefits Matrix:
Note that elite member bonuses don’t apply to Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. All members earn 5 points per USD charged.
Marriott Bonvoy members can redeem 90,000 points for $500 credit or 180,000 points for $1,000 credit. The value of a Bonvoy point is 0.55 cents each (indicating the value likely when the program moves to dynamic award redemption in 2022).
Members need to inform RCYC of their Marriott Bonvoy number a minimum of 30 days before sailing.
RCYC Rendered Images:
Release from Marriott:
THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION JOINS MARRIOTT BONVOY
Members Can Now Earn and Redeem Points for the Ultimate in Luxury Cruising as Part of Marriott International’s Award-Winning Travel Program
Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s travel program, today announced The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will join the program effective November 9, 2021. Translating the legendary Ritz-Carlton experience to sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is poised to become one of the most exciting debuts in the luxury travel sector, carving out an entirely unique space within the industry. Marriott Bonvoy members can now earn and redeem points for voyages slated to begin May 6, 2022, marking an exciting moment as they are invited to experience The Ritz-Carlton brand like never before.
“It is exciting to expand our unparalleled portfolio of travel experiences with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said David Flueck, Senior Vice President, Global Loyalty, Marriott International. “Marriott Bonvoy offers more unique accommodations than any program and this new offering is an incredible addition for our most discerning members.”
Marriott Bonvoy elite members will enjoy an elevated luxury experience during their voyage, including a private reception upon boarding and other bespoke recognition during their sailing.
“We are thrilled to announce that The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will join the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, creating a truly unrivaled offering for our members and guests,” said Chris Gabaldon, Senior Vice President, Luxury Brands for Marriott International. “The Ritz-Carlton brand continues to drive innovation within the hospitality industry, creating the one-of-a-kind experiences we know the modern affluent traveler seeks. As the iconic brand continues to evolve, the participation of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in Marriott Bonvoy encourages both longtime Ritz-Carlton loyalists, those who are new to the brand, and guests across Marriott International’s portfolio, to earn and redeem points while exploring this incredibly exciting, elevated and immersive travel experience.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the latest accommodation under Marriott Bonvoy, joining 30 extraordinary hotel brands with 7,900 properties across 138 countries and territories around the world, including the company’s all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, and in addition to 44,000 curated premium and luxury vacation rentals from Homes and Villas by Marriott International. As a participant in Marriott Bonvoy, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection provides members with another extraordinary opportunity to earn and redeem points as they pursue their passions through travel:
• Members will earn five points per $1 spent on the cruise fare only, as well as on the hotel package rate for participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
• Members can redeem an initial 180,000 points toward a $1,000 savings on the cruise fare, and increments of 90,000 points may be redeemed toward a $500 savings thereafter. Full redemption may be available.
• Members will receive one elite night credit per night on board toward achieving higher Elite status.
• Cruise fare and hotel package rate will be applied toward the annual qualifying spend for members striving for Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite status.
• Members can accelerate the points earned on their voyage purchase and even more when using their Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards from JPMorgan Chase and American Express.
Evrima, the first yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, will cruise a variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The intimate size of the vessel allows the yacht to call on locations typically not accessible to larger cruise ships, including Saint-Tropez, Ibiza and St. Barts. With a relaxed pace, which includes both overnight and daytime ports of call, guests will be offered a curated collection of experiences. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will also collaborate with Marriott International luxury brand hotels worldwide on unique activations for guests. Travelers will additionally have the option to extend their pre- and post-voyage getaways, redeeming points at Marriott International hotels to explore a range of cities and towns across a vast number of destinations.
The experience onboard Evrima will perfectly blend the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton resorts with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation. It will reflect the sublime comfort and unparalleled level of individualized service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized, with one of the highest space and service ratios at sea. The specially designed yacht measures 190-meters (624 feet) and features 149 suites. Guests will enjoy a range of programming including a thoughtfully curated menu of spa treatments, watersports from the yacht’s marina and Evrima’s signature restaurant, S.E.A., designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg in Germany. In each destination, guests can choose from a selection of exclusive experiences within The Shore Collection that align with their interests or utilize the services of the Concierge Ashore to customize their own private tours. By working with local guides selected for their insider knowledge, guests will enjoy a highly personalized and immersive journey while exploring the culture of each destination.
Conclusion
RCYC is likely the fastest way to reach Ambassador status IF you have the required nights in but lack in the spending department.
Essentially, Marriott Bonvoy members earn 2.75% of their cruise fare, excluding taxes/fees, back in the form of points if they use those towards future cruises. Not precisely very rewarding.
This also is roughly the value members can use their points towards Marriott Homes & Villas. It is a good indication of what the points will be worth under the dynamic awards released next year (remember to use them NOW).
The renderings definitely have a very Ritz-Carlton look and feel. It would be interesting to see what kind of guest mix RCYC has.
Here are the frequently asked questions:
Is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection participating in the Marriott Bonvoy Program?
Yes. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an exceptional new way to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points (the “Points”) on travel with Marriott Bonvoy. Earn Points on your cruise fare and hotel packages, nights toward Elite status, and redeem Points toward the price of your cruise fare when you sail. Plus, Elite members receive enhanced benefits onboard. Learn more at: https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/loyalty
How do I join the Marriott Bonvoy program?
You can join the Marriott Bonvoy program here: http://join.marriottbonvoy.com/yacht
What if I am already booked on a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, but not yet a Member?
