January 26, 2026
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei Darussalam recently welcomed the arrival of Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection superyacht, carrying approximately 207 passengers and 334 crew members, on its maiden visit to the Sultanate after arriving from the Philippines and prior to its onward journey to Singapore.
The call represents a significant development for Brunei’s cruise tourism sector.
Upon arrival, passengers were greeted with a vibrant cultural performance showcasing Brunei Darussalam’s rich heritage and warm hospitality. The welcoming ceremony set the tone for a day of exploration and discovery.
During their visit, passengers explored key attractions including Royal Regalia Museum, Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer, gaining deeper insights into the country’s history, culture, and way of life.
Many visitors also sampled local delicacies and purchased authentic souvenirs at the Cruise Ship Centre, adding a personal and memorable dimension to their visit.
The visit of Luminara also marks a historic first for the Sultanate, as it is the first high-end luxury superyacht to ever call at Brunei Darussalam.
This sets a milestone for the country’s cruise tourism development, underscoring Brunei Darussalam’s growing appeal as an exclusive destination for premium and luxury cruise segments, and paving the way for future high-end cruise tourism opportunities.
Brunei is also set to welcome additional cruise calls, including Zhao Shang Yi Dun – Viking Sun today and Adora Mediterranea on January 30.
Both vessels are returning cruise liners that have visited Brunei and are expected to bring Chinese visitors to the Sultanate, reinforcing Brunei’s position as an increasingly popular destination within the Chinese cruise market. – James Kon