The Ritz‑Carlton Yacht Collection has confirmed that ultra‑luxury superyacht Luminara will return to Alaska and Asia for a second season between April and October 2027, with 21 new voyages now released. The Summer 2027 program features 15 Alaska sailings, four Asia voyages and two transcontinental crossings, plus the brand’s first‑ever itineraries in Northern Japan.
Luminara’s 2027 Alaska Season: More Glacier Days, More Wilderness
Fresh from her inaugural Alaska season, Luminara will redeploy from Asia back to Alaska for northern summer 2027, sailing primarily between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska. The expanded program includes:
- 15 Alaska voyages between April and October 2027
- Select departures navigating the Inside Passage, with close‑up views of glaciers, fjords and forested shorelines
- Nearly all voyages of eight nights or longer including a dedicated glacier day, plus scenic cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord
Thanks to Luminara’s intimate size (around 452 guests in 226 suites), the yacht can access smaller ports and secluded harbours such as Wrangell and Klawock, where visits feel less crowded and more unhurried. Some itineraries time Wrangell during bear season and the salmon run, offering exceptional wildlife viewing at its peak, while scenic anchorages near Sitka make the most of the yacht’s Marina for direct access to the water.
On board, guests connect with Alaska through enrichment programming, regional cuisine and destination‑inspired wellness. Each voyage will host two renowned guest speakers – from naturalists and conservation specialists to historians, writers and photographers – leading wildlife observation on deck, intimate talks and guided shore exploration.
Ultra‑Luxury Experiences: Shore, Culinary and Spa
Luminara’s 2027 Alaska sailings emphasise immersive, small‑group discovery rather than mass‑market shore tours. Highlights include:
- Privately chartered glacier flights and wilderness landings
- Small‑group Zodiac outings launched directly from the yacht, bringing guests close to glaciers, fjords and marine wildlife
- On‑deck wildlife viewing with expert commentary, from whales and bears to eagles and seals
Culinary programming is strongly ocean‑to‑table, with menus and workshops built around Alaska’s bounty. Guests can expect:
- A cured Alaskan salmon masterclass
- Sourdough workshops reflecting local culinary traditions
- Alaskan craft beer tastings showcasing regional breweries
At The Ritz‑Carlton Spa®, treatments draw on the surrounding environment, with Glacier Contrast Therapy Rituals, Glacier Stone Massage and Wild Alaskan Botanical Body Scrubs that use ingredients such as fireweed, birch and berries. It’s a wellness program designed to feel anchored in place, rather than generic spa fare.
Asia 2027: Seoul, Tianjin and Northern Japan Debut
Beyond Alaska, Luminara’s Summer 2027 season broadens The Ritz‑Carlton Yacht Collection’s footprint in Asia, with four voyages and a set of new marquee ports.
Key additions include:
- Seoul (Incheon) as a new turnaround port, opening journeys framed around South Korea’s coastal beauty, cultural heritage and dynamic food scene.
- Tianjin as a new port of call, serving as a gateway to Beijing, where icons like the Great Wall and Forbidden City are within easy reach.
- Northern Japan as a brand‑new region for the brand, with inaugural calls in Otaru (gateway to Sapporo) and Akita, known for charming townscapes and distinctive local cuisine.
Select itineraries feature overnights in Otaru, encouraging guests to linger over regional seafood, sample Hokkaido craft beers, shop for artisan glassware and stroll the atmospheric canal district after dark. Other itineraries weave in cultural experiences such as guided food tours in Fukuoka, matcha workshops in Uji and visits to landmarks like Itsukushima Shrine near Hiroshima.
Luminara: The Yacht Behind the Itineraries
Launched in July 2025, Luminara is the third superyacht in The Ritz‑Carlton Yacht Collection fleet, following Evrima and Ilma. She carries approximately 452 guests in 226 all‑suite accommodations, each with a private terrace, and is designed to feel more like a floating Ritz‑Carlton resort than a traditional cruise ship.
Onboard features include:
- Multiple dining venues with regionally inspired menus
- An expansive Marina for direct access to the sea in calm anchorages
- The Ritz‑Carlton Spa®, fitness and wellness spaces
- Thoughtful enrichment and entertainment crafted for a high‑end, culturally curious audience
Summing up the 2027 plans, Ernesto Fara, President and CEO of The Ritz‑Carlton Yacht Collection, said the season reflects a continued focus on “immersive exploration by sea, pairing expanded Alaska voyages and new ports of call across Asia with the comfort of ultra‑luxury accommodations and personalised service.”
For travellers who want Alaska’s raw wilderness and Asia’s layered culture in one season – without sacrificing suite comfort, small‑ship intimacy and Ritz‑Carlton service – Luminara’s 21‑voyage 2027 schedule makes a very strong case to start planning early.
