Ritz-Carlton Luminara

The 2025-built Ritz-Carlton Luminara cruise ship is the third and final vessel in the trio of ultra-luxury expedition superyachts owned by Marriott International Inc (shipowner). She is operated by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (cruise brand and subsidiary of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company / official website).

The vessel (IMO number 9967598) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 249161000) and registered in Valletta.

Luminara is a feminine name derived from the Latin word for “light.”

History - construction and ownership

Ritz-Carlton’s cruise brand, “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” is a Miami-headquartered (Coconut Grove) new company owned by Marriott International Inc through its subsidiary, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC.

On June 22, 2017, the five-star hotel brand Ritz-Carlton announced the launch of its privately owned cruise line, with a planned debut in 2019. The company’s fleet consists of three newbuilds, with an option to expand to five vessels. Ritz-Carlton’s cruise company was founded by Douglas Prothero (CEO and founder of Canadian Maritime Group) and Lars Clasen (Managing Director and former President of AIDA Cruises).

On March 17, 2022, Ritz-Carlton officially announced the signing of a shipbuilding order with the French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique (located in Saint-Nazaire) for two LNG-powered superyachts—the sisterships Ilma (2024) and Luminara (2025).

The contract with Chantiers de l’Atlantique was signed by Douglas Prothero (CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection), Tim Grisius (Marriott International’s Global Officer for Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Development, and Real Estate), Karim Khairallah (Managing Director and Co-Portfolio Manager at Oaktree Capital Management / European Principal Group), and Laurent Castaing (the shipbuilder’s General Manager).

Initially, Ritz-Carlton planned to expand its fleet with two Evrima-class sisterships, scheduled for delivery in 2023 and 2024. The shipbuilding order for the second vessel was signed on May 31, 2019, with Hijos de J. Barreras (shipyard in Vigo, Spain) by Jose Garcia Costas (shipbuilder’s President) and Douglas Prothero. However, due to the Coronavirus crisis and Barreras Shipyard’s financial difficulties, both projects were canceled and replaced with the larger, France-built units.

Unlike Evrima (completed at Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain), Ilma and Luminara are significantly larger in terms of gross tonnage (46,750 GT compared to Evrima’s 26,500 GT), number of cabins (224 versus Evrima’s 149), and maximum passenger capacity (456 versus Evrima’s 298).

The new superyachts were designed by AD Associates (London, UK / interior design), Aivan (Helsinki, Finland / exterior design), and DPA Designers (Miami, Florida, USA).

Decks and Cabins

All Luminara cruise ship staterooms (224 total) are balcony suites with high ceilings, and many are two-room accommodations with separate bedrooms. Triple and quad cabins are fitted with convertible sofas or sleeper couches.

The ship has 10 decks, of which eight are passenger-accessible and five accommodate cabins.

There are nine all-suite cabin categories. Two-room suites include the Owner’s, Concierge, Luminara, View, Panorama, and Grand categories, while Signature Suites (deluxe balcony) and Terrace Suites (standard balcony) feature combined living and sleeping areas.

The largest accommodations are the Owner’s Suites, offering 1,035 ft² (96 m²) of indoor living space, plus a spacious private terrace measuring 720 ft² (67 m²).

The ship has a total of five ADA-compliant cabins for passengers with disabilities, all in the Terrace Suite category and fully wheelchair-accessible.

Standard complimentary amenities and services in all passenger cabins include custom-made King-size beds (non-convertible to twins) with a premium sleeping system, custom Ritz-Carlton linens, and hypoallergenic pillows; smart HDTVs with infotainment systems (Internet access, movies-on-demand, room service ordering); a seating area with contemporary furnishings (mirrored dressing table, upholstered low stool, lounge cabinet with shelves, armchairs, and coffee table); complimentary minibar stocked to guests’ preferences upon request after embarkation; Espresso coffee machine with complimentary coffee and tea capsules; direct-dial telephone, alarm clock radio, wardrobe, electronic safe, and life jackets (stored in the closet); 220V/110V power outlets and USB charging ports; complimentary Wi-Fi Internet; 24-hour room service and in-cabin dining (including items from all onboard dining venues); dedicated butler service (Personal Concierge); a full bathroom with double-sink vanity, separate WC toilet, hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers, custom bath linens, and luxury-brand bath products; individually controlled air conditioning; LED lighting; and modern recessed light fixtures.

Ritz-Carlton Luminara’s public spaces were designed by the Toronto-based luxury interior design firm Chapi Chapo Design Inc, while the suites were designed by AD Associates. Materials used throughout the vessel include premium walnut wood and Italian Arabescato Corchia marble. Suite interiors feature dark oak, Emperador marble, and smoked glass. Top-tier suites are further enhanced with luxury furnishings from renowned design houses such as Minotti, Giorgetti, Talenti, Poltrona Frau, and Molteni.

The ship’s artwork collection comprises 731 pieces, including works by acclaimed artists such as Paul Klee, David Hockney, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter, and Andy Warhol. Approximately 65% of the artworks were specially commissioned for Luminara.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The Luminara yacht features six restaurants, five bars and lounges, a Wine Vault, an expanded Marina complex with mezzanine, the Ritz-Carlton Spa (enhanced wellness complex), and a dedicated children’s area operated under the Ritz-Kids program.

On board Luminara, Ritz-Carlton offers a total of 10 ultra-premium dining options in intimate venues with chef-curated menus, limited seating, and flexible operating hours, without assigned seating or fixed dining times. Guests may dine whenever they wish, rather than following traditional scheduled meal times.

All-day and late-night in-cabin dining (or on private terraces) is available via the 24-hour room service menu, offering selections from all onboard dining venues, as well as from the Main Dining Room menu during regular hours.

The daytime dress code is “Yacht Casual” for breakfast and lunch; shoes, shirts, and swimwear cover-ups are required when not at the pool areas. In the evenings, sleeveless T-shirts and swimwear are not permitted, and shoes and shirts are required throughout the ship. The dress code at the specialty restaurant by Sven Elverfeld is “Yacht Sophisticated”—collared shirts are recommended but not mandatory. No formal nights are held on board.

Below is the complete list of Ritz-Carlton Luminara restaurants and food venues.

• (deck 3) SETA SU LUMINARA Restaurant is a fine-dining venue offering a tasting menu through a partnership with Fabio Trabocchi (Michelin-starred Italian chef). SETA (28 seats) is à la carte priced and features a five-course menu with wine pairing, including premium wines and champagnes by the glass. An additional charge applies, and reservations are required. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Wine Vault.
• (deck 3) AZUR ON LUMINARA is the Main Dining Room. Its menu features locally inspired dishes that change daily based on the ports visited. DINING PRIVEE, a 10-seat private room with its own Wine Vault, can be reserved as a VIP dining space for customized lunches and dinners.
• (deck 3) MARINA TERRACE is an open-air bar lounge serving as an alfresco dining area by day and transforming into a disco nightclub in the evenings.
• (deck 3, forward portside) MEDICAL CENTER / Infirmary.
• (deck 4) HAESU BIT is a contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant with a dedicated sushi bar and outdoor terrace seating, offering Southeast Asian fusion and traditional specialties from Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, and Chinese cuisines.
• (deck 5 aft) THE BEACH HOUSE is a casual poolside venue for all-day dining, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• (deck 10 aft) MISTRAL (Steakhouse and Seafood Grill) is a Lido-style bar-restaurant serving the pool deck with beverages and freshly prepared dishes, including grilled seafood, local catch, and prime-cut meats. It offers indoor and outdoor seating, from early-morning light breakfasts to late-night complimentary dining. The sundeck is served by the open-air Mistral Bar (aft) and the Pool Bar (midship).

Ritz-Carlton Yachts’ Culinary Director is Matthieu Godard (pastry chef), who oversees the brand’s culinary concepts and menus. Lee Goble serves as Executive Chef, managing the fleet’s culinary teams.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Luminara offers destination-focused entertainment, including onboard performances by local artists and musicians, itinerary-inspired gourmet cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, and expert-led lectures and presentations. Live jazz and classical music performances are featured, and local guest performers, lecturers, and chefs join the ship during each voyage. Complimentary shipwide Wi-Fi is provided.

The main social hubs on board are the Observation Terrace and Lounge (top deck) and The Living Room (ship’s entrance hall / Atrium Lobby lounge, also functioning as a café and library). The ship does not feature a traditional theater or casino.

The superyacht includes an aft marina platform for watersports, offering direct sea access and serving as a venue for open-air parties and events. Complimentary water toys, including sea kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment, are available. The marina connects seamlessly with indoor spaces, forming an indoor-outdoor solarium that resembles a lounge rather than a traditional sundeck.

The image below shows the Spa Deck’s forward sundeck with a plunge pool (covered in the evenings) and outdoor cushioned seating.

Above the Sun Deck is the helideck with a helicopter landing area used for emergency operations.

