Illuminating Luminara

STEPHEN SCOURFIELD Travel Editor

Cruising has developed into its own subject — an industry so big, diverse and developed that it is many mature segments.

That all sounds a big business-speak, doesn’t it?

But all it really means is that, for example . . .

+ Expedition cruising is its own competitive world, with ship design pushing forward into faster, ever more capable and comfortable ships. Expedition teams are looking for new places to visit and new twists to existing itineraries.

+ Big ships with lots of entertainment, and dining and bar options, are increasingly stepping up what they offer on board. There’s Cirque du Soleil at Sea on MSC Cruises and Cirque Eloize shows on Princess Cruises. Michelin-starred chefs like Nathan Outlaw and Daniel Boulud partner with cruise lines for exclusive onboard dining events.

And a new area which is developing fast is superyachts.

When it was launched in 2019, Scenic Eclipse I set the course of what has become the “superyacht category”. This ship still sails the Americas, Antarctica and Europe, and was joined in 2023 by slightly improved sister ship Scenic Eclipse II, which has just been in Fremantle, and in these pages.

But famous hotel brands are taking to the water.

+ Four Seasons Yachts’ first 95-suite superyacht is due to launch late in 2025.

+ Aman is developing a 200m superyacht called Project Sama with 50 suites, aiming for a 2026 launch.

+ Orient Express (owned by the Accor group) is planning to launch the world’s largest sailing yacht, the 220m Orient Express Corinthian, in 2026. The company says from October 2026 to March 2027, Orient Express Corinthian will offer two to nine-night voyages in the Caribbean.

+ And Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is offering luxurious superyacht cruises in destinations like the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Seychelles. It has three custom-built superyachts — Evrima, Ilma and Luminara.

Luxury cruise specialist agent Lyn Murphy has just sailed on Luminara, and brings these impressions, in her own words . . .

LYN MURPHY’s view of Luminara

Doing & seeing

Chicken wings are not something you would immediately think of when you hear the name Luminara, the newest of the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s superyachts.

But this is what the “Ladies and Gentlemen” (as the crew is called), affectionately call the two retractable side platforms on Marina Deck.

Lowered to make room for small tables and chairs with an overwater view, it’s a perfect place for an Italian-style gelato or an afternoon cocktail while enjoying the view of Mt Etna. Marina Terrace is an open-air deck space providing panoramic views, and is an alfresco dining lounge by day with light bites.

This leads to The Marina itself, a 16-piece watersports platform constructed to have a seawater swimming pool (with a net, so it’s safe) in the centre. Sea kayaks, paddleboards and electric foil boards are complimentary.

Not being the sporty type, I am content to relax on a sunbed, being rocked by the gentle waves. It takes two hours for the crew to assemble and disassemble the Marina floating platform, which is fascinating to watch.

Stepping on board

When I board the elegant Luminara in Athens, this luxurious superyacht is just three weeks old. The genuine warmth and hospitality of the “Ladies and Gentlemen” from the moment I embark makes me feel immediately at home.

Horatio, my suite ambassador, greets me with a chilled bottle of champagne and is always available, whether to arrange dining reservations, suggest an onboard activity, offer suggestions for bespoke excursions, or even to let me know where the guest laundry is hidden.

Luminara has 226 elegant, spacious, well designed suites. All have private ocean view terraces, access to a suite ambassador, Frette linens and towels, double-vanity bathrooms and luxurious amenities, premium unlimited wi-fi, espresso machine, safe and minibar. Guests get their preferences of wine, soft drinks and spirits.

Everywhere you walk, you feel connected to the sea, with glass doors and windows providing a relaxing, light, bright atmosphere and soft blue and grey colours to reflect the ocean. There’s a fascinating artwork made of different colourful wools, resembling a coral garden, which cascades down the staircase. This is just one of more than 730 impressive artworks on show around the yacht.

Morning meditation and evening stretch classes, yoga and total body suspension training are available, together with power circuit and “Total Body Energise” classes in the Technogym fitness centre. The age group onboard is younger than on many ships, and the gym is surprisingly popular. (I should make a bigger effort to take advantage of these fitness classes, as the restaurants on board offer irresistible dining options.)

