HKTB Welcomes the Deployment of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Luxury Yacht Luminara to Hong Kong as Turnaround Port 2025 Total Cruise Passenger Throughput Grows by 20% Year-on-Year

Luminara from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection visits Hong Kong for the first time.

Luminara, the newest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, made its maiden call in Hong Kong today (13 January). The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomed Luminara's inaugural arrival in the city, marking the yacht’s deployment from Hong Kong as a turnaround port. Over the coming months, the yacht will operate Asia-Pacific itineraries with Hong Kong serving as the embarkation and disembarkation destination. The deployment further showcases Hong Kong’s diverse appeal for cruise tourism and its ability to attract more high-end international visitors.

The yacht entered Victoria Harbour and docked at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui this morning following the launch of its Asia-Pacific itineraries from Singapore in December last year. HKTB commemorated the occasion with a water salute, alongside energetic dragon and lion dances. A welcoming ceremony and luncheon were hosted on board, attended by Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Miss Rosanna Law, Commissioner for Tourism Mrs. Angelina Cheung, HKTB Executive Director Mr. Anthony Lau, and representatives from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, celebrating Luminara’s first arrival in Hong Kong.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Miss Rosanna Law said, “Hong Kong saw a total of 189 cruise ship calls in 2025, marking a 26% year-on-year increase. These included vessels from 22 cruise brands worldwide. The total cruise passenger throughput for the year was around 630,000, with 430,000 being inbound visitors. Both figures have shown an increase of 20% from the previous year. I am delighted to welcome the maiden call of a luxury cruise vessel from a leading international brand to Hong Kong as the new year begins. This demonstrates that Hong Kong not only attracts large and well-known cruises to Hong Kong, but has also drawn super-luxury vessels targeting high-end international visitors to our city, testifying Hong Kong’s diversity in cruise tourism. Looking ahead, the Tourism Commission and HKTB will continue to fortify Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s Cruise Hub. We will also work closely with the industry partners to drive the development of cruise tourism in Hong Kong.”

“With Luminara, we have raised the bar once again, uniting legendary service, elevated design, and an extraordinary onboard experience to further define our distinct approach to ultra-luxury travel at sea,” said Ernesto Fara, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Our Asia-Pacific itineraries invite guests to experience the region in a more intimate and unhurried way, pairing marquee cities with more secluded islands and offering opportunities for overnights that allow for deeper exploration ashore and by water. Expanding into Asia-Pacific marks an important step in how we continue to thoughtfully grow in the region and around the world.”

Luminara makes Hong Kong its turnaround port for Asia-Pacific routes throughout the first quarter of 2026

Luminara is the third and newest superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. From January through mid-April, the yacht will set out on turnaround trips between Hong Kong and Singapore or Tokyo, with port calls including Osaka in Japan, Bangkok in Thailand, Incheon in South Korea, and Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Launched in July 2025, Luminara spans 794 feet (242 meters) and has a gross tonnage of 46,750. The yacht accommodates up to 452 guests across 226 spacious suites, all featuring private terraces. Designed to foster a closer connection to the sea, Luminara offers a refined yet relaxed onboard atmosphere, with thoughtfully designed spaces, five exceptional dining venues, seven bars, and an expansive Marina that provides direct access to the water for a range of activities, supporting an intimate and unhurried way of exploring the region by sea.

More highlights from Luminara’s first visit to Hong Kong: