Spain's Barreras shipyard has broken into the cruiseship market with an order from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company of the US.

It confirmed it will build up to three 190-metre luxury yacht-style vessels for the hotel group, which is entering the sector with its The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brand.

Barreras said a firm ship will be ready in the fourth quarter of 2019, with the second and third being options at this stage.