Ritz Carlton Christens Luminara Yacht

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has officially introduced its third vessel, Luminara, expanding the company’s presence in the ultra-luxury travel sector. The yacht’s formal christening in Barcelona was led by British actress Simone Ashley, who ceremonially broke a bottle of Champagne in honor of its launch before Luminara departed on its seven-night maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome (Civitavecchia) on July 3, 2025.

Christening in Barcelona

The naming ceremony took place in Barcelona, where Simone Ashley, serving as Luminara’s godmother, shared a dedication for the voyages ahead. “It’s an extraordinary honor to be named godmother of Luminara, a yacht that represents the very best of exploration, artistry and hospitality,” Ashley said. The event was attended by senior leadership, including President Ernesto Fara, Captain Magnus Bengtsson, and General Manager Muna Azab.

Fara offered praises for the newest launch, stating, “This magnificent new yacht brings together inspired design, world-class cuisine, and enriching itineraries, all in a setting that invites meaningful connection and discovery.” His remarks underscored The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s aim to reshape ultra-luxury cruising through thoughtful design and service.

Shipyard Delivery and Specifications

Luminara was formally delivered on June 3, 2025, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Measuring 794 feet in length, the yacht can accommodate up to 452 guests across 226 ocean-view suites, including a new Residential Suite category. Amenities are designed to balance space and privacy, featuring private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The vessel follows Evrima and Ilma in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s growing fleet. “Fara described the arrival of the Luminara as a significant milestone in shaping the future of ultra-luxury travel at sea,” according to company statements at the handover ceremony. Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury at Marriott International, added, “The Luminara is a testament and extension of the pioneering role of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as the first luxury hospitality brand to launch into yachting. It embodies the emotional richness of travel, the places that stay with you, the cultures that shape you, and the sense of belonging that exceptional hospitality creates.”

Onboard Features and Culinary Program

Luminara showcases five restaurants, seven bars, a dedicated wine vault, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a fitness area, and a signature marina that provides direct access to the sea. Culinary offerings are helmed by award-winning chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina. Public spaces include The Art Bar for café service, a panoramic pool area, and curated retail spaces featuring works by artists such as David Hockney, Paul Klee, and Alexander Calder.

Guests can enjoy a high space-to-guest ratio, luxury wellness services, and immersive dining experiences. These amenities reflect The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s focus on intimate, premium accommodations, while also highlighting exclusive maritime features like the marina terrace for watersports and leisure when conditions permit.

Maiden Mediterranean Season

Departing Monte Carlo on July 3, 2025, Luminara’s inaugural sailing embarks on a seven-night voyage to Civitavecchia (Rome). The itinerary includes stops at marquee Mediterranean destinations such as Cannes, Livorno, Portofino, as well as select ports like L’Île-Rousse and Portoferraio, offering guests a diverse range of experiences.

Departures are scheduled from multiple regional hubs such as Barcelona, Venice, and Athens, incorporating both Western and Eastern Mediterranean ports. Company representatives emphasize that these smaller, “yacht-suited” ports allow guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and coastal environments.

Asia-Pacific and Future Deployments

In December 2025, Luminara will reposition to the Asia-Pacific region, offering voyages to locations such as Hạ Long Bay, Osaka, Bangkok, and Singapore. Two newly introduced itineraries connect the Maldives to Mauritius and Southeast Asia, pairing sea travel with pre- or post-cruise stays at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. The brand’s plans also include a further rotation across Asia that will extend into winter 2026-27.

In May 2026, the yacht is slated to venture into Alaska and Canada, marking The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first foray into these regions. According to the company, these deployments aim to broaden the scope of high-end itinerary offerings, providing a global lineup of sailings that blend well-known ports with destinations often overlooked by larger ships.

Industry Perspectives

Along with describing Luminara as a benchmark for ultra-luxury cruising, President Ernesto Fara reaffirmed the company’s intent to set new standards in quality, privacy, and exclusive exploration. “Welcoming Luminara to our fleet reflects our continued focus on thoughtful expansion and innovation,” Fara said.

Industry observers note that Ritz-Carlton’s yacht collection fills a growing niche in small-ship luxury cruising. The brand’s strategic blend of immersive itineraries, award-winning cuisine, and curated amenities seeks to appeal to discerning travelers looking for both privacy and in-depth explorations of each port.

Key Dates and Itinerary Highlights

• Delivery: June 3, 2025, at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France
• Christening: Barcelona, led by godmother Simone Ashley
• Maiden Voyage: July 3, 2025, Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia (Rome), seven nights
• Mediterranean Itinerary: Cannes, Livorno, Portofino, L’Île-Rousse, and Portoferraio
• Asia-Pacific: Inaugural itineraries from December 2025, including Hạ Long Bay, Osaka, Bangkok, and Singapore
• Alaska & Canada: Scheduled deployments beginning in May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What distinguishes Luminara from other luxury yachts?

Luminara offers 226 ocean-view suites, including a new Residential Suite category with private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests have access to five restaurants led by acclaimed chefs, seven bars, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a fitness area, and a signature marina, features that emphasize privacy, immersion, and high-end design.

When and where was Luminara christened?

The yacht was christened in Barcelona, Spain, with British actress Simone Ashley serving as its godmother. The ceremony featured a traditional Champagne-breaking ritual across the mast.

When did Luminara begin its maiden voyage, and which ports are included?

Luminara departed Monte Carlo on July 3, 2025, for a seven-night voyage to Civitavecchia (Rome). The itinerary includes stops at Cannes, Livorno, Portofino, as well as select calls at L’Île-Rousse and Portoferraio.

What is Luminara’s capacity and range of onboard amenities?

The 794-foot yacht accommodates up to 452 guests, featuring five dining venues, seven bars, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a fitness area, a panoramic pool, and curated public spaces showcasing works by notable artists. The dedicated marina offers direct sea access for water activities.

Where is Luminara sailing next, and are bookings open?

After concluding its Mediterranean season, Luminara will move to the Asia-Pacific region starting December 2025 with itineraries to destinations such as Hạ Long Bay, Osaka, Bangkok, and Singapore. It is also scheduled to sail in Alaska and Canada in May 2026. According to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, bookings for Luminara’s itineraries are now open.

Luminara’s official debut marks a crucial step in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s commitment to blending luxury hospitality with immersive maritime exploration. With the maiden season now underway, the yacht is poised to expand into Asia-Pacific and North American routes, reflecting the brand’s broader vision to connect discerning travelers with ports worldwide.