the best private yacht in the world

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Top 15 Most Expensive Yachts In The World

Yachts were simple vessels at the time of their inception in the ’90s, designed primarily for water sports; however, in the 2000s, they were transformed into luxurious maritime structures.

Such superyachts are commissioned for the rich and combine technological excellence with a glorious display of opulence and power. Apart from being genuinely majestic and gigantic, these yachts have amazingly unique features, as we will see in this article featuring the most expensive superyachts in the world.

1. History Supreme – $4.8 Billion 

The yacht History Supreme boasts of being the most expensive private superyacht in the world. It was constructed by the famous designer in Liverpool, Stuart Hughes, famous for turning ordinary gadgets like iPhones into luxury goods by covering them with precious metals such as gold or diamonds. Hence, the dining area, the railings, and anchor of the most expensive yacht in the world are adorned with priceless metals.

This magnificent yacht was made for a wealthy businessman hailing from Malaysia. Some news reports underlined the probability of Malaysian business tycoon Robert Kuok, the owner of this maritime wonder.

It is 100 feet and was completed in three years. Adorned with more than 10,000 kg of solid gold, silver and platinum, it is the most extravagant vessel. The yacht’s structure, anchors, deck areas, kitchen, and washrooms are made of precious metals. Its bottom is gold-plated, while the main bedroom has a walled structure made from a genuine meteorite and a decorative design carved from an authentic dinosaur tooth. 70 kg of gold was used only for making the lavish aquarium separating the main bedroom from the seating area.

Other features, such as expensive liquor in cases made of rare diamonds or the use of historical artefacts in its interior, are why the yacht is the most costly.

2. Eclipse – $1.5 Billion 

Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire and politician and the famous owner of the soccer club Chelsea, is the proud possessor of the Eclipse, which comes second in the list of the most expensive yachts in the world.

Eclipse is estimated to be worth 1.5 billion dollars and was built by Blohm and Voss, a ship construction company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. Terence Disdale, a renowned yacht designer who has renovated more than 40 superyachts, is responsible for the eye-catching interiors of the Eclipse.

The yacht is approximately 536 feet, and its magnanimous size incorporates numerous features of extraordinary luxury. It possesses two helipads, 23 cabins and a dozen guest cabins, hot tubs and swimming pools near the main deck.

It is a sailing beauty that offers comfort and entertainment as it is endowed with a dance hall, jacuzzi, launch boats, and a mini-submarine. It has high-security features like missile detection system, bulletproof windows and sharp camera surveillance. An interesting feature is the laser system that prevents photographers from clicking pictures even from afar.

3. Azzam – $650 Million

Built by the German shipbuilder Lürssen, Azzam is the third most expensive and extravagant yacht owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan, president of the United Arab Emirates. It was completed in 2013 in Bremen, Germany, with a tonnage capacity of 14,500 tonnes.

Azzam, which translates to determination in Arabic, is true to its name, as reflected in many of its stunning features. Its exteriors were designed by Nauta, a design company based in Milan. At the same time, its interior designs were carefully chosen to replicate the empire grandeur of medieval times, brought alive by Christophe Leoni, a prominent French designer.

It measures 590 feet in length, and its most distinguishing feature is its speed which is impressive for its size. Also, it is a no-pillar construction, an engineering marvel in itself. Azzam can attain a speed of more than 35 knots. Endowed with around 55 luxurious suites and a large salon accommodating 40 guests, it is representative of royalty at its finest. It has swimming pools, a golf course, double helicopter landing pads, and a sea-facing gym. Propelled by the latest technology dual engines, it is managed by 85 highly trained crew members.

4. Dilbar Superyacht -$600 million

Dilbar Superyacht was launched in 2015 at the German Lurssen Shipyard and was finally delivered a year later in 2016. One of the largest superyachts, she was constructed as Project Omar, with her interiors and exteriors crafted by Andrew Winch and Espen Oeino. She has a classic profile, a light ivory hull, a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure.

As of 2022, she is the 6th longest yacht in the world. At 1,917 tonnes, the 156 m superyacht is also one of the largest yachts by volume. It features never-seen-before entertainment and recreation spaces, too, like the 25 m swimming pool having 180 cubic metres of water, the largest pool ever built on a yacht. 

