Latest news with #Luminara
New York Post
6 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Inside the ‘arms race' to win the new luxury cruise ship market
Once viewed by wealthier vacationers as mass market, déclassé venues for watery cocktails, garish waterslides, buffet stampedes and Norovirus outbreaks, cruises are now chic. Everyone from Martha Stewart and Tom Brady to Kendall Jenner and Dakota Johnson was onboard the Ritz's recent launch of Luminara, the hotel brand's new ship, which has been floating around the Mediterranean. Savvy investors and luxury brands are recognizing cruises as the next frontier for high-end travel. Advertisement 5 'There is an arms race between high-end hotels to get into the luxury cruise space,' Jim Murren, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection told me. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection/INSTARimages The billionaire Francois Pinault, whose family has owned French cruise line Ponant for a decade, bought a majority stake in the luxe cruise line Aqua Expeditions earlier this year. Bernard Arnault and LVMH have invested in an Orient Express ship that is currently under construction and set to be delivered next year. Advertisement Following in the Ritz's wake, in 2026, the Waldorf Astoria will wet its feet in the cruise space with a Nile River trip launching, while the Four Seasons will set sail in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The Aman will hit the high seas with a 50-suite ship in 2027. 'There is an arms race between high-end hotels to get into the luxury cruise space,' Jim Murren, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection told me. 5 Martha Stewart was one of the celebrity guests on the recent Ritz-Carlton cruise. Martha Stewart/Instagram For the hospitality companies, it's an easy way to enter a new and growing market — luxe cruises are expected to expand from $10.5 billion this year to $19.8 billion by 2033 according to Business Research Insights — while relying on the safety of their existing brand. Advertisement 'If you're a new entrant who has decided to get into a new product, it is far easier with a known branch attached like a luxury hotel — people will pay 15% more if there is a name like Ritz Carlton attached,' Richard Clarke, a senior analyst for global hotels, cruise lines & online travel at Bernstein told me. 'It is a well trodden path to expand beyond your core product and see what else you can do.' Various luxury hotel companies have recently launched high-end clothing lines, bedding collections, and bags, while branded residences have been popular for years. 5 The Aman will hit the high seas with a 50-suite ship in 2027. Aman 'The fact it's all coming at once is proof the concept works … and the high-end consumer has never been more attractive,' Clarke said. Advertisement Unlike mega-cruise ships, which can't reach more intimate ports and can hold more than 4,000 passengers, most of these high-end vessels are nimble enough to reach harder-to-get-to destinations like St. Barth's in the Caribbean or Capri in the Mediterranean. Ritz's new boat, Luminara, accommodates just 452 guests while another of its ships, Evrima, has room for only 298 guests. The Ritz ships include restaurants designed by Michelin-starred chefs, sprawling suites, extensive spas, infinity pools, marinas with water sports galore and art collections that feature works from Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse and Alexander Calder. 5 Billionaire Francois Pinault owns French cruise line Ponant. Ponant Ponant's ships — which have room for fewer than 40 guests — even offer an underwater lounge with ocean views. Ponant is known primarily for exploring far-flung destinations like Antarctica and the North Pole, while Aqua Expeditions goes to remote rivers like the Amazon and Mekong. The upcoming cruises from the Aman, Four Seasons, the Orient Express and Waldorf Astoria will feature sprawling suites and amenities such as a Japanese Zen garden and a jazz club. This story is part of NYNext, an indispensable insider insight into the innovations, moonshots and political chess moves that matter most to NYC's power players (and those who aspire to be). Most of these trips start around $20,000 per week and go up in price from there depending on factors like the size of your room and how much caviar you order. Advertisement While it's not surprising companies would jump on this growing market, it has surprised me how quickly travelers have embraced it. Just why — apart from a barrage of influencers posting about their trips — are these vacations catching on? 5 Jeff Bezos' sailing boat Koru is one of the largest in the world at 417 feet. AbacaPress / Part of it is very careful branding of these cruises. In marketing materials, the vessels are referred to as yachts not cruise ships. Silver-haired retirees have been swapped out for glam influencers, models, and movie stars. Advertisement 'The fact that yachts are splashed across tabloids makes it seem like it is the kind of vacation you should take,' Clarke noted. For multi-millionaires who dream of being billionaires (or at least scoring an invite on one of their yachts), the new upscale cruise is a way to have a private yacht experience without buying one themselves — ala Jeff Bezos or David Geffen — or paying six figures to charter a vessel. They're perfect for the Instagram era where everyone wants to 'show some rail' — a reference to the myriad photos taken in front of the enclosure on the ship. Advertisement 'It's an entirely new category, designed for travelers who seek the privacy and exclusivity of a yacht charter, paired with the elevated service and amenities of a luxury resort-at-sea,' Murren said. 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Fashion Network
