Luminara brings ultra-luxury yacht cruising to Vancouver this summer

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection arrived at Vancouver's Canada Place cruise terminal Monday, marking the ultra-luxury cruise line's first-ever visit to the Port of Vancouver and introducing a new segment of the cruise market to the city's waterfront.

Luminara, a 452-passenger vessel completed last year, is scheduled to make nine calls at Vancouver's downtown cruise terminal this season as part of its Alaska itineraries. The ship is already slated to return in 2027 with 10 visits in the preliminary schedule.

Unlike conventional cruise ships that carry thousands of passengers, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection positions itself as a boutique-style luxury operator offering intimate experiences. The company's three vessels — Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara — feature large suites with private terraces, high-end dining venues, a luxury spa, and a marina platform that allows direct water access in select destinations.

The arrival comes during what is expected to be a record-setting year for Vancouver's cruise ship industry. Nearly 360 cruise ship visits are scheduled at Canada Place in 2026, with approximately 1.4 million passengers expected to pass through the terminal over the season. Port authority estimates suggest each cruise ship call contributes roughly $3 million in economic activity through spending on tourism, transportation, hospitality, provisioning, and related services.

Last month, Canada Place also welcomed two other notable firsts — the Disney Magic as a mainstay for Alaska itineraries (joining the Disney Wonder to double Disney Cruise Line's longtime presence) and Virgin Voyages' new Brilliant Lady.

"We are thrilled to welcome The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to Vancouver," said Jane Banham, director of trade development for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. "We look forward to working closely with our latest cruise line partner to deliver truly exceptional passenger experiences."

Vancouver's cruise season is shaping up to be the most diverse and busiest on record.