Ilma Itinerary

What Ilma's Autumn Caribbean and Bahamas Season Is Actually Like

Ilma is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's 448-guest, 224-suite yacht. That makes "autumn season" a slightly dramatic phrase, because her fall is really a long commute: across the Atlantic, through the tail end of hurricane season, and into a run of short Miami and San Juan getaways. Here's what to expect, with a note on which port details are confirmed and which aren't.

The sailings, and what we can actually confirm

The other 7-night San Juan departures (Dec 14 and 28) and the 6-night January 13 sailing don't have confirmed ports. Check the line before you plan around them.

Weather and sea conditions

The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends November 30. By December, tropical activity is very low, though a rare off-season storm is possible. Early-to-mid November sailings still carry a small itinerary-change risk, which is the trade-off for the lower shoulder-season demand. Once December arrives, expect warm, mostly dry days, roughly upper 70s to mid 80s °F, with sea temperatures in the same range.

The catch is the trade winds. They pick up in winter and can make the Eastern Caribbean choppy, especially on the longer island-hopping routes. Choppy water is exactly the sort of thing that can rearrange a day at a tender port, so if your heart is set on one specific beach, build in some flexibility (and a backup beach, because drama loves a plot twist).

Which length suits whom

• 13 nights (Lisbon to Miami): This is a transatlantic crossing with only two confirmed ports, Funchal and Nassau, and nine sea days. It suits people who like sea days and want a long, quiet stretch aboard. It is not a beach holiday. Stars Desk lists fares from $9,300 and Jetsetter lists from $7,500 per person. Neither listing states the occupancy basis, and the two figures don't match, so confirm the current price with the line.
• 3 and 4 nights: These work for a first taste of the yacht or a long weekend, and Miami's airport is about 15 minutes from the port. The Nov 9 Bahamas loop is the one with confirmed ports. Ilma's aft marina platform means paddleboarding and kayaking straight off the back when conditions allow.
• 7 nights: This is the one for island variety. The Dec 21 route, which runs to Dec 28, reaches the French side of St. Martin, Dominica's hiking, and Virgin Gorda's boulder-strewn Baths. It spans Christmas itself: Christmas Eve is in Dominica, and Dec 25 is a sea day.

Holiday timing and pricing

Thanksgiving week and the late-December sailings are the peak-demand dates. Expect the highest fares and the busiest ports then, particularly San Juan and St. Martin. The quieter stretches are early-to-mid November and the first half of December, where travel sites generally find better availability and value. Ritz-Carlton fares are all-inclusive, covering most drinks and crew gratuities, so the number you see is closer to the final cost than on a mainstream line. Our tipping guide covers what you'd still budget for on other ships.

What to pack

• Lightweight, breathable clothes for 80°F days, plus a light layer for breezy decks and air-conditioned lounges.
• For the Lisbon crossing, add a proper jacket. Madeira and the open Atlantic in late October are much cooler than Nassau.
• A packable rain jacket, since tropical showers pass through quickly.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes for rocky landings and tender transfers.
• Resort-smart evening outfits. This is a luxury yacht, so skip the flip-flops at dinner.

Health record

Ilma's most recent CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspection, on March 31, 2026, scored 94 out of 100. Passing is 86 or higher. You can compare that against other ships with the CDC inspection lookup, or read more about the yacht on her ship page.