Luminara: First Year of Service for Ritz-Carlton

Luminara

Luminara recently marked its first anniversary, having officially joined the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection on June 3, 2025.

A sister to the 2024-built Ilma, the ship was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, and became the company’s third vessel.

Under the guidance of Captain Magnus Bengtsson, the ship kicked off its maiden season in the Mediterranean on July 3, 2025.

Ahead of its inaugural voyage, the ship was christened by actress Simone Ashley at a special ceremony in Barcelona.

Sailing from Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia, the vessel’s maiden voyage visited destinations in the Western Mediterranean including Cannes and L’Île-Rousse in France.

The seven-night itinerary was also highlighted by ports in Italy, visiting Livorno, Portofino and Portoferraio.

Following its inaugural season in Europe, the vessel marked Ritz-Carlton’s debut in new destinations, including Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Last December, the Luminara kicked off the company’s first season in the Asia-Pacific region, offering itineraries to Southeast Asia and the Far East.

After spending the winter visiting destinations like Hong Kong and Thailand, the 37,000-ton vessel arrived on North America’s West Coast in May.

For Ritz-Carlton’s debut in the region, the vessel is offering a series of itineraries to Alaska and Canada sailing from Vancouver and Whittier.

Visiting 11 destinations, the ship’s itineraries are highlighted by extended stays in certain points, as well as transits past the Hubbard Glacier and Sawyer Glacier.

Upon the completion of its inaugural deployment in Alaska, the Luminara is scheduled to return to the Asia-Pacific region for a second season.

According to Ritz-Carlton, the ship was named after the Latin word for “light” and features a design inspired by mega yachts.

With capacity for up to 452 passengers, the vessel offers 226 suites, each with a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Luminara is also equipped with five restaurants, seven bars, a wine vault and collaborations with chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina.

Other features of the vessel include a panoramic pool area on Deck 10 with two jacuzzis, The Ritz-Carlton Spa and dedicated fitness spaces.

 

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