Chantiers de l'Atlantique lays the keel for Ritz-Carlton's Luminara

The ship's keel block was lowered into the building dock with good-luck coins welded in.

The 452-passenger Luminara is the sister of this year's Ilma, a new LNG-powered design for the Ritz-Carlton fleet, whose first yacht is the smaller Evrima.

Attention to detail

'We take great pride in the remarkable craftsmanship, meticulous planning and unwavering attention to detail invested in the creation of Luminara, and we can’t wait to welcome our newest superyacht to the fleet,' said Jim Murren, executive chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Added Arnaud Le Joncour, SVP sales and marketing, Chantiers de l’Atlantique: 'Building upon the incredible progress of Ilma, the hull assembly for Luminara marks another momentous step forward.'

The particulars

Luminara, a word of Latin origin meaning 'light,' will measure 794 feet/242 meters. All its 226 suites have terraces. Features include a selection of restaurants, a wine vault, The Ritz-Carlton Spa and an expanded marina providing direct access to the sea.

The interior finishes are by London-based AD Associates with creative direction by Chapi Chapo Design of Toronto and lighting designed by DPA. Design elements include a palette of soft brown oak, Calcutta marble, leather accents and touches of red, navy and green.

Luminara's exterior design is by Helsinki-based studio Aivan.