23-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget debut retail spaces aboard Luminara
Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget have debuted dedicated retail spaces aboard Luminara, the newest superyacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Curated by Starboard Luxury, the luxury division of Starboard Group, this milestone marks a first-at-sea experience for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, featuring jewelry, Swiss timepieces, and accessories expertly curated by Starboard Luxury. During each voyage, guests can also enjoy personalized services such as private viewings, in-suite appointments, and private shopping sessions with expert brand ambassadors. 'Starboard Luxury is honored to bring together four of the world's most renowned luxury brands—Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Piaget, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,' said Stacy Shaw, senior vice president, luxury & resorts, Starboard Group. 'This collaboration marks another expansion of our incredible partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as we continue to create unparalleled luxury shopping experiences at sea.' As the third yacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Luminara will sail the Mediterranean throughout 2025 before charting new waters in the Asia-Pacific and Alaska through 2026. 'Welcoming Cartier, IWC, and Piaget aboard Luminara reflects our ongoing commitment to creating exceptional, meaningful experiences at sea,' said Ernesto Fara, president, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 'Through our continued collaboration with Starboard Luxury, we're able to bring guests closer to some of the world's most respected luxury maisons — names that share our dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and heritage.'
Fashion Network
23-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget debut retail spaces aboard Luminara
Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget have debuted dedicated retail spaces aboard Luminara, the newest superyacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Curated by Starboard Luxury, the luxury division of Starboard Group, this milestone marks a first-at-sea experience for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, featuring jewelry, Swiss timepieces, and accessories expertly curated by Starboard Luxury. During each voyage, guests can also enjoy personalized services such as private viewings, in-suite appointments, and private shopping sessions with expert brand ambassadors. 'Starboard Luxury is honored to bring together four of the world's most renowned luxury brands—Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Piaget, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,' said Stacy Shaw, senior vice president, luxury & resorts, Starboard Group. 'This collaboration marks another expansion of our incredible partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as we continue to create unparalleled luxury shopping experiences at sea.' As the third yacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Luminara will sail the Mediterranean throughout 2025 before charting new waters in the Asia-Pacific and Alaska through 2026. 'Welcoming Cartier, IWC, and Piaget aboard Luminara reflects our ongoing commitment to creating exceptional, meaningful experiences at sea,' said Ernesto Fara, president, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 'Through our continued collaboration with Starboard Luxury, we're able to bring guests closer to some of the world's most respected luxury maisons — names that share our dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and heritage.'
Fashion Network
22-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget debut retail spaces aboard Luminara
Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget have debuted dedicated retail spaces aboard Luminara, the newest superyacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Curated by Starboard Luxury, the luxury division of Starboard Group, this milestone marks a first-at-sea experience for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, featuring jewelry, Swiss timepieces, and accessories expertly curated by Starboard Luxury. During each voyage, guests can also enjoy personalized services such as private viewings, in-suite appointments, and private shopping sessions with expert brand ambassadors. 'Starboard Luxury is honored to bring together four of the world's most renowned luxury brands—Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Piaget, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,' said Stacy Shaw, senior vice president, luxury & resorts, Starboard Group. 'This collaboration marks another expansion of our incredible partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as we continue to create unparalleled luxury shopping experiences at sea.' As the third yacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Luminara will sail the Mediterranean throughout 2025 before charting new waters in the Asia-Pacific and Alaska through 2026. 'Welcoming Cartier, IWC, and Piaget aboard Luminara reflects our ongoing commitment to creating exceptional, meaningful experiences at sea,' said Ernesto Fara, president, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 'Through our continued collaboration with Starboard Luxury, we're able to bring guests closer to some of the world's most respected luxury maisons — names that share our dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and heritage.'
