Friday, 27 September 2024

Ritz-Carlton Yacht reveals Luminara’s Asia positioning voyages

by Rose White

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has discreetly opened bookings for the inaugural positioning voyages from Africa to Asia for its third mega-yacht, Luminara, LATTE can exclusively reveal.

According to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s website, Luminara – the third yacht in the fleet – will sail from Cape Town, South Africa across the Indian Ocean via Madagascar, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands, en-route to Singapore, from late November to mid December 2025.

The deployment will be split across three individual itineraries, that would likely be able to be booked back-to-back-to-back. Those sailings include the:

  • 13-night Cape Town to Port Louis, departing 20 November 2025, priced from USD$15,800 per person (including six days at sea)
  • 11-night Port Louis to Colombo, departing 3 December 2025, priced from USD$9,700 per person (including six days at sea)
  • 9-night Colombo to Singapore, departing 14 December 2025, priced from USD$8,100 per person (including four days at sea)

Luminara’s positioning segments from Africa to Asia

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By this schedule, Luminara will arrive in Singapore on 23 December 2025, where the Asia Pacific program will now start a week earlier with a seven-night roundtrip voyage from the Lion City to Malaysia and Thailand (visiting Langkawi, Phuket, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca), priced from USD$8,900 per person.

This positioning of Luminara from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia all but eliminates any chance of an Australia/New Zealand deployment, LATTE hinted at in early July 2024.

Luminara‘s 2025 schedule now also includes additional dates in the Mediterranean in Q4. The late season deployment in the Med could be a result of the Red Sea situation, requiring Luminara to sail around the west coast of the African continent. New sailing options include;

  • Athens to Venice, 25 September;
  • Venice to Rome, 3 October;
  • Rome roundtrip, 10 October;
  • Rome to Barcelona, 17 October;
  • Barcelona roundtrip, 24 October
  • Barcelona to Canary Islands, 29 October.

Most of those sailings are either seven- or eight-nights duration, with the exception being a five-night cruise from Barcelona. The program still leaves a void between Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) from 3 November and Cape Town, South Africa on 20 November.

Additionally, Luminara still has a void between Hong Kong on 11 April 2026 and Tokyo on 3 May 2026.

Offering feedback on the positioning voyages to Asia, Seb Seward, VP and GM – Asia Pacific, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection told LATTE: “We are extremely excited about our inaugural Asia season aboard Luminara, commencing the end of 2025.”

“The circumnavigation of Africa brings some unique opportunities – who wouldn’t want to explore Mauritius, the Seychelles, the Maldives and Sri Lanka aboard a single ultra-luxurious voyage? It also presents a perfect opportunity to showcase, and partner with, some of Ritz-Carlton’s world-renowned resorts in the region,” he said.

Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has unveiled its 2025/2026 winter Caribbean itineraries aboard Evrima and Ilma. Spanning 21 countries and 30 unique ports, these 32 new voyages, departing between November 2025 and April 2026, take guests to discover yachting havens and secluded island hideaways.

With most voyages ranging from five to eight nights, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduces select three- and four-night escapes for those seeking a relaxing sojourn of sun and sand. As the company expands its experiences, travellers can look forward to uncovering more hidden gems and charming destinations throughout the region, including guest favourites such as Gustavia, St. Barts, Virgin Gorda, BVI, Canouan and Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Soufriere, St. Lucia, St. John, USVI, and the exciting new port of call, St. Thomas, USVI.

“The latest Caribbean itineraries for Evrima and Ilma underscore The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s dedication to curating enriching explorations of the world’s most picturesque destinations, offering extraordinary accommodations and personalised service, all set against the stunning backdrop of turquoise waters,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

“The intimate size of our yachts provides access to secluded ports of call in the region and exclusive opportunities for authentic discovery that discerning luxury travellers are looking for.”

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s itineraries are thoughtfully crafted to include immersive shore excursions that promise unforgettable experiences. Along the way, guests can head ashore for exclusive events at private beachfront retreats, such as a Beach BBQ at the Sandy Lane Yacht Club in Canouan. Here, an alfresco lunch showcases fresh island fare including grilled lobster tails, steamed mussels, exotic fruits, and saffron couscous.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s shore excursions cater to diverse interests with both pre-designed and custom private excursions.

Guests can partake in a Nobu Master Sushi Class in Barbuda, arriving by helicopter to the pristine sands of Princess Diana Beach. For a distinctive evening, a sunset sail in Bonaire features a private chef preparing a four-course dinner on the endless horizon. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate a private jet ride to Canouan Island for a round at the prestigious Canouan Estate Resort, while certified divers can explore the historic RMS Rhone wreck in Virgin Gorda. Martinique’s VIP rum experience at Habitation Clément and Saint Lucia’s chocolate crafting in lush cocoa groves further enrich the journey. In January, Evrima will offer an overnight stay in Cartagena, providing a remarkable chance to explore Colombia’s vivid heritage, art, and gastronomy.

Winter 2025-2026 Caribbean Highlights Aboard Ilma:

17 November 2025 | 4-Night Fort Lauderdale, Florida Roundtrip

Spend four nights exploring sunny islands off Florida’s southern coast, beginning with the literary

relics and famous local cats at Ernest Hemingway’s former home in Key West. Enjoy an authentic piece of Key lime pie before sailing to the Bahamas for some beach time in Bimini and unique cultural exploration in Nassau, a UNESCO Creative City.

14 March 2026 | 5-Night San Juan, Puerto Rico Roundtrip

This Caribbean voyage takes you from the otherworldly grottoes at The Baths of Virgin Gorda to the colourful boutiques and restaurants of Philipsburg. Savour a blend of French and Caribbean influences in St. Barths’ cuisine, and delight in turtle spotting while admiring cliffside mansions on a scenic catamaran ride through sparkling waters of St. Thomas.

Winter 2025-2026 Caribbean Highlights Aboard Evrima:

21 December 2025 | 7-Night Bridgetown, Barbados Roundtrip

On this round-trip journey from Bridgetown, the coral reefs of the Grenadines teem with luminescent marine life, while the aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon scent the air on Grenada. The beautiful beaches of Dominica are ideal for relaxing on the sand, while St. Lucia’s Pitons are best viewed on a scenic hike along the Tet Paul Nature Trail.

24 January 2026 | 8-Night Oranjestad, Aruba Roundtrip

Sail from the beaches of Aruba to the shores of Colombia, enjoying an overnight stay to wander the cobbled streets of Cartagena’s UNESCO-designated historic center. Experience Santa Marta nestled against the Sierra Nevada, among the world’s highest coastal mountain ranges. Continue to Bonaire, surrounded by miles of protected reefs, and Curaçao, known for its colorful architecture.

Booking for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collections’ Caribbean 2025/26 Northern Winter season are on sale from today. Visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.

The post Ritz-Carlton Yacht reveals Luminara’s Asia positioning voyages appeared first on LATTE Luxury News.

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