Luminara Sets Sail: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Unveils Its Third Superyacht in a Grand Mediterranean Launch

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Designed for elegance and discovery, Luminara joins Evrima and Ilma in offering immersive journeys across the globe. Explore the world by sea — intimately, exquisitely — with curated itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Asia, Alaska, and beyond.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has officially unveiled its third superyacht, Luminara, in a glittering ceremony in Monte Carlo, marking a significant new chapter in the brand’s expansion into the ultra-luxury maritime space. Measuring 794 feet (242 meters) and accommodating up to 452 guests, Luminara builds upon the legacy of her sister ships, Evrima and Ilma, with a bold commitment to craftsmanship, experiential travel, and refined living at sea.

The superyacht’s highly anticipated inaugural season began on July 3, 2025, with a seven-night itinerary from Monte Carlo to Rome, featuring stops in iconic Mediterranean destinations such as Cannes, Livorno, and Portofino.

“Welcoming Luminara to our fleet is the culmination of years of thoughtful design, partnership, and brand vision,” said Ernesto Fara, President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “This launch reinforces our position at the forefront of ultra-luxury yachting and sets a new benchmark in service, design, and experience.”

A Star-Studded Christening

The ceremonial christening of Luminara brought together senior leadership, including Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury at Marriott International; Captain Tom Roth, who will lead the ship’s Mediterranean season; and General Manager Muna Azab.

The highlight of the evening was British actress and global fashion icon Simone Ashley, who formally christened Luminara as its godmother—a traditional maritime honor bestowed upon a female figure to bring good fortune and safe passage to the vessel. With the classic breaking of a Champagne bottle against the bow, Ashley cemented the start of Luminara’s journey into the world’s most prestigious waters.

Luminara represents the spirit of modern travel—the emotional resonance of place, culture, and connection, all brought to life through impeccable hospitality,” remarked Tina Edmundson. “This vessel is a bold expression of the Ritz-Carlton brand’s future on the sea.”

A Floating Masterpiece: Design That Illuminates

Named after the Latin word for “light,” Luminara is conceived as a vessel of illumination—both in concept and in physical form. A seamless blend of organic design and contemporary luxury, the superyacht reflects flowing lines, natural textures, and meticulously curated materials throughout its interiors and exterior spaces.

Public areas were envisioned by Chapi Design Luxury Division, suites by AD Associates, lighting by dpa lighting consultants, and exterior design by Aivan. The result is an environment of serene elegance, with open-plan lounges, sweeping sea views, and a palette of dark oak, Emporada marble, smoked glass, and warm neutral tones.

Each of the 226 ocean-facing suites features a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows, offering guests uninterrupted views and a private connection to the sea. Upper-category suites, including the newly introduced Residential Suite, elevate the offering further with bespoke furnishings from design houses such as Molteni, Minotti, Poltrona Frau, Giorgetti, and Talenti.

Customizable ambient lighting and advanced scene-setting technology allow guests to shape their personal onboard experience with precision and elegance.

A Gallery at Sea: Art that Inspires

Luminara also functions as an extraordinary art vessel, home to 731 carefully selected artworks—two-thirds of which were commissioned exclusively for the yacht. The collection celebrates the symbolism of light and Malta’s rich cultural heritage, with abstract tributes to maritime lore, knights’ armor, and the ethereal Maltese hawk moth.

Guests will find original works from celebrated modern and contemporary masters, including Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, David Hockney, Alexander Calder, Gerhard Richter, and Andy Warhol—seamlessly integrated into lounges, corridors, and suites to evoke a profound sense of exploration and elegance.

Culinary Excellence: Five Signature Dining Concepts

Dining aboard Luminara is a centerpiece of the guest experience, underscored by exclusive collaborations with acclaimed chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina.

  • Seta su Luminara offers a refined tasting journey influenced by the spice routes of Venice, curated by Chef Trabocchi.
  • Beach House, led by Chef Mina, features a Mediterranean-Middle Eastern fusion inspired by his Egyptian heritage.
  • Azur on Luminara delivers seasonal, regionally influenced cuisine.
  • Haesu Bit draws culinary inspiration from Japanese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and other Asian traditions aligned with Luminara’s future ports of call.
  • Mistral showcases Mediterranean coastal fare, from freshly grilled seafood to artisanal meats.

Seven elegant bars and lounges, including the new Art Bar, complement the culinary experience, inviting guests to enjoy panoramic sea views, destination-inspired cocktails, and curated art installations in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Wellness, Recreation, and Retail in Elevated Form

Luminara’s Deck 10 hosts a panoramic pool with twin whirlpools, while The Ritz-Carlton Spa® offers a tranquil escape with treatments by ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi.

The Marina Terrace and Marina Beach provide direct access to the sea, with opportunities for ocean swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, Seabob, and electric foiling. At select anchorages, the yacht transforms into a floating resort with a dynamic lounge platform and central sea pool.

Onboard shopping has been curated to match the yacht’s elevated profile. New retail concepts include flagship spaces for Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget—making their debuts with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection—alongside a boutique showcasing exclusive co-branded Lululemon apparel, resort wear, vintage couture, and fine home décor from brands such as Hermès, Chanel, La DoubleJ, and Olympia Le-Tan.

Global Horizons: Asia-Pacific and Beyond

Following its Mediterranean debut, Luminara will embark on an Asia-Pacific season beginning December 2025, with itineraries that include Hạ Long Bay, Osaka, and Bangkok. In May 2026, the yacht will voyage to Alaska and the Canadian coastline, offering immersive journeys into remote wilderness, glacier fjords, and rich cultural landscapes.

Continuing a Legacy of Innovation at Sea

Launched in 2022, Evrima introduced the Ritz-Carlton experience to the sea. Ilma followed in 2024, and now Luminara continues that legacy with greater scale, artistic ambition, and global vision. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection distinguishes itself through intimate guest capacity, high crew-to-guest ratios, personalized service, and an unmatched standard of luxury in yachting.

“Each voyage aboard Luminara is designed to be a transformative journey—where luxury, discovery, and personalized service converge,” said Fara.


Reservations for Luminara – ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.


The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection represents a bold reimagination of luxury cruising. Blending the iconic hospitality of The Ritz-Carlton® with the elegance of yachting, the collection offers bespoke voyages across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America. Each yacht reflects modern craftsmanship, world-class design, and personalized service that mirrors the legendary experience of Ritz-Carlton hotels.


The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

With over 120 hotels in more than 35 countries, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. continues to set the standard in luxury travel. The brand’s commitment to transformative experiences and authentic discovery is expressed through its signature properties, as well as through brand extensions such as Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. and participates in the Marriott Bonvoy® global travel program.

For reservations – ritzcarlton.com

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