On December 23rd, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduced its newest vessel, Luminara, to the Asia-Pacific market with a 7-night round-trip voyage from Singapore. The itinerary included calls at Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Malacca, Phuket, and Penang, marking the yacht’s first deployment in the region.
The arrival of Luminara adds to a steadily expanding roster of cruise operations based in Singapore. It follows the announcement of Disney Cruise Line’s entry to the market with Disney Adventure, originally scheduled for December 2025 and now deferred to March 2026.
Measuring 794 feet in length, Luminara entered service in July 2025 and is configured exclusively with suites, accommodating up to 452 guests in 226 units. Accommodation ranges from the 294-square-foot Terrace Suite to the 1,047-square-foot Owner’s Suite, which includes a private outdoor jacuzzi. Onboard facilities include five dining venues offering Italian, modern Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines, along with seven bars and lounges.
Following a Mediterranean season, the yacht has repositioned to the Asia-Pacific with sailings from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. More than 40 voyages are scheduled, some incorporating culinary collaborations and overnight stays at Ritz-Carlton properties ashore. Among these is a 12-night voyage from Hong Kong to Tokyo in March 2026 featuring guest participation by Michelin-starred chef Paul Lau Ping Lui of Tin Lung Heen in Hong Kong and Singapore chocolatier Janice Wong, with onboard workshops and curated menus. In May 2026, Luminara is scheduled to sail from Tokyo to Alaska for the northern summer before returning to Asian waters in September.
Since its launch in October 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has expanded to three vessels, joining Luminara with Evrima and Ilma. The ships are designed to mirror the brand’s shoreside hotels, with art-focused interiors, spa and fitness facilities, and curated shore excursions. All suites feature private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows. A distinguishing feature across the fleet is a floating marina platform deployed at select destinations, allowing guests direct access to the sea for swimming and water sports.
At the Singapore launch, company executives characterised the deployment of Luminara as a significant step in the brand’s expansion across Asia, noting the alignment with the longstanding presence of Ritz-Carlton properties in the city-state. From the perspective of Singapore’s tourism authorities, the yacht’s arrival was described as strengthening the country’s role as a regional cruise hub, building on recent passenger volumes and supporting a strategy focused on high-value, experience-led tourism through partnerships with ultra-luxury operators.