In January 2025, I embarked on a five-day Caribbean cruise aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Evrima. Our journey, a roundtrip sail from San Juan, took us through the islands of St. John, St. Maarten, St. Barth, and Virgin Gorda before returning to our starting point.
Setting Sail: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Our adventure began with a seamless flight from Atlanta to San Juan, where we enjoyed a quick, 15-minute private transfer to the pier. A pro tip for future cruisers—arrive a day early and unwind at the Fairmont El San Juan before boarding; it adds a serene prelude to the voyage.
The Evrima, an intimate vessel launched in 2021 with a cozy capacity of 298 guests, offered a remarkably smooth check-in experience—five minutes from start to suite! We were greeted by our Suite Ambassador, who introduced us to our luxurious two-story Loft Suite, complete with separate living and bedroom levels, plus a stunning veranda to soak in the ocean views. Our first night featured an extravagant dining experience at the S.E.A., which was absolutely worth it, although, in retrospect, a more relaxed meal might have been preferable after a long travel day.
Day 1: Enchanting St. John
Our day in St. John commenced with a personalized half-day tour led by Jenn purchased separately. Exploring the island's natural beauty, we wrapped up with a satisfying lunch at The Beach Bar, later savoring tacos and margaritas at The Lime Inn. We ended our delightful island day dining at Mistral, a serene outdoor venue on the aft deck.
Day 2: Serene St. Maarten
Arriving in St. Maarten, we improvised our itinerary, enjoying a laid-back afternoon at Maho Beach with a local lunch amidst the backdrop of soaring planes. The tranquil day concluded with a relaxed dinner at Evrima's main restaurant.
Day 3: Chic St. Barth
St. Barth greeted us with a luxurious visit to the Cheval Blanc hotel, where we indulged in a site inspection and a delectable lunch. After lunch, we took a taxi back into Gustavia (the port) and walked around until some of the shops opened back up after lunch (3:30 pm). We had been to St Barth twice before, so I booked a reservation of our favorite restaurant for dinner that night. After walking around for a bit, we got back on the tender and the yacht, quick shower and change, and back on the tender to meet our taxi to bring us to dinner. The yacht was leaving St Barth at 9:00, so all aboard was 8:30.
Day 4: A Change of Plans in Virgin Gorda
Our sailing to Virgin Gorda was a bit rocky due to stormy seas, causing an itinerary alteration. Safety prevailed as we anchored near Peter Island, transforming the day into a spontaneous sea-bound retreat complete with water sports—an eloquent pivot by the Evrima staff that turned challenge into a fun day!
Day 5: Farewell San Juan
Disembarking in San Juan, we wrapped up our travel with a quick jaunt to the Fairmont El San Juan for breakfast and exploration before heading to the airport. A word to the wise—arrive early at the San Juan airport; a leisurely pace is your friend here. Pack your patience in this airport.
Overall Impressions and Advice
Rating the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's experience, I would place the Evrima at a 7/10. While the specialty restaurant was a delight, general service lacked the personal warmth I've experienced with Silversea and Seabourn, both of which offer more seasoned staff who go above and beyond.
For those planning a Caribbean escape, I suggest researching and booking shore excursions in advance through trusted suppliers—this will enrich the travel experience beyond the limited options provided by the Ritz-Carlton. Whether it's a private catamaran cruise or a day exploring iconic beaches, personalizing your itinerary ensures unforgettable memories.
In conclusion, while the Evrima presents a promising luxury voyage, there's room for service improvement. Yet, the vessel remains a delightful choice for discovering the Caribbean's lush landscapes.