Dilbar was owned by Rusian Billionaire Alisher Usmanov. In 2022, German authorities seized the yacht as they placed sanctions on many Russian Oligarchs during the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.

The yacht, which is said to have cost a whopping $600 million, can easily accommodate 36 guests and also 96 crew members.

5. Al Said – $600 Million

Al Said is a luxurious superyacht constructed by Lurssen 2008, a famous yacht construction company. It is owned by the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Qaboos Bin Saad Al Said hence its name. Al Said measures 156 m, and when it was completed, it held the title of the second biggest superyacht in the world, with a capacity to host more than 75 guests and accommodate over 150 crew members.

Espen Oeino chose its exteriors and hand-crafted the interiors by Redman Whitely Dixon. Al Said has a steel and aluminium structure and can attain a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of about 23 knots.

Comprising six open deck areas and other attractive features, its main attraction is the concert hall which can be used for a professional concert amidst the seas. It also has luxurious master bedrooms, jacuzzis, helipads, and features common to all luxurious yachts.

6. Topaz – $527 Million 

The Topaz superyacht was launched in 2012 by the German shipbuilding company Lurrsen. It was commissioned for Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, belonging to the royal family of Abu Dhabi and an essential functionary of the country, who acquired the exotic yacht for 527 million dollars.

Topaz comprises a steel and aluminium structure with a total tonnage of around 11,700 tonnes. Its design combines functionality with extravagance, evident in its features such as a swimming platform, a gym, a soccer field, a movie theatre, a disco hall, and a vast conference room. Its interiors have been designed by Terence Disdale, and the exteriors by luxury yachts designer Tim Heywood.

Topaz measures around 482 feet and its powerful engines help it achieve an impressive speed of about 25 knots. Security measures have been amalgamated into the yacht’s design, as it has an emergency generator. Topaz contains eight decks and other awe-inspiring features like dual helipads. It can accommodate 62 guests and has 26 luxurious rooms, served by a crew comprising 50 members.

7. Rising Sun- $ 400 million

The 138.6 metres yacht Rising Sun was constructed by Lurssen at their Bremen Shipyard in Germany. The stunning yacht’s interior was designed by Seccombe design, while its fabulous exteriors are the work of Bannenberg and Rowell. She was delivered in 2004 and refitted in 2011.

It was originally bought by Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle Corporation; however, it was later acquired by Geffen Records’ David Geffen.

Rising Sun cost $ 200 million in 2004, but now after the refittings, her cost is more than $ 400 million. 

She can accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites and about 45 crew members. She has a luxury spa, a beauty salon, underwater lights, a wine cellar, a gymnasium and much more. Her basketball court on the main deck also works as a helicopter pad when needed. She also has a private cinema with stunning ocean views too.

The yacht has a living area of more than 8000 m2 over five levels and 3300 m2 of deck space layered with teak.

She has a steel hull and a superstructure of aluminium with hawseholes plated in chromium. She can cruise at 26 knots and attain a maximum speed of 30 knots.

8. Superyacht Dubai – $350 Million

Dubai yacht was launched in 2006, constructed jointly by Blohm & Voss and Lurrsen shipbuilding companies. It is owned by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al-Maktoum.

The unique features of this superyacht comprise numerous open decks, hot water bathing areas and a lavish swimming pool endowed with custom-designed tiles made by the finest artisans. The most exciting interior is the main staircase. Circular in shape, it changes colours as it reflects and refracts the light reaching it through the uppermost deck. The interior is bright and bold, a blend of colours representative of the vibrant Middle Eastern culture.

Dubai comprises an expansive deck for his highness, sufficient rooms for accommodating 115 guests and a maximum of 80 crew members. It also has a comfortable lounge area, a helipad, a squash court, a movie theatre, gyms, and an expansive dining room with a chandelier embedded with rubies, emeralds and pearls. Dubai has specially designed engines that help it attain speeds of up to 26 knots.

9. Serene – $330 Million 

Counted among the world’s biggest and most extravagant superyachts, Serene is no less than a sailing palace. Owned by the crown prince and deputy prime minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman, Serene was constructed in 2011 in Italy. Interestingly, before its acquisition by the Saudi Prince, it was used by Bill Gates, who leased it for millions of dollars.

