L U M I N A R A

Probably the best yacht cruise ship in the world.

“The combination of luxury, culinary excellence, art, and design makes the Luminara probably the best yacht cruise ship in the world. Add a touch of genuine yachting experience – casual and relaxed – and you have a wonderfully elegant and innovative cruise concept for travelers who want to enjoy themselves in an unpretentious way.“

As one of the seven strategic partners in Europe, Footprints Luxury Cruises was invited to participate in the christening ceremony and exclusive launch of the Luminara:

  • Barcelona, June 26, 2025

VIPs on board

The ‘godmother’ of the yacht is the charming actress Simone Ashley (see photo), known from the hugely popular series Bridgerton.

Footprints was selected for this event due to our exceptional reputation and long-standing collaboration with true luxury cruise lines.

This invitation underscores our status as a leading player in the luxury cruise sector.

Review by Jan Van Durme, Footprints Luxury Cruises (Barcelona-Rome cruise 26/6/25)

Godmother Simone Ashley, known from the popular series Bridgerton.

Fun fact: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection refers to their cabin crew as ‘Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen,’ reflecting their commitment to exceptional service.

LUMINARA

Year Built: 2025

Length/Width: 241/29 m

Capacity: 452 guests

Crew: 374

Suites, all with terraces: 226

Decks accessible to guests: 8

Notable detail: This fleet features the most luxurious tenders I have ever seen.

Luminara: for travelers with a passion for refined luxury and exclusive sea voyages. This yacht is slightly larger than the other two yachts in the fleet (Evrima and Ilma) and offers even more personal space on board.

The two other super yachts:

  • Evrima (2021): 298 guests
  • Ilma (2024): 448 guests

From Alice Marriott to Maritime Splendor

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (RCYC) is a luxurious extension of the renowned hotel group Marriott International. Founded in 1927 by J. Willard and Alice Marriott as a supplier of soft drinks and beer in Washington, Marriott has grown into a global hotel empire. In 1957, they opened their first hotel. Today, it encompasses 30 leading hotel brands and nearly 9,500 properties in 144 countries and regions.

Some of their brand names in the hotel sector, besides Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton, include St. Regis, W Hotels, Le Meridien, Renaissance Hotels, Sheraton, etc.

Onboard the RCYC, all the knowledge and craftsmanship of this hotel giant come together, attracting luxury hotel guests who previously would never have considered a cruise ship (with a notable number of younger world travelers).

Star Gastronomy

Luminara offers a world of gastronomy onboard with no less than 5 restaurants, often in collaboration with famous chefs. For the concept of Seta su Luminara (deck 3), they work with the acclaimed Italian Chef Fabio Trabocchi (Restaurant Fiola in Washington, 1*). Michelin describes his style as follows: “Classic and modern elements come together in regional Italian cuisine, representing both Roman inspiration and Venetian flavors.”

Fun fact: Onboard the Luminara, there are no buffets. Everything is à la carte (including breakfasts).

Enjoy Michael Mina’s Mezzes on the Luminara

Onboard the Luminara, you absolutely must not miss lunch at Beach House (deck 5). Here, flavor wizard Michael Mina has crafted a fantastic menu. His introduction to Middle Eastern cuisine, with mezzes finished with a special selection of herbs and ingredients, is stunning. Michael Mina belongs to the generation of chefs familiar with global cuisine, à la Ottolenghi. And you don’t have to fly to Dubai or the US for this; this culinary adventure awaits you onboard the Luminara in the Mediterranean.

PS: They are proud to serve (Belgian) craft beers, which pair excellently with the menu, particularly Tripel Karmeliet and La Chouffe. Top!

Azur…a Pleasant Culinary Introduction

The service is attentive, and the dishes follow each other at a relaxed pace: in this restaurant, you have time to enjoy and unwind. The menu, which changes every three days, is inspired by the destination you are visiting. The experienced sommelier offers refined wine pairings with each dish. The elegant wine glasses enhance the stylish ambiance. The interior, with soft colors and individual tables, exudes tranquility, while the fashionable chairs provide optimal seating comfort. The yachting outfits of the crew perfectly complement the serene interior. The acoustics in the restaurant are excellent.

