It’s not easy to make the Mediterranean even more alluring and sophisticated than it already is, but Ritz-Carlton’s done it. On July 3, the luxury hospitality brand launched its newest yacht, Luminara, sailing from Monaco for its inaugural seven-day voyage. Not only that, but a few days prior, the opulent 794-foot-long superyacht had been christened in Barcelona by Bridgerton actress Simone Ashley and hosted a slew of celebrities for an extraordinary party at sea. The glamour meter is out of control.
A Star-studded Weekend in The Med
If you thought Jeff’s Bezos’ Venice wedding was the most prestigious event of the summer, think again. On June 29, a few days after the ship’s christening in Spain, Luminara docked in Rome and welcomed some A-list celebrities for a lavish pre-inaugural voyage. And the guest list was dizzying, to say the least. Kendall Jenner, Orlando Bloom, Ellie Goulding, Kate Hudson, Naomi Campbell, Sofía Vergara, Shaun White, Ricky Martin, and even Martha Stewart were on board the luxury ship, enjoying spa treatments, Michelin-starred food, dance parties, and a mini Sting concert. And if the glittering social media posts are anything to go by, it looks like the stars had a blast. Surely, if Tom Brady enjoyed cruising on board Luminara, so will you.
Luminara and other Ritz-Carlton yachts
Ritz-Carlton’s foray in the world of ultra-luxury cruising is very recent – and very intense. In just three years, the brand has launched no fewer than three superyachts: Evrima (2022), Ilma (2024), and Luminara (2025). Luminara is the biggest of the three, with a capacity to accommodate up to 452 guests on board. It’s the perfect number for those who want an intimate experience, but who also don’t really want to get to know their fellow travelers. (It’s a vacation, after all, not an after-work social).
Inside Luminara
Luminara is an all-suite yacht and there are 226 of them. Every suite has its own private terrace so you can watch the seascape whenever you want, in comfort and privacy — whether that’s at 5 AM in your pajamas or at 7 PM in your formal wear. It’s also the perfect spot to make those tan lines disappear.
There are five restaurants on board, all with vastly different offerings, so that every meal is a new experience. Seta Su serves modern Italian cuisine; Beach House focuses on Middle Eastern dishes; Haesu Bit is a pan-Asian venue; Mistral is all about Mediterranean flavors; and Azur changes its menu according to the season and the destination. One thing is for sure, you can’t go hungry. And you certainly can’t go thirsty because there are seven bars on board.
You also won’t be lacking cultural experiences. There are 731 art pieces on board Luminara for you to enjoy, including works by Hockney, Warhol, and Matisse. It’s like MoMA, but at sea.
Where is Luminara sailing to?
Luminara will spend its first season sailing gracefully around the Med with stops in Southern France, Italy, Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, Croatia, Spain, Greece, and more. In November, Luminara will leave the glittery Mediterranean behind and sail to South Africa, Madagascar, and Mauritius before making its way to the Seychelles, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and more Asian destinations. In 2026, Luminara will come stateside and sail around Alaska during the entire season (between May and September).
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FAQs
Q: How many yachts does Ritz-Carlton operate?
A: Ritz-Carlton owns and operates three luxury yachts: Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara
Q: When did Ritz-Carlton’s latest yacht launch?
A: Luminara’s inaugural voyage took place on July 3, 2025.
Q: Where is Luminara sailing for its first season ?
A: Luminara’s first season will focus on the Mediterranean, with stops in Italy, Southern France, Monaco, Corsica, Spain, Greece, and more.
