Luminara, the Newest Superyacht from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Celebrates Official Launch and Embarks on Maiden Voyage
British actress and style icon Simone Ashley christens the brand’s third yacht as godmother, marking the start of its inaugural Mediterranean season and upcoming Asia-Pacific debut
Luminara, the third ultra-luxury superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has officially set sail, ushering in the next chapter in the brand’s expansion and continued leadership in redefining luxury at sea. As the newest yacht to join the fleet following Evrima and Ilma, Luminara builds on a legacy of innovation in hospitality, design, and legendary service.
Luminara, the third ultra-luxury superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has officially set sail, ushering in the next chapter in the brand’s expansion and continued leadership in redefining luxury at sea. As the newest yacht to join the fleet following Evrima and Ilma, Luminara builds on a legacy of innovation in hospitality, design, and legendary service. Marking the start of its highly anticipated debut season, the yacht departed from Monte Carlo on July 3, 2025, sailing a seven-night itinerary to Rome with calls in iconic Mediterranean destinations including Cannes, Livorno, and Portofino.
Welcoming Luminara to our fleet reflects our continued focus on thoughtful expansion and innovation. This launch brings together years of collaboration and intentional design to deliver a yacht that sets a new benchmark for the industry. Unparalleled accommodations, exceptional service, and an unwavering commitment to excellence define the experience we are proud to offer guests aboard Luminara. Ernesto Fara, President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The yacht’s christening ceremony, celebrating the official launch of its season, brought together key leaders including Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; Ernesto Fara, President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury at Marriott International; Captain Tom Roth, who will command the inaugural Mediterranean season; and Muna Azab, General Manager of Luminara. Adding to the ceremony’s significance, acclaimed British actress and style icon Simone Ashley graced the stage to name and christen the yacht as the official godmother of Luminara. Upholding the time-honored maritime tradition, Ashley blessed the yacht with the iconic breaking of a Champagne bottle against the bow, symbolically wishing good fortune and safe travels for all who sail on board.
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. Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury, Marriott International
Spanning 794 feet (242 meters), Luminara takes its name from the Latin word for “light” and represents the next evolution in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s dedication to immersive experiences at sea. Following the successful launches of Evrima in October 2022 and Ilma in September 2024, Luminara was designed to marry comfort and elegance, inspiring a deeper connection to the sea and a sense of discovery. Brought to life through collaborations with renowned design firms — public spaces by Chapi Design Luxury Division, suites by AD Associates, lighting by dpa lighting consultants, and exterior design by Aivan — the yacht offers a serene, contemporary setting shaped by flowing architecture, natural materials, and bespoke craftsmanship.
Luminara accommodates up to 452 guests across 226 suites, each with a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows that invite a seamless connection to the surrounding waters. Bathed in natural light, the accommodations strike a balance between refined intimacy and bold sophistication. A foundational palette of dark oak, Emporada marble, and smoked glass is elevated by layers of warm timber, soft neutrals, and sleek metallic accents. In upper-category suites, including the all-new Residential Suite, the experience is further enriched by statement pieces from renowned design houses like Minotti, Giorgetti, Talenti, Poltrona Frau, and Molteni, paired with luxurious materials such as Oak Jacobean. Integrated lighting and customizable scene settings allow guests to create a tranquil retreat at sea.
Expertly curated art aboard Luminara is thoughtfully woven into the yacht’s design to evoke a sense of freedom, sophistication, and elegance. The collection features 731 works, with nearly two-thirds commissioned exclusively for the yacht. Many pieces explore the symbolism of light and pay homage to Malta’s layered cultural legacy — from abstract nods to knights’ armor and lighthouses, to ethereal renderings of the Maltese hawk moth. Throughout the yacht, guests can admire works by influential figures in modern and contemporary art, such as Paul Klee, David Hockney, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter, and Andy Warhol.
As culinary excellence remains central to the onboard experience, Luminara offers five distinctive dining venues, highlighting ongoing collaborations with award-winning chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina. Trabocchi’s Seta su Luminara presents a refined tasting menu inspired by the spice routes of Venice, while Mina’s Beach House offers a Mediterranean-meets-Middle Eastern concept rooted in his Egyptian heritage. Additional concepts include Azur on Luminara, offering regionally influenced menus centered on seasonal ingredients; Haesu Bit, drawing from Japanese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines from destinations Luminara will visit; and Mistral, serving a taste of the Mediterranean coast with fresh seafood and expertly grilled meats. These venues are complemented by seven inviting bars and lounges, among them the new Art Bar, where Cycladic art, destination-inspired treats, and craft cocktails meet over sweeping ocean views.
Signature amenities include a panoramic pool area on Deck 10 with two whirlpools; The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, featuring rejuvenating treatments from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi; and an expansive Marina experience with Marina Terrace and Marina Beach, designed to connect guests directly with the sea. At anchor in select destinations, a dynamic floating lounge platform with a central pool allows guests to swim in the ocean and enjoy a variety of activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, Seabob, and electric foiling boards. Retail offerings have also expanded, welcoming dedicated spaces for Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget — all making their debut with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — alongside a curated boutique showcasing limited-edition pieces and a purposeful selection of resort wear, accessories, exclusive co-branded Lululemon apparel, vintage finds, and unique home décor and gifts from brands such as Hermès, Chanel, Johanna Ortiz, La DoubleJ, Olympia Le-Tan, and others.
Following its inaugural Mediterranean season, Luminara will broaden The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s global reach with new itineraries across the Asia-Pacific region. Beginning in December 2025, the yacht will call on iconic cities and breathtaking destinations like Hạ Long Bay, Osaka, and Bangkok. In May 2026, Luminara will journey to Alaska and Canada for a summer of voyages exploring the region’s remote coastlines, glaciers, and wildlife.
Reservations for Luminara are now open. For more information, visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.