The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has revealed details of the design of Luminara, the third ship in its fleet of luxury cruise ships.
Inspired by its name, which means ‘light’ in Latin, Luminara will span 794 feet and accommodate up to 452 guests across 226 suites. Public spaces were designed by Toronto-based Chapi Design Luxury Division, while suites were appointed by London-based firm AD Associates. Lighting, meanwhile, was created by consultants DPA.
“With Luminara, we’ve raised the bar once again, uniting legendary service, elevated design, and an extraordinary onboard experience to further define our distinct approach to ultra-luxury travel at sea,” said Ernesto Fara, president of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “This remarkable superyacht opens the door to new destinations and deeper guest experiences, reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful exploration and continuous innovation across the fleet.”
The interiors will combine warm walnut woods and striking Arabescato Corchia marble with a palette of soft blues, warm greys and deep ocean hues, accented with bronze and ruby tones. Reflective finishes, sculptural lighting and curved architecture is intended to evoke the fluidity of the sea and create an interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces. The yacht’s exterior, crafted by Helsinki-based studio Aivan, draws inspiration from private yacht design.
In common with the rest of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet, each suite onboard Luminara will open onto a private terrace. Accomodation will feature a core palette of dark oak, Emporada marble and smoked glass accents, layers with neutrals, warm timbers and metal finishes. Complementary accent tones, materials like Oak Jacobean and bespoke furnishings from design houses Minotti, Giorgetti, Talenti and more have been included in the spaces to add tactile richness and visual depth. Lighting and scene settings will also allow guests to tailor the ambiance of their room.
Luminara’s onboard collection of art, meanwhile, is intended to capture “the freedom, sophistication and elegance intrinsic to yachting”. The collection will comprise of 731 pieces, with around 65 per cent commissioned specifically for the yacht. Many works will explore the interplay of light and celebrate Malta’s history, from artistic reflections on knights’ armour to representations of the Maltese Hawk Moth. Works by renowned artists including Paul Klee, David Hockney, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter and Andy Warhol will also be displayed throughout the yacht. The collection will include a seven-story suspended light sculpture that will illuminate the aft staircase atrium, which is intended to provide a sense of connection between the decks.
Cuisine onboard Luminara will include five dining venues, two of which have been created by James Beard award winners and Michelin-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina. Seta su Luminara, developed in collaboration with Trabochhi, will feature an eight-course tasting menu alongside an a la carte selection of modern Italian cuisine inspired by Venice’s historic spice trade. At Beach house, created with Mina, guests will be served Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, rooted in the chef’s Egyptian heritage.
Additional venues will include Azur on Luminara, with regionally-influenced menus centred on seasonal ingredients; Haesu Bit, a pan-Asian concept incorporating flavours from destinations Luminara will visit; and Mistral, which is inspired by the spirit of Mediterranean coastal dining through fresh seafood and grilled meats.
Guests will also be able to visit seven different bars onboard, including the new Art Bar, where they can sit among an installation of Cycladic art which blends ancient traditions with the fluid, dynamic nature of modern navigation. The bar will serve craft cocktails paired with regional sweet treats tied to the yacht’s itineraries.
Luminara will also feature updated versions of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's signature spaces with a more expansive Marina, Marina Terrace and Marina Beach, all of which will be anchored by a dynamic floating lounge platform with a central pool where guests can swim directly in the sea. The platform will connect guests to activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, Seabob and electric foiling boards. A panoramic pool area on Deck 10 will offer a main pool and two jacuzzis.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa will feature 11 treatment rooms and present a selection exclusive treatments inspired by the yacht’s Asia-Pacific itineraries. Experiences such as the Awakening Bamboo Massage and Detoxifying Wellness Poultice Treatment are designed to emphasise a holistic approach to rejuvenation.
The retail experience onboard Luminara has been curated in partnership with Starboard Luxury and will include retail spaces for Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen and Piaget. The Boutique will carry a selection of resort wear, accessories, co-branded Lululemon apparel, vintage products and home décor and gifts. The launch assortment will display fine jewelry from Ileana Makri, Lauren Rubiniski, 64 Facets and, for the first time at sea, Sydney Evan’s men’s collection. Accessories will span from one-of-a-kind vintage Hermès Birkins and Kellys, sustainable handbags by Stella McCartney and embroidered clutches from Olympia Le-Tan. Fashion and home décor products will include Milan-based La DoubleJ and resort wear from Johanna Ortiz and Orlebar Brown. Additional brands and regional products will be added in as Asia moves to Asia.
“As the first luxury hospitality brand to launch into yachting, The Ritz-Carlton continues to redefine immersive travel at sea,” said Tina Edmundson, president of luxury for parent company Marriott International. “Rooted in our legendary service, Luminara is a continuation of our legacy, yet entirely her own—a vessel designed for connection, discovery, and the transformative power of travel. Onboard, she introduces far-reaching itineraries, a refined culinary vision, and thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect her own sense of place and purpose.”
Luminara will set sail on its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo, Monaco, to Rome on 3 July 2025.