Tully at Sea with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Behind the Scenes with Mary Jean Tully & Aida Silva
By Tully Luxury Travel | 07-17-2025 |
At Tully Luxury Travel, firsthand experiences are key to curating unforgettable journeys for our clients. Recently, two of our senior leaders — Mary Jean Tully (Founder & CEO) and Aida Silva (Executive VP, Cruise Sales & Marketing) — set sail aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, embarking on the inaugural sailing of Luminara — a christening voyage from Barcelona to Rome aboard one of the most luxurious vessels at sea.
The pre-cruise retreat
The team checked into Hotel Arts Barcelona for a two-night stay before embarkation. Recently refreshed, the property impressed with its stylish interiors, expansive gardens, and sea-facing views. Aida noted the rooms still carried a “brand-new” scent, with sleek finishes throughout. While the Club Lounge is expected to open in Spring 2026, the hotel already delivered with a generous complimentary breakfast served until 11 a.m. — offering both buffet and à la carte options.
Seamless Embarkation Process
Aida Silva:
Embarkation was seamless from start to finish, a reflection of the yacht’s intimate scale and attentive service. With just over 400 guests onboard, the entire check-in experience felt effortless and personalized, no long lines or chaotic terminals. While this was an inaugural sailing, the calm and elegant process sets the tone for the elevated journey ahead.
The Signature Suite
Aida:
I stayed in a Signature Suite, just one category above the lead-in. The suite was incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed, with a separate bedroom, living area, and dining table. The bathroom featured double sinks, a huge shower, and a soaking tub, plus a Dyson hairdryer and a leather toiletry kit stocked with essentials. I loved the clever storage under the bed for luggage and the private balcony, which had a lounger, two chairs, and a small table. The onboard aesthetic throughout the ship is elegant and modern, with rich textures and sleek finishes that reflect The Ritz-Carlton’s brand perfectly.
Mary Jean:
The beds were some of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in. And the bathrooms were incredibly well thought out, with built-in benches and premium details that made getting ready feel indulgent.
Culinary Excellence, Made to Order
Aida:
There are no buffets onboard — everything is made to order, which adds to the personalized, high-end feel. From Mediterranean dishes at Mistral to Middle Eastern flavors at the Beach House, and Asian-inspired options at Haesu Bit, every meal felt curated and fresh. We also tried Azur, which serves regionally inspired dishes tied to the ship’s itinerary, and even stopped by the casual bistro for coffee and snacks during the day. For the ultimate splurge, there’s Seta Su, a Michelin-level tasting menu with wine pairings.
Mary Jean:
I really appreciated that there were no buffets onboard. It made the whole dining experience feel elevated and personalized, without the usual crowds. And there were no extra charges for specialty restaurants either—that’s a rare treat in luxury cruising.
Elevated Wellness at Sea
Aida:
The spa area is expansive, offering a full range of services including a sauna, steam room, beauty salon, and even a barber shop. The gym was one of the most impressive I've seen at sea—well-equipped and thoughtfully laid out. I also appreciated the small but convenient laundry area nearby with washers, dryers, and ironing stations available for guests.
Mary Jean:
The sauna and steam room are truly next level—absolutely stunning. You can tell everything is fresh, new, and thoughtfully designed. Even the bathrooms in the spa had specialty cloths and built-in benches—perfect for exfoliating or shaving. It’s those small, luxurious touches that elevate the whole experience.
Refined Nights at Sea
Aida:
Entertainment on board felt thoughtfully curated rather than overwhelming. While this inaugural sailing featured more live acts than usual, there was still a focus on quality over quantity. The Living Room offered nightly music and dancing, and the Art Room was ideal for quieter moments with panoramic views. One of the highlights is the En Blanc deck party, a signature event held once per week that truly brought everyone together.
Mary Jean:
Just a note for future guests — evenings on board tend to be peaceful rather than high-energy. It’s ideal for those who enjoy refined experiences, conversation, and a slower pace after a day of exploration. The flow of the ship is so intuitive—it’s beautifully designed to guide you from one elegant space to the next. They even brought in live bands from Rio and Miami, which added a vibrant, unexpected flair to the evenings.
Beyond the Suite: Experiences On Deck
Aida:
There’s a pool located at the back of the ship just off the Beach House restaurant, another midship, and two whirlpools tucked into a peaceful sun-and-shade area at the front. While the marina wasn’t deployed during our sailing due to weather, it’s an impressive feature, complete with loungers, seating, and water toys available when anchored.
Mary Jean:
The ship itself is just beautiful. The marina and marina room especially stand out—they feel like your own private resort space right at sea.
A Taste of Mallorca
Aida:
Our stop in Palma de Mallorca included a vineyard visit to Son Puig, a charming, family-run estate about 30 minutes from the pier. The experience felt incredibly personal, we toured the grounds, learned about the winemaking process, and enjoyed a relaxed garden tasting with local snacks. It was the perfect blend of authenticity and elegance, and a memorable way to connect with the destination.
A Stylish Retreat for All Ages
Aida:
This sailing attracted travelers of all ages, including many who don’t typically cruise—thanks to its intimate, yacht-like ambiance. The onboard experience is refined yet approachable, making it appealing to both seasoned cruisers and newcomers.
There’s a designated cigar lounge onboard for those who smoke, offering a refined and comfortable setting.
For those who enjoy shopping, the ship offers a thoughtfully curated retail experience, surpassing what’s available on similar luxury lines like Explora.