It is a representation of finesse at its best, designed by Fincantieri, a prominent Italian shipbuilding company. The interiors were completed by Espen Oeino, a renowned designer. Serene measures almost 440 feet, and its tonnage are 8000. Endowed with specially designed engines, novel two-screwed propulsion, and robust engines, it can comfortably accommodate 25 people and more than 50 staff.

It has many unique technological features, such as a convertible helipad that turns into a swimming pool or a dance hall. Guest will never be bored onboard the Serene as it comprises movie theatres, music rooms, meeting spaces, lounges, a sauna, salons, a jacuzzi, a beach room, and a transparent room to view the beautiful underwater marine life.

10. Motor Yacht A – $323 Million

This Superyacht was designed by a French Architect, Philippe Starck and constructed by Blohm & Voss shipbuilders in Kiel. Measuring 120 m with a tonnage of 6000, it is among the world’s biggest motor yachts combining smart design with extraordinary elegance. It was launched in 2008 and is possessed by the businessman Andrey Melnichenko.

The yacht’s interiors span more than 20,000 sq feet while the main suite covers 2500 sq feet. A unique feature of this brilliantly designed yacht is its adjustable shifting walls. It also has 6 large rooms comfortably accommodating more than 15 guests and 50 staff members. Having a dance floor, helipads, rescue boats, and swimming pools with a transparent bottom made of glass, Superyacht A offers true comfort at sea.

It is a sailing wonder capable of attaining a maximum speed of 23 knots. Security features of the yacht include bomb-proof windows, motion detectors, and camera surveillance. It is said that it also has a secret escape pod.

11. Motoryacht Radiant – $320 Million

Radiant is a beautiful motor yacht constructed in 2009 by Lurrssen shipbuilders, and it belongs to the owner of Al-Futtaim Group, Abdulla Al Futtaim. Measuring 360 feet, she can reach a fantastic speed of 22 knots. Its expansive fuel tanks can accommodate more than 9500 gallons of fuel, and Radiant is recognised as the world’s 32nd luxurious superyacht.

Her interiors were styled by the famous Gle Pushelburg, while her exteriors have been designed by Tim Heywood. The vessel was last refitted in 2023.

It can carry more than 22 people and 45 crew comfortably. The hull of Radiant is made of steel, while its structure is largely constituted of aluminium. Delicate quality floor layering has been used for the decks. Functional features of the radiant include numerous swimming decks, helipads, a sauna bath, a massage room, garages, cinema halls, expansive seating areas, workout spaces and hot water baths, etc.

She has a gross tonnage of 5027 GT, a 16.3 m beam and a 4.4 m draught. The yacht is currently sailing under the flag of the Cayman Islands. 

12. Pelorus – $300 Million

The superyacht Pelorus was constructed by Lurrsen in Germany and was launched in 2003. Abdulmalik Al-Sheikh, a Saudi businessman, commissioned it in 2016, and it ended up with the Chinese business tycoon Samuel Tak Lee. It can accommodate more than 60 guests and about 45 crew members.

Tim Heywood and Terence Disdale, two internationally reputed names in the yacht design industry, worked together to design the superyacht that gives an aura of living on the beachside villas. It also has two helipads, swimming pools, a sauna, and a private deck with a comprehensive view. Pelorus has commendable security features, backup engines and generators.

Pelorus translates to expansive, and the yacht is quite faithful to its name since it is one of the 59 motor yachts in the world that measure more than 100 m and has a better speed than most yachts of her size. Currently, it is under the flagship of the Cayman Islands.

13. Al Mirqab – $ 300 million

Al Mirqab is a 133 m motor yacht constructed in 2008 by Peters Schiffbau in Wewelsfleth.  Her exteriors were penned by Tim Heywood, while the interiors were carved by Andrew Winch Design.

But what made her stand out when she was launched was her massive size, and to this day, the iconic yacht remains one of the most expensive and biggest yachts in the world. 

The $ 300 million vessel was constructed for the former PM of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. She has a long, beautiful navy-blue steel hull and a white superstructure of aluminium.

She was refitted in 2014 and has a 19.5 m beam and a 4.9 m draft. She can accommodate around 60 guests and an equal number of crew members. 

Al Mirqab can attain a maximum cruising speed of 23 knots and also has anchor stabilisers that increase comfort while the yacht is in rough waters or anchored.

