The Ritz-Carlton’s terrific trio is nearly complete with the launch of the massive new 794-foot cruise ship in 2025. The longest cruiseliner in the fleet will be joined by the 623-foot Evrima and the 790-foot Ilma, which were launched in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The esteemed luxury travel brand certainly believes that size matters and is getting bigger and better with an unmatched hotel-turned-cruise experience conceived by Chapi Chapo Design, AD Associates, and DPA.
“With Luminara, we are not just adding another superyacht to our fleet; we are expanding the horizons of ultra-luxury travel,” said Jim Murren, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s executive chairman and CEO, in a statement. The newest ship, Luminara, meaning “light,” can sleep 452 guests in the lap of luxury aboard 226 spacious suites with ocean-view terraces. The most extravagant offering aboard the newest member of the fleet is the lavish Residential Suite, which is commodious for a family and feels like your own floating mansion in the middle of the ocean.
According to Travel and Leisure, the 794-footer will boast a wine vault, The Ritz-Carlton-branded spa, and a marina with direct sea access. It will also be home to five restaurants, six bars, swimming pools, and a gym. French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique will construct the vessel. “Chantiers de l’Atlantique is very proud to design and build these medium-size – ultra-luxury cruise vessels and initiate a new partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said the yard’s general manager, Laurent Castaing. “These ships will provide the highest quality standards and comfort level to their guests and simultaneously be at the forefront of environmental performances.”
The ship is the epitome of serenity, with interiors boasting materials like soft brown oak and Calcutta marble. “Luminara’s design emphasizes elegance and sophistication, with explorative passages, and favors circular silhouettes over geometric edges, forming a sense of limitless space in each area,” the company said. Luminara’s maiden voyage is scheduled for July 1, 2025. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced 53 itineraries for its 2025 season, running from April to October. Highlights include trips from Rome, Reykjavik, and Athens, with various stops at notable destinations.
