THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION UNVEILS ULTRA-LUXURY ITINERARIES IN ALASKA ABOARD LUMINARA FOR SUMMER 2026
The company's inaugural voyages to the Last Frontier provide exclusive access to the region's remote, uncharted beauty, offering serene ports, abundant wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional local cuisine, all complemented by world-class accommodations and legendary service. |
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THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION UNVEILS ULTRA-LUXURY ITINERARIES IN ALASKA ABOARD LUMINARA FOR SUMMER 2026
The company's inaugural voyages to the Last Frontier provide exclusive access to the region's remote, uncharted beauty, offering serene ports, abundant wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional local cuisine, all complemented by world-class accommodations and legendary service. |
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This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2025-01-28
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has unveiled its inaugural Alaskan itineraries aboard Luminara, marking the fleet’s first-ever voyages in the region.
Departing between May and September 2026, the collection will offer 13 expertly curated voyages aboard Luminara, calling on 11 captivating ports across Alaska and Canada. These extraordinary journeys combine iconic destinations with secluded, off-the-beaten-path locales, offering guests exclusive access to breathtaking natural wonders—all while enjoying the refined elegance, world-class dining, unique experiences, and personalized service that define The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Among the highlights are scenic transits past the majestic Hubbard Glacier and Sawyer Glacier, providing unsurpassed views of Alaska’s rugged, ice-capped terrain. Voyages include visits to beloved ports such as the historic town of Juneau, the charming Ketchikan, and the bustling port of Sitka, as well as more remote locations like the seldom-visited, tranquil village of Klawock, the whale-watching haven of Icy Strait Point, and the untouched beauty of Wrangell.
Guests will also discover the untamed allure of Valdez and Petersburg, known for their dramatic scenery and coastal charm, as well as the picturesque ports of Haines and Prince Rupert in British Columbia. Departing from Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia, these voyages offer the unique opportunity to explore the region’s wild corners in relaxed luxury.
“Our new Alaska itineraries offer a new and unparalleled way to explore the remarkable region by sea, combining access to secluded destinations and remote wonders with the comfort of ultra-luxury accommodations and personalized service,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
“The intimate size of Luminara allows us to visit smaller, less-traveled ports, providing our guests with a more immersive way to experience Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife.”
“With the launch of our third superyacht, Luminara, we’re thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton experience to the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska,” said Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury at Marriott International.
“The love and loyalty our guests have for The Ritz-Carlton brand have been the driving force behind the success of our yachts. It’s this deep connection that inspires us to create journeys that are not only luxurious but truly unforgettable, offering the same warmth and attention to detail that our guests have come to cherish.”
While navigating through the state's awe-inspiring fjords and magnificent glaciers, guests will enjoy panoramic views from their private terraces, making the most of the region’s abundant summer solstice sunlight.
Various itineraries range from 7 to 11 nights, with extended stays in select ports, including Sitka, Valdez, and Vancouver, allowing for deeper exploration of the region’s sweeping vistas and untamed wilderness.
Along with visits to smaller ports, Luminara will journey through Tracy Arm Fjord to witness the Sawyer Glacier, glide along Endicott Arm Fjord for a close-up view of the Dawes Glacier, and pass by the mighty Hubbard Glacier for an unmatched vista of the state’s frozen wilderness. Routes to ports such as Haines and Sitka bring travelers through some of the most scenic and dramatic passages, while Icy Strait Point, a renowned spot for whale watching, offers the chance to spot the majestic creatures.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a range of truly personalized shore excursions, allowing guests to explore at their own pace through curated pre-designed private or small group experiences.
From soaring over Icy Strait Point on the world’s longest zip line ride to taking a helicopter flight over the 1,500-foot cascades of Mahoney Falls or savoring a local seafood tasting guided by an Alaskan fisherwoman and expert wilderness chef, the bespoke shore excursions are designed to forge an unforgettable connection to the Last Frontier’s spectacular natural habitat and unique cultural heritage.
