Ritz-Carlton Luminara

The 2025-built Ritz-Carlton's Luminara cruise ship is the third/last of the three ultra-luxury expedition superyachts owned by Marriott International Inc (shipowner). The ship 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) will be Malta-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Valletta.

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 via its subsidiary The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC.

On June 22, 2017, the 5-star hotel brand Ritz-Carlton announced its privately-owned cruise line brand, with a planned start in 2019. The company's fleet consists of 3 newbuilds, with a shipbuilding option to expand to 5 vessels. Ritz-Carlton's cruise company was created by Douglas Prothero (CEO, founder of Canadian Maritime Group) and Lars Clasen (Managing Director, former President of AIDA Cruises).

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

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

Initially, Ritz-Carlton planned a fleet expansion with two Evrima-like boats/sisterships, which were planned for deliveries 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 issues, these projects were both canceled and replaced with the bigger, France-built units.

Unlike Evrima (completed at Astander Shipyard in Santander Spain), Ilma and Luminara are larger as both gross-tonnage/volume (46750 GT-tons, compared to Evrima's 26500 GT-tons), cabins (224 vs Evrima's 149), and max passenger capacity (456 vs Evrima's 298).

For the new superyachts' design were contracted AD Associates (London, England UK/yacht's interior design), Aivan (Helsinki Finland/yacht's exterior design), and DPA Designers (Miami Florida USA).

Decks and Cabins

All Luminara cruise ship staterooms (224 total) are balcony suites with tall ceilings, and there are plenty of two-room accommodations featuring separate bedrooms. Triple and quad cabins are with convertible couches/sleeper sofas.

The boat has 10 decks, of which 8 are passenger-accessible and 6 with cabins.

Cabin categories are 8 (all suites) of which 2-room grades are Owner's, Concierge, Luminara, View, Panorama, and Grand, while Signature Suites (deluxe balcony) and Terrace Suites (standard balcony) are with a living and sleeping area.

The largest accommodations are Owner's Suites - sized 1035 ft2 (96 m2 indoor space) in addition to the huge terrace (sized 720 ft2 / 67 m2).

The ship has a total of 5x ADA cabins (for disabled passengers) which are all Terrace Suites and wheelchair-accessible.

Standard/complimentary amenities and services provided in all passenger cabins include custom-made King-size beds (non-convertible to single beds, premium sleeping system, custom-made for Ritz-Carlton linens, hypoallergenic pillows), smart HDTVs (infotainment system with Internet, movies-on-demand, Room Service ordering), seating area with contemporary furniture (mirrored dressing table, upholstered low stool, lounge cabinet with shelves, armchairs, coffee table), complimentary minibar (fully stocked to guests' preferences/upon request after boarding the ship), Espresso coffee machine (complimentary capsules /coffee and tea), direct-dial phone, alrm clock radio, wardrobe, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), 220-110 V power outlets, USB charging ports, complimentary WiFi Internet, complimentary 24-hour room service and in-cabin dining (ordering items from all onboard dining venues), dedicated butler (Personal Concierge assistant), full bathroom (double-sink vanity, separate WC toilet, two hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers, custom-made bath linens, luxury-brand bath products), individually controlled air-conditioning, LED lighting, modern light fixtures (recessed lights).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The Luminara yacht has 6 restaurants, 5 bars/lounges, a Wine Vault, an expanded Marina (with a mezzanine), Ritz-Carlton Spa (expanded wellness complex), a space dedicated for children (by the brand's Ritz-Kids program).

On Luminara, Ritz-Carlton offers a total of 10 ultra-premium dining options at intimate venues with chef-curated menus, small seating capacity, opened around the clock, and without assigned seating or fixed mealtimes. Passengers can eat whenever they want, rather than the traditional pre-set dining times customary on most companies.

All-day and all-night dining in cabins (or on their terraces) can be ordered from the 24-hour room service menu (items from all onboard dining venues), as well as during regular hours from the MDR menu.

The dress code is "Yacht Casual" during the day for breakfast and lunch - shoes, shirts, and bathing suit cover-ups are required when the passengers are not at the swimming pool. In the evenings, sleeveless t-shirts and bathing suits are not allowed, and shoes and shirts are required throughout the vessel. The dress code in the specialty dining restaurant by Sven Elverfeld is "Yacht Sophisticated" - collared shirts are not required, but recommended. No formal nights are organized on board.

Follows the complete list of Ritz-Carlton Luminara restaurants and food bars.

• (deck 3) S.E.A./Aqua Restaurant is a FINE DINING venue (with a tasting menu of gourmet dishes) via partnership with celebrity chef Sven Elverfeld (3-Michelin stars) who presides over Ritz-Carlton's Aqua Restaurant in Wolfsburg Germany. Aqua Restaurant has capacity 28 seats, offers a la carte 5-course menu and wine pairing (with premium wines and champagnes by the glass). An additional fee is applied and reservations are required.
• (deck 3) THE OCHRE ROOM (deck 3) is the MDR/Main Dining Room restaurant. The menu consists of locally inspired creations and changes daily to reflect the ports visited. DINING PRIVEE (10-seat room) is part of the MDR and can be reserved as VIP dining room for lunches and dinners with customized menus.
• (deck 3) MARINA TERRACE is an open-air Bar Lounge serving as an alfresco dining lounge by day and a disco nightclub in the evenings.
• (deck 4) TALAAT NAM is a contemporary restaurant with a separate sushi bar and outdoor terrace seating (for alfresco dining) offering Southeast Asian Fusion and traditional cuisine specialties.
• (deck 5 aft) THE POOL HOUSE is a casual poolside food bar/all-day dining venue serving breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
• (deck 10 aft) MISTRAL (Steakhouse and Seafood Grill) is a Lido bar restaurant serving the swimming pool's sundeck with beverages and food (made-to-order grilled dishes, including fresh fish and seafood/local catch and prime-cut meats). Mistral is a casual alfresco eatery with both indoor/outdoor seating and offers from Early Risers (portable breakfast) to late-night complimentary dining. Various cuisine specialties are prepared outdoors and a-la-minute, including made-to-order gourmet meats (prime beef steaks) and fresh seafood (grilled to order).

Ritz-Carlton Yachts' Culinary Director is Matthieu Godard (pastry chef) who oversees the brand's culinary activities and menus. Lee Goble is the brand's Executive Chef who manages the fleet's culinary teams.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Luminara ship offers destination-based activities (onboard performances by local artists and musicians), itinerary-based gourmet cuisine (with locally-sourced products and dishes prepared by local chefs). Onboard entertainment includes live performances (jazz and classical) and professional (expert-led) lectures and media presentations. During each voyage, local guests (artists, lecturers, chefs) board the ship for various entertainment acts throughout the cruise. The shipwide Wi-Fi is free of charge.

The main onboard social hubs are The Observation Terrace/Lounge (top-deck) and The Living Room (ship entrance hall / Atrium Lobby lounge, also doubling as Cafe and Library). The ship doesn't have a dedicated Theater (show lounge) or Casino (gambling lounge).

The mega-yacht has an aft marina platform for watersports, providing direct access to the sea. The marina is also used for open-air parties and other events. A selection of water toys (sea kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment) is provided complimentary to all passengers. The marina is connected to the indoors, forming an indoor-outdoor solarium (sundeck) looking more like a cozy lounge than the usual sundeck.

Next image shows the Spa Deck's fore-located sundeck with a plunge pool (covered in the evenings) and outdoor padded seating.

Above Sun Deck is the Helideck with a helipad (helicopter landing area) used in cases of emergency.

The superyacht has two infinity whirlpools/hot tubs (aft portside and starboard on Deck 5) and two swimming pools (one deep/aft on Deck 5, and one shallow/midship on Deck 10). The infinity pool (Deck 5) is also used for exercising (resistance swimming). Deck 5's pool is on the stern and with a glass wall facing the ship's wake. The yacht also carries speedboats.

Due to fire and safety regulations, most of the ship's spaces are sectioned off and subdivided, with metal walls dividing restaurants from lounges and bars. Ritz-Carlton ships pioneered an open floorplan concept ("fluid and transparent") designed to "break down the traditional boundaries between dining and drinking areas".