Mistral, with its alfresco dining, and the Beach House, with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours, are my favourite venues for culinary treats while enjoying the scenery of the Greek Islands and Sicily.

Michelin-starred and James Beard award-winning chefs offer inspired regional cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

There are five dining venues to choose from, including Seta su Luminara by Fabio Trabocchi, with its eight-course tasting menu. Haesu Bit focuses on pan-Asian fusion from Japan to Vietnam. Azur has regional dishes and 24-hour, in-suite dining.

The choice of where to eat is one of the most difficult decisions of the day. It is definitely wise to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Being a coffee aficionado, I always enjoyed a tranquil moment in The Living Room cafe with a specially prepared Luminara coffee and a delicious pastry.

Another unique experience is afternoon tea with an interesting menu of exotic teas to taste, together with savoury and sweet treats served on an individual revolving display. It is served in the Art Bar, one of seven bars on board, and a hidden gem on deck nine, with stunning views and Cycladic-style sculptures. It is also one of the best places to enjoy a sunset cocktail.

There are secluded places and intimate alcoves to quietly read a book inside the ship and on deck. For uninterrupted views of the sea and scenery, the infinity pool on deck five is the place to go. Deck 10 also has a larger pool with panoramic views, as well as two jacuzzis and cabanas to relax in.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa has 11 treatment rooms with therapies by ESPA and 111SKIN. With its own relaxation area and comfortable lounges, it is easy to spend several hours here on a day at sea.

Ports of call

On this week-long Athens to Rome itinerary, ports of call are very interesting.

First, there is the small Greek island of Milos. It is followed by Chania in Crete, with its impressive mountainous backdrop and colourful port. We then call at Syracuse and Naxos in Sicily, Sorrento and finally Rome.

In Naxos the ship offers complimentary coach transfers to Taormina, with its Roman amphitheatre and views to Mt Etna. Private excursions can be arranged, but are not part of the cruise fare.

Luminara has a tender service to port when not docked, and the lime-green, spacious, light-filled tender is not claustrophobic like most other tenders I have been on, and is easy to get on and off from Marina Deck.

A day at sea

I only had one “day at sea”, mid-cruise to enjoy all that Luminara has to offer.

I can’t miss coffee and a chat with captain Mario and general manager Gauderic, to hear how their daily life is on board this luxurious vessel.

This is followed by a sushi cooking demonstration and wine trivia with the sommelier.

In the afternoon, I opt for Stem and Style, a floral class with the ship’s florist showing us how he makes some of the floral arrangements on board.

We are then invited to use the most beautiful flowers to make our own arrangements, which we can take back to our suites.

Luminara shops are open all day, with fashion and accessories from several luxury brands, as well as Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection-branded items.

Lively evenings

In the evening, The Living Room comes to life with live music. The Luminara band and entertainment on board is world-class and age-appropriate. There is a great variety of music, from pop legends to jazz, disco, Broadway and soul music by vocalist Chaucey, who is exceptional.

For something quieter and more relaxing Melinda, the piano vocalist, offers gentle melodies in the Art Bar and The Living Room.

There is entertainment for everyone in cosy venues to suit the ambience of the yacht.

“En Blanc” night by the pool bar on deck 10 is a cruise highlight, with the Mikely Family Band from Sicily playing jazz and Italian songs. Live music by the Luminara Band follows, and there is a lovely intimate party atmosphere on deck, with everyone dressed in white, calm seas, and a clear starlit night. What a memory!

+ Lyn Murphy was a guest of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Luminara. They have not influenced this story, or read it before publication.

fact file

Lyn Murphy is a luxury cruise and travel specialist at Claremont Travel.

For those curious about sailing on Luminara, Lyn is available for private appointments at Claremont Travel (Old Theatre Lane, 17/50 Bay View Terrace, Claremont) on Thursday, September 25.

She can answer all your questions and share first-hand insights.

Appointments are essential. Secure a spot today by emailing info@bctravel.com.au or calling 9383 2711.