Review / Luminara of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection takes luxury cruising to a whole new level

Feb 13 , 2026

A pool overlooking the sea on the Ritz-Carlton Luminara yacht. Photo: Handout

From Aman to Four Seasons, hotel groups are taking on the high seas with luxury cruises – here’s what it’s like on Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara

Not content with conquering land, luxury hoteliers have their eyes on much bigger territory as the quest continues to dominate the high seas. This year alone sees two hospitality behemoths – the Orient Express and Four Seasons – debut luxury superyachts, while Aman Resorts’ Amangati yacht is slated to launch in 2027.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, however, was ahead of the game when it unveiled its first luxury vessel Evrima in 2022, followed by Ilma in 2024. Last year it welcomed its newest, the 794-foot Luminara, which is currently touring the Asia-Pacific before moving on to other exciting destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, Northern Europe and the Baltic.

As a pioneer, The Ritz-Carlton has been able to define this new category of travel with much success and fanfare. Envision a floating hotel with world-class dining and amenities combined with the luxuries afforded by private yachts such as a high staff to guest ratio, beautifully designed accommodation and spaces, and personalised service, entertainment and activities.

The Ritz-Carlton Luminara is currently in Asia. Photo: Handout

After experiencing this concept first-hand two years ago during a voyage on the Ilma, I was eager to explore its younger sister Luminara during its recent tour of Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

In terms of appearance, Luminara has the sleek, svelte shape of the Ilma with a similar number of suites (226) plus two new suite categories. My accommodation was the mid-tier Grand Suite, which at 560 sqft easily rivals any city hotel in size and offerings. The living room features a comfortable sofa that can double as a bed, while the bedroom boasts two walk-in wardrobes, a lush marble en suite with a full-sized tub, and a separate shower and toilet.

While the suites are similar in design to Ilma, the public spaces feel more sophisticated and elevated with a focus on bespoke furniture and finishings that scream quiet luxury. Then there’s the next level artwork: around 700 pieces, many commissioned, by the likes of David Hockney, Alexander Calder and Henri Matisse.

Azur is one of the restaurants on the ship. Photo: Handout

The facilities are equally top-notch and include two Instagram-worthy pools with plenty of room for lounging; a marina that provides direct access to an inflatable floating lounge and sea pool, all equipped with hi-tech water toys; a state-of-the-art gym with two studios; and a Zen-like spa with 11 treatment rooms, some with outdoor terraces facing the sea.

Seven bars, five restaurants and 24/7 in-suite dining allow guests to be as private or sociable as they wish. Two outlets are helmed by chefs from award-winning establishments, including Michael Mina, who pays tribute to his Egyptian roots at the Beach House, and Fabio Trabocchi, behind Michelin-starred restaurants like Fiola, who has created a Silk Road-inspired Venetian tasting menu at Seta Su Luminara. My personal favourite is the quiet and understated Azur on Luminara, which serves local flavours and rotating dishes by chefs selected from Ritz-Carlton hotels in destinations on the voyage.

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From Aman to Four Seasons, hotel groups are taking on the high seas with luxury cruises – here’s what it’s like on Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara

From Aman to Four Seasons, hotel groups are taking on the high seas with luxury cruises – here’s what it’s like on Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara