Ritz-Carlton's Luminara Begins Hong Kong Homeport Sailings

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Luminara made its first call in Hong Kong on Jan. 13, 2026, a visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said marks the start of a period in which the yacht will use the city as a homeport for Asia-Pacific sailings.

HKTB said the call followed the launch of Luminara’s Asia-Pacific itineraries from Singapore in December 2025 and positions Hong Kong not only as a destination stop, but also as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for select luxury voyages.

Ocean Terminal arrival and Hong Kong’s push for more high-end cruise calls

According to HKTB, Luminara entered Victoria Harbor and berthed at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. The tourism body marked the maiden call with a water salute and performances featuring dragon and lion dances.

A welcoming ceremony and luncheon were held onboard the yacht. Attendees listed by HKTB included Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law; Commissioner for Tourism Angelina Cheung; HKTB Executive Director Anthony Lau; and representatives from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Law tied the call to Hong Kong’s efforts to attract a wider range of cruise business across ship sizes and market segments.

“I am delighted to welcome the maiden call of a luxury cruise vessel from a leading international brand to Hong Kong as the new year begins,” Law said. She added that the visit showed Hong Kong can attract both large cruise ships and “super-luxury vessels targeting high-end international visitors,” pointing to diversity in the city’s cruise offerings.

“Looking ahead, the Tourism Commission and HKTB will continue to fortify Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s Cruise Hub,” she said, adding that they will work with industry partners to support cruise tourism development.

How Luminara is expected to operate from Hong Kong

Over the coming months, Hong Kong is expected to function as a turnaround port for Luminara’s Asia-Pacific schedule, according to HKTB. The yacht is set to operate cruises that begin and end in different cities, including sailings between Hong Kong and Singapore or Tokyo.

The itinerary outline shared by HKTB and the broader destination list highlighted for the Asia-Pacific program center on pairing marquee cities with regional calls across North and Southeast Asia, including:

• Osaka, Japan
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Incheon, South Korea
• Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ernesto Fara, president and chief executive officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, framed the Asia-Pacific deployment as part of the brand’s growth plans and described the program as combining major cities with less-visited island stops, with some itineraries offering overnight stays to allow more time ashore.

“With the Luminara, we have 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,” Fara said. He also described the move into Asia-Pacific as “an important step” in the company’s broader regional and global expansion.

Hotel brands’ cruise ambitions broaden in 2026

Luminara’s Hong Kong homeport plans come as luxury hotel brands expand further into cruising, with new vessels and concepts scheduled to enter service in 2026.

Four Seasons Yachts is set to debut Four Seasons I in March, with 95 suites and onboard features that include an omakase dining option and a marina designed for water activities. Orient Express Sailing Yachts is scheduled to launch Orient Express Corinthian in June with 54 suites, a three-masted design, and wind- and LNG-powered propulsion; the ship is slated to sail between the Mediterranean and Caribbean with Michelin-starred dining and exclusive port events.

Beyond Asia, luxury operators widen their footprint from Alaska to Antarctica

Hong Kong’s bid for more luxury cruise calls is unfolding alongside a broader reshaping of premium cruise deployment in 2026, including a higher-profile luxury lineup in Alaska and new land-based infrastructure tied to Antarctic expedition travel.

In Alaska, multiple luxury and upper-premium brands are slated to add capacity or return to the market. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is set to bring Luminara to Alaska for the first time, while Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady and MSC Cruises’ retrofitted MSC Poesia are also scheduled to join the region. Disney Cruise Line is planning an unprecedented two-ship season, adding Disney Magic alongside Disney Wonder.

Windstar Cruises is also set to return to Alaska after a three-year hiatus with its newbuild Star Seeker. Crystal and Azamara are re-entering the market after a long absence, adding to a 2026 season that includes both debuting and returning operators.

For Antarctica, Silversea Cruises is scheduled to open The Cormorant at 55 South in October 2026 in Puerto Williams, Chile. The 150-accommodation lodge is designed as a pre- and post-cruise retreat for travelers embarking on Antarctic expeditions, with dining, fitness facilities, and a lounge intended to support guests amid inclement polar conditions.

New ships and propulsion technologies spotlight sustainability claims

New ship introductions are also set to shape luxury cruising in 2026, with both capacity growth and technology milestones on the calendar. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to debut Seven Seas Prestige, its largest and most luxurious ship, with capacity for 822 guests in December. Windstar Cruises is also planning to debut Star Explorer alongside Star Seeker, with both ships positioned around modern aesthetics, enhanced dining options, and innovative cabin designs.

On the technology front, Viking Cruises is set to introduce Viking Libra, described as the first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. Explora Journeys, Emerald Cruises, and other operators are also introducing LNG-fueled vessels as part of their sustainability positioning, alongside efforts described in the source material such as enhanced recycling programs and optimized fuel efficiency.

With Luminara’s Hong Kong homeport activity beginning in early 2026, the coming months are expected to clarify how frequently the yacht turns in the city and how its Asia-Pacific routing develops alongside a year marked by new ships, new destinations, and new hospitality concepts aimed at high-end travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will Hong Kong serve as a homeport for Luminara, and what sailings are planned?

Yes. HKTB said that in the coming months Luminara will operate Asia-Pacific itineraries with Hong Kong serving as a homeport. HKTB also said the yacht is set to operate cruises that begin and end in different cities, including sailings between Hong Kong and Singapore or Tokyo.

What is unique about Luminara’s Asia-Pacific itineraries?

HKTB and the company’s leadership described an approach that combines marquee cities with regional calls, including less-visited island stops, and includes some itineraries with overnight stays to give guests more time ashore.

What changes can travelers expect in Alaska’s cruise market in 2026?

Alaska is set for a mix of debuting and returning brands. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is bringing Luminara to Alaska for the first time, and the market is also slated to include Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady and MSC Cruises’ retrofitted MSC Poesia. Disney Cruise Line is planning a two-ship season with Disney Magic joining Disney Wonder, while Windstar is returning after a three-year hiatus with the newbuild Star Seeker; Crystal and Azamara are also re-entering after a long absence.

How will Silversea’s Antarctic hotel enhance pre- and post-cruise experiences?

The Cormorant at 55 South, scheduled to open in October 2026 in Puerto Williams, Chile, is designed as a seamless pre- and post-cruise retreat for Antarctic expedition travelers. The lodge is set to include 150 accommodations as well as dining, fitness facilities, and a lounge to support guests amid potential weather-related challenges.

What are the sustainability highlights of 2026’s new ships?

Highlights described in the source material include Viking Libra as the first hydrogen-powered cruise ship and Orient Express Corinthian’s wind- and LNG-powered propulsion. The sources also point to LNG-fueled newbuilds from operators including Explora Journeys and Emerald Cruises, as well as broader onboard initiatives such as enhanced recycling programs and optimized fuel efficiency.