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(Bandar Seri Begawan, 24th) Brunei yesterday ceremoniously welcomed the debut call of the top-tier luxury superyacht “Luminara”—under The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The vessel carries around 207 passengers and 334 crew members, having sailed from the Philippines and heading next to Singapore. This port call marks not only an important stop on Luminara’s maiden voyage but also symbolizes a pivotal step forward in the development of Brunei’s cruise tourism industry.
Upon arrival, an enthusiastic welcoming ceremony was arranged for the passengers by local authorities, featuring cultural performances rich in local flavor. These showcased Brunei’s deep cultural heritage and the warmth and hospitality of its people, creating an excellent atmosphere for the guests to begin a full day of exploration.
Visitors then toured several well-known local landmarks, including the Royal Regalia Museum, Istana Nurul Iman (Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Palace), Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and the historic Kampong Ayer water village, allowing them to gain in-depth understanding of Brunei’s history, culture, and traditional way of life.
In addition, many passengers sampled authentic local cuisine at the cruise center and purchased souvenirs with local characteristics, leaving unique and unforgettable memories of their journey.
The arrival of the “Luminara” has been regarded as a significant milestone in the history of Brunei’s cruise tourism. Not only is it the first top luxury superyacht to call at Brunei, but it also helps enhance the country’s profile in the global high-end cruise market, laying a foundation for attracting more luxury yachts and cruise ships in the future, and further consolidating Brunei’s status as a luxury travel destination.
Looking ahead, Brunei expects more cruise calls, including the “Viking Sun,” scheduled to arrive on January 25, 2026, and the “Adora Mediterranea,” slated for January 30. Both cruise ships have previously visited Brunei and are expected to attract more Chinese tourists, further boosting Brunei’s appeal in the Chinese cruise tourism market.