The superyacht features eight Jacuzzies / spa whirlpools / hot tubs (six aft on decks 7, 8, and 9, and two forward on deck 7) and two swimming pools (one deep infinity pool aft on Deck 5 and one shallow pool midship on Deck 10). The Deck 5 infinity pool is also designed for resistance swimming and features a glass wall overlooking the ship’s wake. The yacht additionally carries speedboats.

Due to fire and safety regulations, most public spaces are subdivided by fireproof partitions separating restaurants, lounges, and bars. Ritz-Carlton yachts pioneered an open, “fluid and transparent” floorplan concept intended to blur traditional boundaries between dining and social areas.

Below is the complete list of Ritz-Carlton Luminara lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues for guests of all ages.

• (deck 5 midship) THE HUMIDOR is a smoking lounge offering hand-rolled cigars displayed in a humidor, along with premium spirits, including a curated selection of fine cognacs.
• (deck 9 forward) THE OBSERVATION TERRACE is a bow-facing outdoor lounge with 270-degree panoramic views. THE ART BAR / OBSERVATION LOUNGE is an indoor venue with floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable seating, used for social events, sunset cocktails, and late-night dancing. At night, it transforms into a nightclub with live entertainment.
• (deck 5 midship) THE LIVING ROOM serves as the ship’s café-patisserie and library, offering freshly baked pastries, desserts, roasted coffees, and traditional British Afternoon Tea. Ready-made sweets are available for late-night ordering.
• (deck 5 aft) THE BEACH HOUSE is a poolside bar and open-air dining venue by chef Michael Mina, serving complimentary beverages and food inspired by Pan-Latin and Caribbean cuisines. It also offers late breakfasts and late-night snacks, with made-to-order dishes. The Pool Deck is equipped with loungers, deckchairs, banquettes, whirlpools, and an area for outdoor movies and deck parties.
• RITZ-CARLTON SPA is operated by Ritz-Carlton Hotels and offers indoor and outdoor treatments. Each treatment room features a private step-out balcony, allowing guests to choose between indoor or outdoor sessions. The wellness complex includes a Relaxation Lounge, Medical Center, 11 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, full-service beauty salon, barber services, and a juice bar.
• (deck 4 midship) THE FITNESS STUDIO is an indoor-outdoor gym with modern equipment and an outdoor area for classes such as yoga, Pilates, and aerobics. The gym offers sunrise yoga, strength training, nutrition coaching, and customized wellness programs.
• (deck 4) RITZ-KIDS is the onboard Kids Club, providing complimentary educational and recreational programs. Enhanced services are available during peak seasons and holidays. RITZ-KIDS also functions as a Meeting Room / Conference Center and can be booked for private events.
• Deck 4 also houses the Lobby Hall (two ship entrances with Guest Services / Reception) and the Launderette.
• (deck 5) THE BOUTIQUE offers branded sportswear, fashion apparel, accessories, leather goods, fine jewelry, watches, perfumes, and cosmetics. In selected ports, local artisans board the ship to showcase handmade products. Retail partners include Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget.

THE MARINA is an aft-located watersports platform providing direct access to the sea and the ship’s equipment. It is also used for parties and open-air events. Complimentary water toys, including sea kayaks and paddleboards, are launched from here. Glass doors open onto a sweeping staircase leading to the Lido / Pool Deck above. The marina adjoins an indoor-outdoor solarium (Marina Terrace) designed as a relaxed lounge rather than a traditional sundeck.

THE MARINA TERRACE is an open-air deck area served by the Marina Bar and offering 270-degree panoramic views. Covered by a retractable glass roof, it operates as an alfresco dining lounge during the day and a disco nightclub in the evenings. A variety of handcrafted cocktails, beverages, light bites, and made-to-order dishes are served throughout the day.

Itineraries

Ritz-Carlton Luminara’s inaugural cruise season in 2025 begins with her Maiden Voyage on July 3.

The Mediterranean program features luxury destinations such as Taormina (Sicily), Amalfi, Sorrento, Portofino, Monaco, the French Riviera (Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Collioure), the Aegean Sea and Greece (Milos Island, Chania on Crete), Valletta (Malta), Syracuse (Sicily), and the Balearic Islands of Spain (Mahon, Mallorca). In September, the ship is homeported in Piraeus (Athens) for seven-night roundtrip itineraries to the Greek Islands and Turkey.

All Mediterranean voyages during the inaugural season are seven nights in length. The superyacht is also deployed seasonally in the Caribbean, with Transatlantic crossings during repositioning between Europe and the Americas.

Ritz-Carlton’s Shore Collection (land tours and excursions) offers customized experiences organized by dedicated shipboard staff (Concierge Ashore) working with certified local guides and travel professionals.

All Ritz-Carlton superyachts are available for private charter.