Review: Luminara: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

What is the line? Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Name of ship? Luminara

Passenger occupancy? 452

Itinerary? Barcelona to Mallorca to Rome

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Luminara is the latest jewel in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection—a super-lux, ultra-modern yacht fleet that brings the legendary elegance, privacy, and personalized service of Ritz-Carlton’s land-based properties to the sea. Luminara joins the Collection’s first two ships, Evrima (launched in 2022) and Ilma (launched in 2024), and is the hotelier’s most ambitious project to date, featuring two brand-new suite categories that afford guests over 1,000 square feet of private living space. Imagine the comfort of a Ritz-Carlton suite gliding along the Mediterranean, stopping at 28 ports across 10 countries.

Tell us about the ship in general.

There’s a distinct feeling that envelops you the moment you step aboard Luminara—a hush, a softness, a kind of quiet luxury that doesn’t need to announce itself. Think: classic and streamlined like a Celine Triomphe or the cool refinement of the finest Brunello Cucinelli cashmere. This is not just any cruise ship. This is a floating five-star haven—the kind of place where you sip Champagne in bare feet, where the service and even the air feel tailored just to you.

With room for up to 452 passengers, Luminara is big as far as “yachts” go—but you’d never know it from the inside. Each deck is outfitted with public and private space, tucked-away corridors that lead to views of the ocean, and, more often than not, a glass of Bollinger waiting with your name on it. The comforting interiors are subtly accented by ultra-luxe touch points—Piaget, Cartier, and an in-house boutique experience featuring Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, and high-end designs from local artists on select itineraries.

There are 10 decks, and nearly as many places to be completely alone or fabulously social, depending on your mood. Pro tip: wherever you go, there's always a bar. Hidden ones, poolside ones, social ones. Luminara understands that its guests enjoy options.

Describe the suites.

You walk in and—oh, it’s giving quiet money and undeniable luxury. You instantly possess an 'I-have-nothing-to-prove' confidence without even meaning to, while you envision yourself as the next Sofia Richie, Zendaya, or even Gwyneth. But fortunately for you, there are no paparazzi or prying eyes, because these suites are designed as private enclaves, where you are hidden from the world while out on the open seas. Luminara is the Ritz’s love letter to restraint. Every detail says, “I see you, gorgeous,” without ever raising its voice.

Now let’s talk about the cabin suite. First of all, the bed? Ultra-plush, king-sized, cloud-tier comfort. You could sleep beside your lover and never know they or the ship are moving. It's that smooth. You’ve got his-and-her walk-in closets, a fully stocked minibar, and every other amenity you can think of is all-inclusive. The windows in the living area are massive. The sea isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the supporting character of your tale at sea.

The bathroom? Oh honey. We’re talking creamy gray marble, a rainfall showerhead that practically begs for you and your love to make morning showering a duet. The bath also includes Diptyque bath products, because if you’re going to be lathered, it better smell expensive. The Dyson hairdryer was our obsession, and the tub is so oversized that you might be so preoccupied with your soak that you forget your room service is about to arrive.

And speaking of—yes, 24/7 in-suite dining is a thing. And no, it’s not just club sandwiches (though they nail those too). The room service menu pulls highlight dishes from the ship’s restaurants. It’s giving a private tasting menu in bed… with slippers on. You could spend five minutes in this suite—or lose the whole day in your robe, ordering crudo and watching the Med melt into itself from your private terrace. Either way, you’ll leave softer, more undone, and 98% more likely to believe in love again, even if it’s just with the thread count.

Who is on board?

Luminara is a space built for slow sips and long glances with your loved ones or new yacht friends. A space where conversations linger like perfume, where secrets are traded for eye contact. We mentioned this is not your typical cruise, and neither are the other guests on board.

Sure, there are your garden-variety influencers with their performative prossecco and rental resortwear, but these guests don’t announce their net worth—because their wears do it for them. We witnessed men and women glide aboard in a symphony of sand tones and white silks. Her dress? Probably costs more than your first car. His loafers? Unsure if they’ve ever touched actual pavement. No noise. Just the kind of luxury that whispers, “I summer in places that don’t appear on Google Maps.”

Their jewelry? Understated—but insured. Their watches? Vintage. Their sunglasses? Dramatic, oversized, and allergic to eye contact. You won’t catch them asking where the bar is—they are the bar. The bartender already knows their order, and it’s not on the menu. But (thank god), a bar is always within reach, and the energy is that perfect hum: people pretending not to look, everyone quietly hoping they’ll be seen—and, boy, there’s a lot to see.

Don’t be mistaken, you too will feel like a well-to-do person on board; you may even feel like a celebrity—and there’s a good chance you’ll see one too. On our voyage, we casually clocked a few familiar Netflix faces bronzing by the pool and sneaking in a sweat session at the ship’s state-of-the-art gym.

After our voyage, the star power didn’t stop. Word has it several A-listers were spotted partying their way down the Italian coast, en route to the French Riviera—proving Luminara might just be the most exclusive pre-party on the Med.

Tell us about the crew.

You don’t introduce yourself on Luminara—they already know your name. The entire arrival feels more like an A-list premiere than a boarding procedure. From the moment the chauffeur whisks you from your hotel to the check-in team who somehow makes paperwork feel glamorous, you’re greeted like a star. And the special treatment doesn’t stop there. Each suite comes with its own Suite Ambassador, a personal genie who grants every wish (minus the smoke and lamp). Need a steamer, a spritz, or strawberries at 2 a.m.? They’ve got it. It’s luxury with intuition. But what really pleased us? The service had heart. Everyone we met was genuinely curious, warm, and shockingly charming. They didn’t just serve—they connected. We didn’t just feel pampered. We felt noticed by the crew.

