Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection extends voyages to Alaska — what you need to know

Summer 2026 will be a great time to cruise to Alaska

By Sarah Joseph Published January 25, 2025

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Renderings are artistic concepts. All features, plans and specifications are subject to change without notice. — Exterior rendering of Luminara sailing the waters of Alaska. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection / Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The cruise industry has a lot of exciting announcements around the corner, but my favorite has to be the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection extending their voyages to Alaska. Currently, the brand is constructing the Luminara for the route, with inaugural sailings to Alaska scheduled for the summer of 2026 (and summer is a great time to visit Alaska). This 226-suite luxury yacht will run from May through September, and trips will range from seven to eleven nights.

Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury at Marriott International, commented on the excitement surrounding this project. “With the launch of our third superyacht, the Luminara, we’re thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton experience to the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska,” she said.

Recommended Videos

Visitors will be able to depart from Whittier, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia. Some fun destinations along the way include Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and also some less-visited ports like Klawock, Petersburg, Wrangell, and Haines. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience glacier and whale watching at Tracy Arm Fjord and Endicott Arm Fjord.

Since the Luminara will be a smaller cruising yacht, visitors can expect an exclusive, luxury experience. The largest suite will measure up to a roomy 1,048 square feet, and there will be private terraces for every suite. The ship will offer five dining rooms, which are set to serve the creative and high-quality cuisine expected from the Ritz-Carlton. There will also be six bars and a wine vault so you can enjoy all of your favorites while basking in the sun and sea. In-yacht amenities will include a state-of-the-art fitness studio, a spa, and a pool.

Topics

Destinations

Contributor

With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, Sarah is always thrilled to share nature with others through…

Travel

Is luggage with a lifetime warranty worth it? Here’s what you need to know

A lifetime warranty sounds great, but does it deliver?

A person pulling a carry-on suitcase through the airport

Have you ever had to deal with damaged luggage? If you have, you’re not alone. In fact, more than one in three travelers have had their bags damaged when traveling. And I was one of those unlucky travelers when I got my luggage back at the airport, only to find it battered and with a broken wheel. That experience helped me realize how important it is to invest in durable luggage, and I began exploring options that offered lifetime warranties.

The appeal of a lifetime warranty is undeniable. It promises peace of mind and long-term reliability. But is luggage with a lifetime warranty worth it? Does a lifetime warranty mean your bag will last forever? Let's look into what these warranties cover, their pros and cons, and whether they're worth the extra cost.
What does a lifetime warranty actually mean for luggage?

Outdoors

Stargazing in the darkest national park in the U.S. — what you need to know

This dark sky location is so pretty it will give you chills

Stargazing at Death Valley National Park

Stargazing enthusiasts around the world come to this one U.S. national park for the chance of a lifetime. From crystal clear views of the Milky Way and surrounding planets, visitors can take in the other-worldly sights of meteor showers, deep sky objects, and of course, every favorite constellation. Where am I speaking of, you might ask? Death Valley National Park.

While you might only view this national park as the hottest in the country, it actually breaks all kinds of other records, too, including a gold tier ranking from the National Dark Sky Association: the darkest national park. Here's everything you need to know about stargazing at this iconic location.
How to stargaze at Death Valley National Park

Travel

Travel in style with Monos’ first-ever aluminum luggage collection

This might be their sleekest collection yet

monos aluminum luggage sitting outside

Monos, the premium travel and lifestyle brand known for its sleek, design-forward luggage, has officially entered the world of aluminum suitcases. The brand’s first-ever Aluminum Collection blends high-end durability with Monos’ signature minimalist aesthetic, offering a perfect balance of form and function for modern travelers.

"Our Aluminum Collection is our most premium offering to date and features thoughtful details, from the soft-release side handle to the etched detailing on the hinges and latches, because it's the small things that elevate the entire travel experience,” said Hubert Chan, co-founder of Monos.