Alaska Voyage Highlights Aboard Luminara:
May 28, 2026 | 11-Night Whittier to Vancouver
From the sea to the sky, this voyage through the Alaskan wilderness promises endless adventures. Go rafting through Keystone Canyon in Valdez, flightseeing over the glaciers near Petersburg, or kayaking along the forested shores of Klawock Lake. The biggest thrill may be riding the world’s longest zipline from a mountaintop higher than the Empire State Building down to the beach at Icy Strait Point.
June 8, 2026 | 10-Night Vancouver to Whittier
Whether you are salmon fishing on a charter from Sitka, searching the skies at Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Haines, or spotting brown bears with a local guide from Icy Strait Point, the exciting wildlife encounters on this journey are perfectly complemented by serene moments of awe as the yacht navigates the majestic glaciers of Tracy Arm Fjord and the Inside Passage.
July 20, 2026 | 7-Night Vancouver Round Trip
Each new town offers a fresh perspective on Alaska’s natural wonders, from the sea lions basking on the shores of Misty Fjords near Ketchikan to the cascades of Rainbow Falls outside Wrangell and the volcanic crater near Sitka. Before or after your voyage, enjoy time exploring Vancouver landmarks like Stanley Park and the historic Gastown district.
Slated to debut in July 2025, Luminara, the third superyacht of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, will set sail in the Mediterranean before embarking on voyages in the Asia-Pacific region and Alaska. With 226 spacious suites accommodating up to 452 guests, each suite features a private ocean-view terrace, thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the stunning sea, shore, and wildlife around them.
On board, guests will indulge in innovative gourmet dining experiences, an extensive wine collection, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and seamless access to the sea from the yacht’s dynamic marina.
With a sleek, modern aesthetic and uniquely designed communal spaces, Luminara will introduce the expansive Residential Suite, enhanced pool areas, a fresh Middle Eastern concept by Michael Mina for Beach House, an updated Asian dining experience, and a new indoor-outdoor venue inspired by global art. The Art Bar and Terrace will transition from a serene daytime retreat into an intimate evening setting with live jazz and craft cocktails.
As the first luxury hospitality brand to venture into cruising, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection continues to redefine the standard for luxury experiences at sea. For more information on Evrima, Ilma, Luminara, and the upcoming yachting seasons of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, please visit www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.
About The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Designed to blend the legendary service and unparalleled amenities of The Ritz-Carlton with the casual freedom of yachting, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers bespoke voyages in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean. Enchanting itineraries provide guests with access to sought-after and unique destinations, the ease of all-inclusive onboard experiences, and curated excursions ashore.
The collection’s inaugural yacht, Evrima, launched in October 2022, measures 624 feet and features 149 airy suites with private ocean-view terraces, accommodating up to 298 guests in an intimate and elegant ambiance. Ilma, the second superyacht, debuted in September 2024, spanning 790 feet and showcasing 224 spacious, light-filled suites for up to 448 guests, delivering refined luxury at sea. The fleet will expand further with Luminara, slated to debut in 2025, presenting voyages to secluded harbors and iconic cities.
Each yacht reflects contemporary craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, with some of the highest employee-to-guest and guest-to-space ratios at sea. Guests enjoy personalized service, world-class dining, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and exclusive amenities. Private charter options are also available for a fully tailored journey.
About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
Delivering the Gold Standard in service in coveted destinations around the world, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC currently operates more than 120 hotels in over 35 countries and territories. From iconic urban destinations to stretches of paradise in untouched corners of the earth, The Ritz-Carlton offers the opportunity for true discovery and transformative escapes that stay with guests long after they depart. Committed to thoughtful innovation, The Ritz-Carlton encompasses two groundbreaking brand extensions, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a collection of rare estates set apart from the world, where personalized care and cultural immersion are paramount. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection translates the brand’s legendary service and hospitality for sea, reimagining the ultra-luxury cruising category. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. The Ritz-Carlton is committed to supporting the destinations where it operates through Community Footprints, the company’s social and environmental responsibility program.
Ultimate luxury experience will end on 2026-09-30
 The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Photo credit © Marriott International
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