Business Wire
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Starboard Luxury Debuts Dedicated Retail Spaces for Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Newest Superyacht, Luminara
BUSINESS WIRE)--Starboard Luxury, the luxury division of Starboard Group, in collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has debuted dedicated retail spaces for Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Piaget aboard the fleet's newest yacht, Luminara. These luxury retail offerings represent first-at-sea experiences for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and feature an array of exquisite jewelry, Swiss timepieces, and accessories expertly curated by Starboard Luxury. 'Starboard Luxury is honored to bring together four of the world's most renowned luxury brands—Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Piaget, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,' said Stacy Shaw, Senior Vice President, Luxury & Resorts, Starboard Group. 'This collaboration marks another expansion of our incredible partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as we continue to create unparalleled luxury shopping experiences at sea.' Aboard Luminara, guests can browse thoughtfully curated collections of Swiss timepieces from Cartier and IWC, including selected IWC models that have never before been offered at sea, as well as a distinguished selection of fine jewelry and Swiss watches from Piaget. Starboard Luxury has also created an array of bespoke experiences to highlight the respective brands' exceptional craftsmanship and timeless elegance. During each voyage, guests may learn about the history, heritage, and unique product offerings of each of the three brands, and enjoy personalized services such as private viewings, in-suite appointments, and private shopping sessions with expert brand ambassadors. 'Welcoming Cartier, IWC, and Piaget aboard Luminara reflects our ongoing commitment to creating exceptional, meaningful experiences at sea,' said Ernesto Fara, President, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. 'Through our continued collaboration with Starboard Luxury, we're able to bring guests closer to some of the world's most respected luxury maisons — names that share our dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and heritage.' Starboard Luxury has also assembled an exclusive assortment of luxury and artisanal products, ranging from often-overlooked essentials to celebratory indulgences and versatile items for the voyage and beyond. The Boutiques aboard Luminara feature collections recognized for their quality and design, thoughtfully suited to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's relaxed yachting atmosphere and distinct clientele. Travelers will discover designer fine jewelry, resortwear, cashmere knits, personal and home accessories, vintage luxury handbags and accessories, and unexpected gifts, many inspired by the incredible destinations the yacht will visit across the Mediterranean, Asia-Pacific, and Alaska. Fine jewelry selections include diamond, sapphire, and 18K gold designs from Greek designer Ileana Makri, Italian-crafted gold statement pieces from French designer Lauren Rubinski, and a special collection from Sydney Evan that includes a first-at-sea debut of the brand's fine jewelry collection for men. Luminara also features limited-edition jewelry from 64Facets, unique pieces from Nakard crafted with high-quality gemstones and precious metals, and handcrafted selections from Moritz Glik, including items created with the designer's distinctive Kaleidoscope Shaker™ technique. Featured accessories include one-of-a-kind vintage Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, originally created as custom orders for top collectors, and sustainable, cruelty-free Stella McCartney handbags made with innovative leather alternatives. Guests may also browse handmade, limited-edition embroidered clutches from Olympia Le-Tan and statement jewelry from Oscar de la Renta. The introduction of Luminara also presents an exclusive collection of co-branded Lululemon and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection apparel for men and women, never before offered at sea. Additional offerings featuring The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's elegant logo include luxury travel apparel from Anatomie and Peter Millar, as well as lovable plush lions from Jellycat. Guests can also discover an exquisite assortment of women's resortwear from brands known for their sophisticated global appeal, such as Italy's Max Mara and Forte Forte, alongside vibrant designs from Milan-based La DoubleJ. Luminara showcases a unique selection from Colombia-born luxury womenswear designer Johanna Ortiz, as well as men's vacation and swim apparel from Britain's Orlebar Brown. Luminara, the third superyacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, debuted on July 3, 2025. The yacht will sail the Mediterranean on its inaugural voyages in 2025 before expanding to itineraries in the Asia-Pacific region later this year and Alaska in summer 2026. ABOUT STARBOARD LUXURY Starboard Luxury partners with the most admired and desired luxury vacation brands on land and at sea to introduce retail concepts, products, and experiences exclusively designed for sophisticated travelers on holiday. Highly curated assortments and bespoke experiences are tailored to each partner's brand DNA and guest profile to fully integrate shopping into the vacation in an authentic and natural way. Starboard Luxury travels to more than 1,000 ports of call with our cruise partners in the ocean, yacht, and expedition segments of luxury cruising, featuring exclusive and unique goods and experiences that are highly focused on local artisans and the destinations visited. Starboard Luxury proudly collaborates with Azamara Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Mitsui Ocean Cruises, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours & Silversea Cruises. A division of Starboard Group, Starboard Luxury is the only standalone division within vacation retail dedicated to the unique needs of the luxury segment.