An Asian Street Food Festival

Haesu Bit offers a bold culinary experience that is sure to be appreciated by lovers of strong flavors. The restaurant does not shy away from serving powerful tastes and makes no compromises on the original recipes.

Sitting at the sushi table (the heart of the restaurant), you have a frontal view of the open kitchen, within arm’s reach, where you can see the chefs working with passion. It is a captivating spectacle, comparable to a street food festival. However, you must accept the hustle and bustle that comes with it. Each dish is passed on as a work of art, which is a visual delight.

For those who prefer a quieter dining experience, the restaurant area is a better choice. The service was a bit too fast for us; we enjoy leisurely dining, and that is not the case here. The dishes follow each other quickly, which is a bit unfortunate. The portions could also be slightly smaller for our taste. Our advice: book a late table, then it is a bit less busy. But it is definitely recommended. Who doesn’t love a delicious Asian meal?

Art onboard

The yacht features no less than seven stylish bars, including the Art Bar on deck 9. The yacht is enriched with approximately 700 artworks, about 65% of which were created specifically for this ship. Art and interior blend seamlessly, as evidenced by the hanging light sculpture that spans seven floors and illuminates the atrium staircase. Additionally, there are works by renowned artists such as Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, and David Hockney.

The nautical design of the super yacht’s exterior is equally impressive, with elegant lines that create a muscular form.

Suite Luxury Amenities

  • Private terrace with ocean view
  • Complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival to celebrate your stay
  • Luxurious king-size bed for ultimate comfort
  • 24-hour room service for your culinary desires (All-Day Dining Menu and also a Late-Night Dining Menu)
  • Soft bathrobes and slippers for your personal luxury
  • Elegant bathrooms with double sinks for extra convenience
  • High-speed WiFi to stay connected at all times
  • Plush bed and bath linens
  • Secure safe for your valuable belongings
  • Stylish Oliver Hemming Bluetooth speaker for your musical comfort
  • Espresso machine with complimentary coffee and tea for a pleasant morning treat
  • Hypoallergenic pillows available upon request
  • Minibar stocked to your preference
  • 230v and 120v outlets and USB charging options for all your devices

Wheelchair accessible suites: 635, 717, 805, 840, 905

Convenient: To close the blackout curtains in your suite, simply give a small tug and they will open/close automatically.

Terrace Suite

 SuitesSuite m2Terras m2
Owners              68.8 > 97,355,4 > 97,4
Concierge64.9 > 74,634 > 36,7
Residential85,315,8
Luminara48 > 61,1 26,2 > 33,8
View50,5 > 67,211,1 > 22,2
Grand528,8 > 19
Signature38,76 > 14
Terrace27,35,2 > 10

Signature Suite

Concierge Suite

Owners Suite

Exploring onboard…

Deck 10

Mistral Bar

Mistral (restaurant): This location offers one of the most beautiful views on the yacht, perfect for dinner or a drink. Located on deck 10, Mistral invites you to come as you are, whether for a relaxed lunch or a romantic outdoor dinner. The Mediterranean-inspired menu offers fresh local catches and the best cuts of meat, straight from the grill.

Pool & Pool Bar

 

Deck 9

Art Bar (the elegant observation lounge)

Suites:

  • The Terrace Suites & The Terrace Mid Suites
  • The Signature Suites & The Signature Mid Suites
  • The Grand Suite
  • The Concierge Suite
  • The Owner’s Suite

 

Deck 8

Suites:

  • The Terrace Suites & The Terrace Mid Suites
  • The Signature Suites & The Signature Mid Suites
  • The Grand Suite
  • The Concierge Suite
  • The Owner’s Suite

 

Deck 7

Suites:

  • The Terrace Suites & The Terrace Mid Suites
  • The Signature Suites & The Signature Mid Suites
  • The Grand Suite
  • The View Suite
  • The Residential Suite
  • The Concierge Suite
  • The Owner’s Suite

 

Deck 6

Suites:

  • The Terrace Suites & The Terrace Mid Suites
  • The Signature Suites & The Signature Mid Suites
  • The Grand Suite
  • The Luminara Suite
  • The Concierge Suite

 

Deck 5

Beach House: Here, the light, airy interiors seamlessly transition into a spacious terrace with an outdoor pool. Here you can enjoy dishes from the Middle East. The menu, created in collaboration with the acclaimed Chef Michael Mina, is inspired by the vibrant flavors and spices of Middle Eastern cuisine.

The Humidor (intimate smoking lounge to enjoy a premium hand-rolled cigar and whiskey)

The Boutiques, including Cartier, Piaget, IWC Schaffhausen…

The Living Room (piano bar, dance, and live music)

Infinity Pool

Suites:

  • The Terrace Suites

 

Deck 4

Haesu Bit: The Asian restaurant revolves around the sushi bar at the heart of the restaurant. Additionally, there are plenty of seats in the restaurant area. From sushi and ramen to Wagyu beef dishes, Haesu Bit offers contemporary fusions of authentic Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, and Cantonese cuisines. The name is derived from the Korean word for “sea water.”

The Ritz-Carlton Spa

The Fitness Studio

RITZ KIDS: Families are warmly welcomed onboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Ritz Kids® offers an educational and enjoyable program that inspires children to explore the world around them.

 

Deck 3

Azur on Luminara (main restaurant): The menu, inspired by regional flavors, changes with the seasons and reflects the destinations that Luminara visits.

Seta Su Luminara (specialty restaurant): Under the culinary leadership of Chef Fabio Trabocchi, Seta Su Luminara offers a contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine in a refined setting.

With an experience surcharge.

Dining Privee: Private dining in a contemporary atmosphere.

With an experience surcharge.

Marina: With kayaking, paddleboarding, seabob scooters, etc.

Marina Terrace: This is a delightful terrace with large glass windows and a hydraulic platform that hovers above the water: here guests feel directly connected to the sea.

GOOD TO KNOW

Dress Code

The dress code onboard combines the luxury of The Ritz-Carlton with the relaxed atmosphere of a yacht cruise.

During the day, at breakfast and lunch, the Yacht Casual dress code applies: shirts, shoes, and covering clothing over swimwear are required, except at the pool.

In the evening, during dinner, the dress code is Yacht Sophisticated. This means that while collared shirts are not mandatory, they are strongly recommended. Caps, hats, shorts, and slippers are not allowed during dinner.

Note: There are no formal evenings onboard.

For Whom?

The target audience consists of (young) hotel guests seeking luxury, both in brand name and service. With an average age of 53 years, the guests are relatively young for sea cruises. Note, you must have a successful career or come from a wealthy family to afford these exclusive cruises. But one thing is certain: you absolutely get value for your money.

Ecological Footprint

The Luminara is designed with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness. The yacht uses advanced technologies to minimize its ecological footprint. Some of the eco-friendly features include:

  • Energy-efficient engines that reduce fuel consumption and emissions (LNG dual-fuel system).
  • Waste management systems that process wastewater and waste in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • Use of sustainable materials in the construction and interior of the yacht.
  • Energy-efficient lighting and other electrical systems to minimize energy consumption.

Click on the photos to enlarge.

Haesu Bit

Seta Su Luminara

Beach House

The Living Room

The Living Room, bar

The Marina Terrace

Some beautiful Luminara cruises.

Consult your travel agent for information & booking.

Find your travel agent.

ROME (Civitavecchia) – VENICE

July 10, 2025

7 nights, from €10,900

Rome – Gallipoli – Kotor – Dubrovnik – Korčula – Zadar – Venice

ATHENS (Lavrion) – ROME (Civitavecchia)

July 24, 2025

7 nights, from €10,900

Athens – Milos – Chania (Souda), Crete – Syracuse – Taormina (Naxos), Sicily – Sorrento – Rome

BARCELONA – BARCELONA

August 21, 2025

7 nights, from €11,100

Barcelona – Rome (with overnight stay) – Portofino – Saint-Tropez (with overnight stay) – Barcelona

BARCELONA – BARCELONA

October 24, 2025

5 nights, from €7,100

Barcelona – Marseille – Monte Carlo – Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands – Barcelona

CAPE TOWN – PORT LOUIS

November 20, 2025

13 nights, from €17,100

Cape Town – Mossel Bay – Port Elizabeth – Durban – Tulear, Madagascar – Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin), Madagascar – Saint-Denis, Réunion – Port Louis, Mauritius

More about The Ritz-Carlton YC.