If you join the Marriott Bonvoy program after you have booked your voyage, you are still eligible to earn Points on your existing booking if you provide your Marriott Bonvoy number to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection at least 30 days prior to sailing.
What if I am already booked on a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, do you have my Member number?
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection may already have your Marriott Bonvoy Member number on file. You may confirm or add your Member number by logging in to our online guest portal, My Yacht Account, or you can provide your Marriott Bonvoy number to our reservations team or your travel professional at least 30 days prior to sailing.
Can I book a voyage through the Marriott Bonvoy app?
Not at this time. Please contact The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection or your travel professional to reserve your voyage.
Can I earn Points on my cruise fare when I book with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
Yes. Marriott Bonvoy Members will earn five (5) Points per $1 spend on the cruise only fare paid. Members may earn Points on up to three (3) suites, double occupancy, for which they have paid, provided they are booked in and stay in one of the suites.
Can I earn Points on participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
Yes. Marriott Bonvoy members will earn five (5) Points per $1 spend on the hotel package rate for participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The hotel package rate includes the hotel room rate, transfer to/from the yacht and breakfast. Members may earn Points on up to three (3) hotel rooms, provided they have paid for them directly and are booked in and stay in one of the hotel rooms.
If there are two Marriott Bonvoy members in the suite, can both members earn Points?
Both guests will only earn Points if they have paid a portion of the cruise fare and/or participating hotel package for which they have paid. Points can only be earned by the guest who is making a payment toward the cruise fare and/or participating hotel package.
Can I earn Elite Night Credits when I book with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
Yes. Marriott Bonvoy Members will earn nights toward Elite Membership Status with Elite Night Credit. Members will earn one (1) Elite Night Credit for each night on the yacht for the suite that they personally pay for and utilize. If Members also book a hotel package rate at a participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel, they will earn one (1) Elite Night Credit for the hotel room that they personally pay for and utilize.
Will my purchases count toward my qualified annual spend requirement?
Yes. The cash portion paid toward your cruise fare and hotel package rate will be applied to the qualified annual spend requirement for achieving Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite status.
How long will it take for my Points and Elite Night Credit to appear in my Marriott Bonvoy account?
Points and Elite Night Credit will be automatically added to the Membership Account within 14 days of the last day of the voyage.
Can I use my Marriott Bonvoy credit card for purchases with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
Yes. Members who use their Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection can accelerate their earning potential. Bonus Points will be received within 14 days of the last day of the voyage.
Can I redeem Points for a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
Yes. Marriott Bonvoy members may redeem an initial increment of 180,000 Points toward a $1,000 savings on the cruise only fare (the “Initial Redemption”). After the Initial Redemption members can redeem in increments of 90,000 Points toward $500 savings. Full Points redemption of the Cruise Fare may be available. Points redeemed do not cover taxes, fees and port expenses.
Can I redeem Points on participating Marriott hotels booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
No. Points cannot be redeemed for participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Members may redeem Points at the hotel by booking directly through Marriott.com or the Marriott Bonvoy app.
Can I redeem Points toward the cruise fare of only one guest in the suite?
Yes. Points may be redeemed for each eligible guest per voyage who wishes to use Points toward their cruise fare.
Can I redeem Points toward the cruise fare of another guest?
Yes. Points may also be redeemed toward a booking for another guest who is traveling on the same voyage. If the member is not traveling on the same voyage and would like to use their Points to redeem toward the cruise only fare of another guest, the Points must first be transferred to that guest’s Marriott Bonvoy account. Points may be transferred to another Member here: https://buy.points.com/marketing/marriott/landing_page/index.html
If I do not have enough Points to redeem, may I purchase more Points to cover the balance?
Yes. Points may be purchased here:
https://buy.points.com/marketing/marriott/landing_page/index.html
May I apply points after I have booked my voyage?
Yes. Members may apply Points to their cruise fare until 121 days prior to their scheduled voyage departure date (when the final payment is due).
Will The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offer member benefits on board?
Yes. On board the yacht, multiple dining venues, premium beverages, unlimited Wi-Fi and additional luxury amenities that you may be accustomed to as a Marriott Bonvoy member are already part of your all-inclusive cruise fare. Your Marriott Bonvoy member status will also be recognized and rewarded throughout the voyage. Onboard benefits will be applied to the individual Member and the suite in which they stay in. View benefits here: https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/loyalty
What is the cancellation policy regarding Points and Elite Night Credit?
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s standard booking terms, conditions and cancellation fees apply to all voyages booked using any amount of Points. If a booking is cancelled and Points were applied towards the cruise fare, Points will be refunded prior to any cash balance on the booking, in accordance with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s standard cancellation policy. No Points or Elite Night Credit will be issued to Members on cancelled voyages.
Can I earn and redeem Points if I book through my travel professional?
Yes. To earn Points on your cruise fare, please remember to provide your travel professional with your Marriott Bonvoy member number at least 30 days prior to sailing to be eligible. For travel professionals, if a guest would like to redeem Points toward their cruise fare, please note this portion of the cruise fare will be considered a non-commissionable fare (NCF) item.
Can meeting planners earn Points for booking a full-yacht buyout/charter or incentive group?
At this time, Members cannot earn on full-yacht buyouts/charters and incentive groups booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Charters, Incentives Meetings and Events department.
Can guests traveling with a full individual tariff (FIT) group earn Points with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?
Yes. Guests traveling in FIT groups will be eligible to earn Points on the cruise fare established at their lock-in rate.
