The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, the first luxury hotel brand to venture into ocean travel, is setting its sights on Asia and Alaska as it prepares to launch its third and newest superyacht this summer.
Luminara will debut in July 2025 in the Mediterranean, offering 226 suites with capacity for 452 guests, after Evrima (149 suites, 298 guests) and Ilma (224 suites, 448 guests), which launched in October 2022 and September 2024 respectively.
The debut of Luminara will mark the start of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s inaugural Asia come winter 2025, offering 12 voyages between December 2025 and May 2026. These cruises, ranging from 7 to 14 nights, will stop at key destinations including Singapore, Penang, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
Guests can expect one of the highest staff-to-guest and space-to-guest ratios at sea, complemented by luxury amenities such as multiple F&B outlets featuring an extensive wine collection, a Ritz-Carlton Spa, and an expanded marina providing direct sea access.
“Although we've increased the number of guests on Luminara, we've increased the space per guest even more,” said Sebastian Seward, who was appointed Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific in June 2024 and is currently based in Sydney.
Besides its inaugural Asian season, Luminara will also sail to Alaska season in May 2026. “We will bring a different style of cruising to the Alaksa,” added Seward.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Sebastian Seward sharing about Luminara in Bangkok. Photo Credit: Deck 9
Unlocking a new customer base
“50% of our guests have not been on cruises before,” Seward revealed, attributing this to the "beautiful product" and the added value of the cruise line being part of Marriott Bonvoy, which helps attract newcomers to luxury cruising.
“The Ritz-Carlton service is central to our proposition, and it’s drawing a number of repeat customers. Our rebooking rate is already close to 30% despite being a relatively new company, which is very encouraging.
"Additionally, being part of the Marriott Bonvoy group allows customers to earn and redeem points onboard the yacht.”
Seward also recognises the key role of luxury travel advisors, which is reflected in Thailand, where luxury cruise specialist Deck 9 has been appointed as a key agent partner. With Deck 9’s partnership, the Thai market stood out as among its top for the Asia Pacific region in 2024.
What sets the yachts apart
With a maximum guest capacity of 400 plus, Seward believes the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a unique "sweet spot" in luxury cruising.
Ships offer plenty of natural light, dining opportunities, nearly 1:1 service ratio, and access to some of the most beautiful yachting destinations in the world. “We’re able to take up positions in ports like Portofino and St Tropez,” he added.
A standout feature is the marina platform at the yacht’s rear, which offers direct access into the sea. At select ports, guests can simply jump into the water and partake in activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding.