(10/07/24) Ritz-Carlton has unveiled plans to expand its
luxury Yacht Collection to the Asia-Pacific region, with Luminara
offering 10 voyages between December 2025 and May 2026.
The cruises will explore 28 ports across 10
countries, including Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore,
Japan, Thailand and beyond.
Luminara will feature 226
suites, accommodating up to 452 guests. The onboard
experience boasts one of the highest staff and space ratios at sea
and facilities will include a choice of F&B outlets with an extensive wine
collection, a Ritz-Carlton Spa, and an expanded dynamic
marina providing direct access to the sea.
“As luxury travelers continue to seek
unforgettable, personalized experiences around the world, we are
thrilled to introduce voyages in the Asia-Pacific region,”
said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “These new itineraries exemplify
our steadfast commitment to continually raising the bar in luxury
cruising, offering innovative ways to experience our superyachts
and explore vibrant local cultures across the globe.”
Luminara, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The 10 cruises, ranging from 10 to 15
nights in length will depart from either Tokyo, Hong Kong or
Singapore, and will include stops in coveted ports such as Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam;
Puerto Princesa, Philippines, as well as city centers
such as Seoul, South Korea; Osaka, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; and
more.
A sample of four of the planned cruises include:
– 30 December 2025 | 14-Night
– Singapore to Hong Kong:
Toast the New Year with a celebration aboard Luminara and then
relax into 2026 on the renowned beaches of Koh Samui before
sailing for an overnight stay in the vibrant Thai capital of
Bangkok. In Vietnam, explore the
subterranean Cu Chi Tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and
discover the
many delights of the country’s capital city Hanoi, which
passengers could explore during their stay in
scenic Hạ Long Bay.
– 13 January 2026 | 12-Night
– Hong Kong
to Singapore: The heart of this journey explores the
islands of Philippines, including the forested mountains and
white sand beaches of Busuanga, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa.
Equally spectacular is the island of Borneo, where gentle waves
lap at the beaches and proboscis monkeys inhabit the treetops of Bako National Park near Kuching.
– 20 March 2026 | 10-Night
– Tokyo Round-Trip: The cultural treasures of Japan are
even more impressive during cherry blossom season when the blooms
blanket the grounds of Osaka Castle and accent the views of Mount Sakurajima from Kagoshima. This voyage also calls on UNESCO World
Heritage sites ranging from the floating shrine and peace memorial
of Hiroshima to the remains of Christian castles and cathedrals in
the Nagasaki region.
– 30 March 2026 | 12-Night
– Tokyo to
Hong Kong: Considered a food capital of the world, Osaka
merits in-depth exploration, while Japan’s UNESCO-listed castles
of Himeji, Nara and Kyoto are also nearby. South Korea’s dynamic
capital of Seoul boasts its own UNESCO palaces along with
traditional villages offering authentic cuisine and crafts. During
an overnight in Shanghai, experience a performance of the ancient
art of acrobatics before sailing for Hong Kong, one of the
greatest and most vibrant cities on earth.
Passengers will be able to choose from
Select Group Excursions, Pre-Designed Private Excursions, or
Custom Private Excursions. Whether kiteboarding in
Philippines, exploring the delicious and varied street food in Thailand, white
water rafting in Malaysia, or discovering museums in Vietnam,
guests can tailor their journey, diving into their personal passions from the leisurely to the more adventurous.
“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our
yacht voyages into Asia’s most sought-after destinations. This
milestone underscores our commitment to providing exclusive and
immersive experiences that cater to the discerning tastes of
luxury travelers,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President of
Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts. “Today’s sophisticated adventurers seek intimate, authentic,
personalized journeys that go well beyond traditional hospitality,
and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers guests unparalleled
access to the world’s most exquisite destinations, all while
enjoying the hallmarks of luxury and personalized service for
which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned.”
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launched in
October 2022 with Evrima. Ilma, the collection’s second luxury superyacht,
is slated to set sail in
September 2024, followed by Luminara, the third luxury superyacht,
in July 2025.