Apart from the many large amenities onboard, the yacht has the largest spa that Winch design has ever worked on to this day, an enclosed pool and balcony terraces. Another striking feature is the Middle Eastern or Arabic-influenced motifs on its marble flooring.

14.  Octopus Yacht- $ 285 million

Octopus is a 126 m-long megayacht constructed for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. One of the largest yachts in the world, she was launched in 2003 and has been chartered for several scientific missions, exploration projects and even rescues.

She has a steel hull and a steel superstructure, a gross tonnage of 9932 GT, a 5.76 m draft and a beam of 21 m. She was refitted in 2021 and can attain a cruising speed of 12.5 knots. She can accommodate 12 guests and 42 crew members.

She is a true ocean explorer with a 12,500 nautical mile range and is famous for being a prominent explorer superyacht. She has 8 decks, a private elevator, a cinema, a gym, spas, and an observation lounge with a glass bottom for enjoying the underwater marine views.

The yacht has a bridge deck pool, a jacuzzi and also a pizza oven. It has storage space for water toys like jet skis, 7 tenders, 2 submersibles, fishing equipment, and also a large SUV. It has 2 helipads and space for 2 helicopters.

15. Aviva Yacht – $ 250 million

Aviva Yacht belongs to British Businessman Joe Lewis. One of the richest people in the UK, he is also an investor and philanthropist, as well as the owner of the Tavistock Group. 

Aviva was constructed in 2017 by Abeking & Rasmussen, situated in Lower Saxony. She is the biggest yacht built by the company that constructs naval vessels and cruise ships too.

Aviva is 98 m long and has twin diesel-electric MTU engines capable of outputting 3862 horsepower. She has a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure. She also has a piano, an elevator, a beach club, a gym etc. 

However, its main feature is its indoor tennis court, making Aviva the first yacht to have an indoor padel tennis court.

She has 364,505 litres of fuel tanks, allowing her to cruise at a speed of 14 knots. She can also attain a maximum speed of 20 knots. AVIVA can accommodate 16 guests and 35 crew members after being refitted twice since its launch.

Owning a luxury yacht is a symbol of wealth and opulence. The world’s richest people spare no expense when it comes to their recreational yachts. The 15 most expensive yachts are a testament to this fact and display impressive feats of engineering and design.

They are made per the client’s choices and needs and also function as status symbols, gathering lots of attention and admiration wherever they sail. It is fascinating to see how people are ready to invest whopping amounts of money in these floating palaces, and we can only expect to see bigger, more luxurious and technologically advanced yachts in the near future, which would easily surpass those mentioned in this list in terms of parameters like size or design.

You might also like to read-

• Top 6 Private Super Yachts with Sails
• Maltese Falcon- Fastest Super Yacht with Sails
• Top 10 Books on Yacht Design
• Introduction To Different Types Of Yachts

About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

Read More Articles By This Author >

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The world has a fantastic array of very interesting luxury yacht builders and superyacht designers . At CharterWorld we have the definitive information on the ever evolving yacht builders and designers, as well as the latest superyacht news relating to the latest new yacht designs and new build yacht launches.

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Top 10 Luxury Yachts in the World

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Ever dreamed of sailing to your favourite travel destinations on the most impressive luxury yachts in the world?

Imagine waking up to a breathtaking orange sunrise over the most beautiful yacht in the world . On board the best luxury yachts in the world, you’ll start your day with a restorative head massage. This is followed by a helicopter ride to a secluded island for lunch, a swim in fragrant indigo waters, and finally, cap the day off with a meal of local cuisine cooked exactly to your taste .

Well, bespoke indulgence might not be so out-of-reach after all — at least for a week! At Borrow A Boat, you can rent a luxury yacht in the Mediterranean for you and your group, and no, it won’t cost you $5 million to $500 million . If you’re curious, just fill out a request form with a few of your preferences and we’ll whip up a few options for you to flirt with.  If you don’t know yet which boat is right for you , we support you to make a suitable decision.

For a little inspiration, check out our list of the top 10 best luxury yachts in the world:

10. luxury yacht christina o (market price: $32.4 million).

She may not be THE most expensive yacht in the world, but she’s certainly one of the most notable ones.

In 1954, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis took Christina O, a former Canadian naval frigate, and turned her into a playground for the rich and famous . John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Liz Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and many more have since set sail on the Christina O.

