Luxury travelers looking for an ultra-exclusive way to explore the South Pacific and Asia will soon have a fresh alternative. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has unveiled its 2026-27 winter schedule, headlined by the line's first French Polynesia cruises aboard Evrima and a robust slate of Asia cruise itineraries on the soon-to-debut Luminara. Across 32 voyages, guests can expect yacht-style intimacy, resort-level service, and immersive shore programs that lean into local culture and nature.
Key Points
- First French Polynesia cruises for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- Evrima to run 13 seven- to 12-night voyages, roundtrip Papeete
- Luminara returns to Asia with 19 voyages and 10 new ports
- Yacht size allows access to Bora Bora's lagoon and smaller Hawaiian harbors
- Why it matters: Expands luxury small-ship options beyond traditional Cruise lines
Supplier Snapshot
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection bridges the gap between five-star resorts and private yachting. Each yacht carries fewer than 300 guests in all-suite accommodations, every suite serviced by a personal concierge. Dining mirrors the brand's on-land restaurants, while open-seating venues foster a relaxed vibe. Evrima, the 298-guest flagship, boasts expansive alfresco decks and a marina platform for complimentary water toys. Luminara will add larger signature suites, an interactive culinary studio, and a thermal spa suite designed for region-specific wellness rituals. Inclusive pricing covers gourmet dining, beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, simplifying the booking decision for luxury travelers.
Demand Surges for South Pacific and Asia Yachting
French Polynesia has long attracted romance-seekers and divers, but capacity has been dominated by Paul Gauguin Cruises and niche expedition brands. Post-pandemic appetite for open-air destinations, coupled with rising airlift into Papeete (PPT), has widened the market. At the same time, Asia's gradual reopening has reignited interest in culturally rich, port-dense voyages that avoid sea-day fatigue. By combining these high-demand regions, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection positions itself against competitors such as Scenic Eclipse and Silversea while leveraging Marriott Bonvoy's vast loyalty base. The move also syncs with Marriott's expansion of luxury resorts in Fiji and Okinawa, giving guests seamless pre- and post-cruise options.
Inside the 2026-27 Cruise Lineup
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's upcoming season features 32 voyages split between French Polynesia and Asia, with Hawaii serving as a bridge itinerary. Evrima will homeport in Papeete for most of the winter, operating 13 voyages of seven to 12 nights. Typical routes thread through Moorea, Huahine, and Bora Bora before a south-north arc to Maui, Hilo, and Kona. Limited sea days enable late-night or overnight docking, letting guests savor Bora Bora's lagoon fireworks or sunset luaus on Hawaii's Big Island. Signature excursions include private motu dinners, lagoon-side yoga, and helicopter flights over Kilauea Volcano.
After a short inaugural winter this year, Luminara will return to Asia in 2026 for 19 voyages that spotlight both marquee cities and hidden gems. New calls include Cebu in the Philippines, Miyazaki in Japan, and Semarang in Indonesia-gateways to Borobudur Temple and orangutan sanctuaries. Itineraries run nine to 14 nights, linking ports such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Singapore with lesser-known islands in the Andaman Sea. Yacht dimensions allow pier access in Phuket's Patong Bay and late-night anchoring off Nha Trang for lantern festivals.
Bookings opened this week to Yacht Club members and will open to the public next month. Early promotion bundles suite upgrades with onboard credits. Air-sea packages will bundle flights on partners like Air Tahiti Nui and Singapore Airlines, smoothing long-haul logistics. Travelers should move quickly on French Polynesia departures, where lift remains limited and shoulder-season weather is ideal. For more itinerary specifics, consult the line's own route planner, or work with a cruise-certified Travel Advisor who can pair sailings with Travel Insurance basics for full peace of mind.
Analysis
Ritz-Carlton's entry into French Polynesia signals confidence that the yacht-cruise segment will keep outpacing conventional big-ship growth. Hotel brand recognition lowers the learning curve for first-time cruisers, many of whom are Marriott Bonvoy elites seeking new redemption avenues. Yacht size is a strategic advantage: smaller drafts allow direct access to Bora Bora's lagoon, while in Hawaii the ships can dock in Lahaina (pending rebuild) and use Kailua pier in Kona instead of tendering. Asia itineraries tap pent-up demand for Japan-focused voyages and bridge-crossing routes through the Philippines and Indonesia, regions where luxury berths remain scarce. The main challenge will be maintaining Ritz-Carlton's hallmark service as fleet size grows, especially with labor shortages affecting hospitality worldwide. Competitors like Crystal and Regent will watch pricing closely, but Ritz-Carlton's suite-only hardware and inclusive fares could set a new benchmark if execution matches brand promise.
Final Thoughts
For guests who crave space, service, and scenery in equal measure, the 2026-27 Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection season is a compelling proposition. French Polynesia and Hawaii combine lagoon dreams with volcanic drama, while Asia delivers cultural depth from temples to tea ceremonies. Book at least a year out, secure comprehensive insurance, and sync flights that arrive two days early to buffer against delays. With small-ship capacity selling fast, decisive planning will reward travelers with the South Pacific and Asian journeys of a lifetime.
