Luminara on an Alaska itinerary (Renderings are artistic concepts. All features, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice.) Photo Credit: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Do You Book Cruise Meetings?
Which factors determine how you plan meetings or incentives at sea? If you don't book cruise meetings, what stops you? Please take Northstar's
quick survey and contribute to our research in this important industry segment.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection soon will launch a third vessel, as the Luminara makes its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome on July 3. The 794-foot, 226-suite superyacht, which accommodates 452 passengers, later will introduce destinations in Asia and Alaska to the brand.
Luminara is the highest-capacity ship of the Ritz-Carlton family so far, joining the 448-passenger Ilma and 298-passenger Evrima. As is the case across the ultra-luxury collection, each passenger suite has its own private terrace. The suites on the new yacht are filled with natural light, and present a luxurious setting of dark oak, Emporada marble, smoked glass and sleek metal finishes. The lodgings feature furnishings from iconic design houses, and original pieces from renowned artists can be found throughout the yacht, among them Paul Klee, David Hockney, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter and Andy Warhol.
Culinary excellence
The Luminara's ultra-luxury experience will carry through to the five dining venues, as well, two of which were shaped respectively by the James Beard award–winning and Michelin-starred Michael Mina and Fabio Trabocchi. Beach House, created with Mina, will offer Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, while Seta su Luminara, the Trabocchi collaboration, will have an eight-course tasting menu, as well as à la carte modern Italian specialties.
Other restaurants include Azur on Luminara, which will have menus based on seasonal ingredients from the regions being explored; Haesu Bit, offering a pan-Asian menu incorporating dishes from destinations on Luminara's Asian itineraries, such as Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and China; and Mistral, a coastal Mediterranean-style restaurant with fresh seafood and grilled meats. Several bars will be onboard as well, including the Art Bar, where cocktails will be served in a space alongside a collection of Cycladic art.
Amenities at sea
A Ritz-Carlton Spa will be on site, as will the collection's signature Marina, Marina Terrace and Marina Beach, which are built around a floating lounge platform and a central pool where guests can swim directly in the sea. The platform also offers the opportunity to take part in such activities as kayaking and paddleboarding.
Luxury retail outlets from brands like Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen and Piaget will be onboard as well.
New destinations and itineraries
The Luminara's inaugural season will be in the Mediterranean, followed by journeys through Africa and the Indian Ocean, before embarking on Asian itineraries in December 2025. Beginning in May 2026, Luminara will sail to Canada and Alaska.
Voyages in Northern Europe and the Caribbean are offered on the collection's other yachts.
High Luxury on the high seas
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which launched in 2022, promises highly personalized luxury experiences, with private charter options available.
Ritz-Carlton isn't the only luxury hospitality brand expanding to the seas: The Orient Express OE Corinthian is scheduled to set sail in the summer of 2026. Proclaimed to be the world's largest sailing ship, the 721-foot vessel will have three solid sails on masts reaching more than 328 feet high, and will feature just 54 suites onboard — each offering an average of more than 750 square feet of space. A second yacht, the OE Olympian, will launch shortly after the Corinthian.