Set Sail with Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced new details of Luminara, its third ultra-luxury superyacht, leading up to its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome on July 3, 2025. Following successful sea trials, Luminara has demonstrated operational excellence and superior comfort, marking a significant milestone ahead of its inaugural season. The yacht will introduce destinations in Asia and Alaska, firsts for the brand, expanding its itineraries to offer guests an unparalleled range of immersive travel experiences.
Luminara is set to deliver memorable yachting experiences through designed spaces, dining, and opportunities for exploration and connection. This further reaffirms the brand’s leadership in redefining luxury travel at sea through unparalleled voyages. Every element has been carefully crafted to provide a transformative journey that goes beyond the ordinary.
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“With Luminara, we’ve raised the bar once again, uniting legendary service, elevated design, and an extraordinary onboard experience to further define our distinct approach to ultra-luxury travel at sea,” said Ernesto Fara, President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
“This remarkable superyacht opens the door to new destinations and deeper guest experiences, reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful exploration and continuous innovation across the fleet.”
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“As the first luxury hospitality brand to launch into yachting, The Ritz-Carlton continues to redefine immersive travel at sea,” said Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury, Marriott International.
“Rooted in our legendary service, Luminara is a continuation of our legacy, yet entirely her own—a vessel designed for connection, discovery, and the transformative power of travel. Onboard, she introduces far-reaching itineraries, a refined culinary vision, and thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect her own sense of place and purpose.”
Impeccable Design
Luminara, deriving from the Latin word for ‘light,’ will measure 794 feet (242 meters) and provide a spacious, elegant retreat for up to 452 guests in 226 generous suites. Designed by a team of renowned design leaders, Luminara will showcase contemporary craftsmanship and sophisticated interiors. The public areas were conceived by Toronto’s Chapi Design Luxury Division, while the suites were styled by the London-based firm AD Associates, with lighting designed by the esteemed DPA. The cohesive interiors will blend warm walnut woods with striking Arabescato Corchia marble, featuring a colour palette of soft blues, warm greys, and deep ocean shades, highlighted by bronze and subtle ruby accents. Reflective finishes, artistic lighting, and flowing architectural lines will mirror the fluidity of the sea, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The yacht’s streamlined exterior, designed by the Helsinki-based studio Aivan, takes cues from the classic elegance of private yacht design.
A defining feature throughout the fleet, every suite will lead to a private terrace, encouraging guests to enjoy the constantly shifting views of the open sea. Bright accommodations, including the new Residential Suite, will harmonize intimacy and grandeur with a foundational palette of dark oak, Emporada marble, and smoked glass accents, complemented by neutrals, warm woods, and sleek metallic finishes. Additional accent tones, luxurious materials like Oak Jacobean, and tailored furnishings from renowned design houses such as Minotti, Giorgetti, Talenti, Poltrona Frau, and Molteni—present in the yacht’s top-tier suites—will enhance tactile richness and visual appeal. Gentle lighting and intuitive scene settings will enable guests to customize the atmosphere, creating a peaceful retreat.
Inspired Art
The yacht Luminara boasts a thoughtfully curated art collection that enhances the onboard experience. This selection embodies the freedom, sophistication, and elegance of yachting, featuring 731 chosen pieces, approximately 65% of which are specially created for the yacht. Numerous artworks explore the relationship between light and celebrate Malta’s illustrious history. From artistic representations of knights’ armour and the legendary lighthouse to intricate portrayals of the Maltese Hawk moth, each piece encapsulates the essence of adventure and exploration. The yacht displays works by renowned artists such as Paul Klee, David Hockney, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter, and Andy Warhol, creating an ambience for dynamic discussions and introspective moments. A seven-story suspended light sculpture will highlight the aft staircase atrium, expertly merging art, lighting, and design to connect the decks.
Innovative Cuisine
Dining on Luminara reflects The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s dedication to culinary standards. The yacht boasts five dining venues, including two led by James Beard award winners and Michelin-starred chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina. Seta su Luminara, developed with Trabocchi, will offer an 8-course tasting menu and a modern Italian à la carte selection, drawing inspiration from Venice’s spice trade. At Beach House, crafted with Mina, guests will enjoy vibrant flavours from the Middle East and Mediterranean, deeply influenced by the chef’s Egyptian roots.
Additional concepts will encompass Azur on Luminara, with regionally influenced menus centered on seasonal ingredients; Haesu Bit, a pan-Asian concept incorporating flavors from destinations Luminara will visit, such as Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, and Cantonese; and Mistral, which will capture the spirit of Mediterranean coastal dining through fresh seafood and expertly grilled meats.
Guests will also find seven elegant bars, including the new Art Bar, where they can socialise surrounded by a captivating installation of Cycladic art that beautifully merges ancient traditions with the fluidity of modern navigation. Against this vibrant artistic backdrop and sea views, guests will savour craft cocktails alongside regional sweet treats linked to the yacht’s itineraries.
Signature Amenities
Luminara is set to enhance The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s distinctive offerings with a Marina, Marina Terrace, and Marina Beach, all featuring a floating lounge platform complete with a central pool that allows guests to swim directly in the sea. This platform will provide access to various activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, Seabob adventures, and electric foiling boards. Additionally, a panoramic pool area on Deck 10 will promote relaxation with the main pool and two jacuzzis, creating serene retreats further enhanced by customized amenities.
The wellness journey persists at The Ritz-Carlton Spa with revitalizing therapies from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi. The spa offers eleven treatment rooms and a range of exclusive therapies influenced by the yacht’s Asia-Pacific itineraries. Treatments like the Awakening Bamboo Massage and Detoxifying Wellness Poultice Treatment highlight a luxurious and holistic approach to rejuvenation that is distinctive to Luminara.
Expanded Retail
The luxury retail experience on Luminara, crafted in collaboration with Starboard Luxury, will introduce exclusive retail environments for Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget, marking their first appearance with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Cartier and IWC will display their renowned Swiss timepieces, with IWC offering select models previously unavailable at sea. Piaget will present a curated assortment of fine jewellery and Swiss watches, enhanced by personalised assistance from expert brand ambassadors.
The Boutique will offer a curated selection of resort wear, accessories, exclusive co-branded Lululemon apparel, vintage treasures, and distinctive home décor and gifts. The initial assortment will showcase jewellery from Ileana Makri, Lauren Rubinski, and Sydney Evan, featuring the at-sea debut of Sydney Evan’s men’s line and limited-edition items from 64 Facets. Accessory offerings will include unique vintage Hermès Birkins and Kelly bags, eco-friendly handbags by Stella McCartney, and embroidered clutches from Olympia Le-Tan. Fashion and home décor highlights will feature Milan’s La DoubleJ and resort wear from Johanna Ortiz and Orlebar Brown. As Luminara moves into Asia, more brands and local finds will be incorporated to reflect this journey.
New Destinations
With the debut of Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will continue to expand its leadership at sea, with three yachts soon sailing to the world’s most captivating destinations. Following its inaugural Mediterranean season, the superyacht will chart new waters as it voyages through Africa and the Indian Ocean before beginning Asia-Pacific itineraries in December 2025. These journeys will explore both iconic cities and hidden gems, including Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam; Osaka, Japan; and Bangkok, Thailand. Beginning in May 2026, Luminara will then spend the summer in Alaska and Canada, opening exclusive access to the region’s untamed wilderness and breathtaking natural wonders.
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