Pro Tip: Don’t you dare go to bed early. If you’re a fellow night owl, hang back for a martini, and you might just stumble into a 1 a.m. acoustic jam session with the ship’s performers, who, by the way, can throw down. Picture this: a piano man, a saxophonist, and sultry renditions of ‘90s R&B bangers like Pony by Genuine or Creep by TLC. The vocals were impeccable.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Aboard the Luminara, it’s not just dinner—it’s an immersive simulation with a five-star lens. At Seta Su Luminara, only 40 chosen individuals are allowed in at a time for an Italian menu that’s essentially edible couture. Crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi of Fiola fame, Seta boasts a rich, decadent multi-course menu featuring Italian imported olive oils and wine, as well as fresh-baked bread alongside delicacies from both sea and land.

Over at Azur on Luminara, the menu reinvents itself every two days to mirror the port of call, like someone plucked the best taverna dishes off the coast and casually plated them in front of you. Haesu Bit brings the drama, blending Japanese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean cuisines into a sleek, Tao-Group-stamped atmosphere that feels more like an LA after-party than a traditional open-sea experience.

Overall, there are five restaurants to choose from as well as seven bars to satiate any and all cravings. But the real scene-stealer? Private dining in the wine cellar: $1,500 for 16 guests, featuring vintage pours from France, Spain, and Italy, along with lighting that enhances everyone's appearance by 10%. This is where the real A-listers (or those in-the-know) will celebrate those extra-special occasions.

For an after-dinner treat, head to the Humidor, the yacht's tucked-away cocktail and cigar lounge. Think polished wood, soft lighting, and hand-rolled cigars curated with the same precision as the ship’s wine lists. Pair your cigar with smoky Scotch or a Negroni, and suddenly the evening stretches. The stars feel closer, the sea quieter, and your posture a little more relaxed. It’s not about indulgence. It’s about ritual. A final note before bed. A wink at the day.

Is there a spa on board, and is it worth visiting?

Wellness aboard Luminara isn’t a side offering—it’s a full-blown lifestyle, and one that convinces you to keep up the routine back on land. The movement studio is serious: yoga, TRX, barre, Pilates, cycling—you name it, they have it. There’s a sauna, a steam room, and a full-service gym for those who prefer their zen with a side of reps.

The spa features 11 treatment rooms, each more serene than the last, all managed exclusively by the Ritz (so yes, the robes are plush, the tea is infused, and the playlist sounds like an angel curated it). Partnerships with 111SKIN and Espa mean your face and body are in expert hands. Every product is also available for purchase, in case you want to take a little radiance home with you. Men are more than covered: a full-service grooming lounge and barber using Pisterzi products, with actual consultations (not just a vague trim and hope for the best). And the salon? Oribe products only. Obviously.

There’s a Gatsby-esque lighthouse replica prominent in the Spa’s main foyer. A quiet symbol that the dream is no longer distant. Here, wrapped in eucalyptus steam and peaceful stillness, you’re not reaching for luxury. You’re already living in it.

What about activities and entertainment?

Luminara’s Marina Terrace feels like your own sea-bound playground. The walls of the terrace convert to create overwater patios. Luminara is also the first commercial super yacht that features an Aquabana—an inflatable floating lounge that transforms the Mediterranean into a private swim club. Adrenaline junkies aren’t left outThe ship also has high performance SEABOBS water jets, in case you’ve ever dreamt of becoming a dolphin.

When the sun dips, Deck 10 is where the magic happens. You’ll find yourself partying amongst the fabulous, cocktail in hand, as the night’s DJ spins Dreams by Fleetwood Mac, slips into Isla Bonita by Madonna, and takes requests like it’s your personal yacht club fantasy.

After a sun-drenched day drifting between the ship’s glittering pools, the crisp Mediterranean air hits just right. You can dance under the stars—or step back, glass in hand, and simply take it all in: the music, the breeze, the quiet magic of being surrounded by well-traveled souls, all collectively exhaling. This is what happens when the world slows down just enough to feel it—the strange and beautiful pleasure of being nowhere in particular, with people who’ve also pressed pause on their lives.

Where did it sail, and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

We set sail under the cover of night, the Port of Barcelona slipping out of view as Luminara glided into open water. By morning, we awoke to a sunrise and Mallorca unfolded before us in soft hues of blush, tan, and gold.

The day’s adventure? A once-in-a-lifetime private helicopter tour, lifting off for a 45-minute sweep across the island’s rugged coastline, Serra de Tramuntana mountains, and agricultural pastures. The aerial views were surreal—cliffs tumbling into aquamarine seas, olive groves stitched like patchwork across the land—Mallorca, seen from the gods’ point of view.

We touched down at Can Axartell, the storied vineyard owned by Hans-Peter Schwarzkopf of the Schwarzkopf beauty empire. Built into an old limestone quarry, the winery felt like a Bond villain’s secret lair—sleek, subterranean, and wildly impressive. Inside, we were guided through Can Axartell’s organic, gravity-flow winemaking process—intimate, meticulous, and unlike anything we’d seen before. It ended, as all good things do, with a tasting of their reserve blends paired with delicate savory pastries from a local Mallorcan bakery. We sipped and savored beneath the Mediterranean sun, overlooking the rolling hills of the estate, utterly enchanted and just a little bit drunk on beauty.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

This isn’t a cruise—it’s a curated, sea-bound sanctuary for those who are looking to savor the world lavishly. When you board a Ritz Carlton Yacht you can truly press pause, and be reminded that life, at least for a little while, can be this good.