Luminara THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION The third ultra-luxury superyacht makes its highly anticipated debut, elevating design, dining and discovery at sea. Words: Kerry Spencer • Photography: © Edgardo Contreras
W
hen The Ritz-Carlton announced its entry into the cruise sector in 2017, its ambition was to redefine luxury at sea. The launch of Evrima – a
gleaming 624ft superyacht with top-class amenities and personalised service – heralded a new dawn for luxury cruising, with hotel operators seeking to translate their land-based products to water. Now, after the debut of Ilma in September 2024, Luminara has made its highly anticipated debut. The 452-passenger vessel once again builds on the signature look and feel of The Ritz-Carlton brand, a classic luxury product that sits in the top tier of Marriott International’s all-encompassing portfolio. Development has been led by Alejandra Obregon, Senior Director of Architecture and Hotel Design at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, who assembled an elite group of tastemakers to bring the vision to life. The yacht’s sleek exterior is expertly crafted by Helsinki-based studio Aivan; guests suites are by AD Associates; Chapi Design conceived the public spaces; and the lighting scheme has been planned and implemented by DPA Lighting Consultants. Constructed at France’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Luminara – meaning light in Latin – draws inspiration from the timeless elegance of private yachts. Its blueprint is based on Ilma, with refinements made to the design and layout following feedback from guests. As its name suggests, light
038