Follows the complete list of Ritz-Carlton Luminara ship lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• (deck 5 midship) THE HUMIDOR is a smoking bar lounge where can also be purchased hand-rolled cigars (showcased in a humidor) and premium liquors (including a selection of fine cognacs).
• (deck 9 forward) THE OBSERVATION TERRACE is a bow-facing outdoor bar lounge/open-air deck area providing 270-degree unobstructed views (of the sea, coastal scenery or in-port infrastructure/cityscape). The Observation Deck has comfortable seating and is used for relaxation and socializing events (sunset cocktail parties, late-night dancing, live entertainment).
• (deck 5 midship) THE LIVING ROOM is the ship's Cafeteria-Patisserie (coffee bar and lounge with a library) offering freshly-baked pastries, cakes, pies, roasted coffees (at the Espresso Counter and the Bar) and traditional British Afternoon Tea service. Ready-made sweets are available for ordering until late-night.
• (deck 5 aft) THE POOL HOUSE is a poolside bar and alfresco dining venue serving all-day complimentary beverages and food, including late breakfast and late-night snacks, with a-la-minute prepared and made-to-order dishes. The ship's pool deck (aft sundeck) is fitted with loungers, deckchairs, banquettes and whirlpools, along with a spacious spot for outdoor movies and deck parties.
• RITZ-CARLTON SPA is operated by Ritz-Carlton Hotels and provides indoor and outdoor treatments. Each massage room has its own private step-out balcony. Guests are able to pick if they wish a treatment indoors or outdoors. The wellness complex also includes Relaxation Lounge, Medical Center, Treatment rooms (for massages), SAUNA ROOM, STEAM ROOM, THE SALON (full-service beauty parlor/hairdresser-manicure-pedicure), THE BARBER (grooming-barber services), JUICE BAR.
• (deck 4 midship) THE FITNESS STUDIO is an indoor-outdoor Gym complex with training equipment inside and an outdoor exercise area for classes (yoga, pilates, aerobics, etc) and relaxation. The Gym offers sunrise outdoor yoga sessions, strength training, nutrition coaching, customized wellness programs.
• (deck 4) RITZ-KIDS is the yacht's Kids Club (indoor playground) providing a complimentary educational and fun activity program for children. Enhanced kids' entertainment and services are available during summer months and holidays.
• Deck 4 also houses a MEETING ROOM (Conference Center, also bookable for private events) and the LOBBY HALL (2x ship entrances, Reception/Guest Services Desk).
• (deck 5) THE BOUTIQUE shop sells brand sportswear, fashion clothing and accessories, leather goods, premium jewelry and watches, brand perfumes and cosmetics. In select ports along the cruise itinerary, the onboard shopping experience is enhanced via collaborations with local artisans boarding the ship to showcase their unique handmade products.

THE MARINA is an aft-located/stern watersports platform providing direct access to the sea and the ship's watersport equipment. It is also used for parties and other open-air events. A selection of water toys (sea kayaks, paddleboards) are launched from here and provided complimentary to all passengers. Glass doors open to the sweeping staircase leading to Lido / Pool Deck above (aft / on the ship's stern). The Marina is adjacent to an indoor/outdoor solarium (Marina Terrace) which is more a cozy lounge than a conventional sundeck.

THE MARINA TERRACE is an open-air deck space (served by Marina Bar) providing 270-degree panoramic views. This outdoor area is covered by a retractable glass roof and can be operated as an alfresco dining lounge by day and as a disco nightclub in the evenings. At The Marina Terrace are served a variety of drinks (including handcrafted cocktails), light bites, made-to-order dishes (prepared a-la-minute).

Itineraries

Ritz-Carlton Luminara's inaugural cruise season (2025) starts with the Maiden Voyage on July 31st. The 7-night itinerary (roundtrip from Rome) was priced from EUR 9570 pp. The inaugural cruise visits Livorno (overnight), Portofino (anchorage), Monte Carlo (Monaco), Ajaccio (Corsica France) and Porto Cervo (Sardinia Italy).

The Mediterranean season includes luxurious destinations like Taormina Sicily, Amalfi, Sorrento, Portofino, Monaco, the French Riviera (Cannes, Saint Tropez, Collioure), Aegean Sea/Greece (Milos Island, Chania Crete Island), Valletta Malta, Siracuse Sicily, Balearic Spain (Mahon, Mallorca). In September the ship is homeported in Piraeus-Athens for 7-night roundtrips to the Greek Islands and Turkey.

The inaugural season's Med voyages are all 7-nights in length. The superyacht will be also deployed in the Caribbean, with seasonal Transatlantic crossings on relocation (RepositionCruises.com) between Europe and the Americas.

Ritz-Carlton's The Shore Collection (land tours and excursions) program offers customized services provided by dedicated cruise ship staff (Concierge Ashore) working with local certified tour guides and other specializing in tourism and travel professionals.

All Ritz-Carlton superyachts are available for private chartering.