This superyacht:

• can accommodate 34 guests;
• boasts a massage room;
• a beauty salon;
• a sports lounge;
• a glamorous dining room; and
• a deck that turns into a dance floor.

This luxurious yacht certainly combines glamour, history and elegance. She might be out of reach for you to set sail, but you can still admire her from a distance.

9. Luxury Yacht Lady Moura (Market price: $210 million)

The Lady Moura:

• Was built in 1990 for Saudi Arabian businessman Nasser Al-Rashid.
• The yacht’s name is carved from 24-carat gold lettering:
• Onboard this 344-foot yacht you find a pool, a helicopter, and a 75-foot dining room table.

But the most outstanding aspect of the Lady Moura is its private extendable beach: a sand-covered hydraulic platform that extends out from the side of the yacht down by the waterline, and comes fully equipped with palm trees, beach chairs, and real sand.

8. Luxury Yacht Dilbar (Market price: $256 million)

The Dilbar:

• said to be one of the world’s largest boats at 360-feet long and 50-feet high.
• was built in 2008 and owned by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov.

With swimming pools, a helipad and enormous multi-layered decks that can host 20 people on each , the Dilbar is the one luxury yacht for Usmanov to cruise around his many private islands. If you already own a bunch of private islands, you might as well top that with one of the largest yachts in the world.

7. Luxury Yacht Al Said (Market price: $300 million)

The Al Said houses a concert hall big enough to accommodate a 50-piece orchestra — that’s how big we’re talking. This huge luxury yacht can host up to 70 guests and a crew of 154.

The Al Said:

• was built by Lürssen Yachts in 2008 .
• is owned by Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Orman.
• can move at up to 22 knots and at the time of her launch was considered the world’s most powerful superyacht.

6. Luxury Motor Yacht A (Market price: $323 million)

Motor Yacht A :

• is 390-feet-long.
• is one of the most unusual-looking luxury yachts on the list, but the Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko, certainly likes this style.
• it’s got a helicopter pad, three pools (one with a glass bottom that sits over the disco hall), a silver-plated staircase and a 30-foot speedboat.

The interior of Motor Yacht A covers:

• over 24,000 square feet;
• the master suite a whopping 2,583; and
• houses a disco hall and six guest suites that can be converted into four large staterooms thanks to the yacht’s moving walls.

But, believe it or not, Motor Yacht A wasn’t quite lavish enough for the Russian billionaire, so he upgraded to something even more enormous, which you’ll discover below. If you’re already a billionaire, you need to own the top of the tops in terms of yachts.

5. Luxury Yacht Dubai (Market price: $350 million)

• has been owned by the Sheikh of Dubai since 2006, but was originally commissioned 10 years earlier as the Golden Star by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.

Guests aboard the Dubai will find:

• a glass staircase;
• a swimming pool;
• a helipad; and
• several jacuzzis.

The decadent interior is full of mosaics and bold colors, while the spacious deck areas create a large social area and lounge, and numerous VIP and guest suites. The Dubai can host a whopping 115 guests and is currently the world’s third-largest yacht. She definitely deserves it’s spot on the list of the world’s most luxury yachts.

4. Luxury Sailing Yacht A (Market price: $400 million)

Here we are. The latest and greatest edition to the superyacht world. Not to be confused with Motor Yacht A, Sailing Yacht A is something of an upgrade for Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko .

Considered the world’s largest sailing yacht :

• at 468 feet in length and with ship masts nearing 300-feet high.
• has eight floors and an underwater observation room.
• can hold a crew of 54 attending just 20 guests.
• can also reach a maximum speed of 24 miles per hour, even with a steel hull and a teak-finish deck. It’s one serious yacht.

3. Top 3 of the world’s most luxurious yachts: Azzam (Market price: $650 million)

• is another superyacht creation by the people of Lürssen Yachts , who claimed it was “the most complex and challenging yacht that has ever been built.”
• at $650 million and 590-feet long, the Azzam is said to be the largest private yacht in the world.
• can reach speeds of up to 30 knots and boasts incredibly luxurious interiors designed by French interior decorator Christophe Leoni.

2. Luxury Yacht Streets of Monaco (Market price: $1.1 billion)

This yacht design has got to be one of the most absurd and unnecessary luxury items we’ve ever seen. But, hey — it’s not our $1.1 billion. As you might have guessed, Streets of Monaco is a floating replica of the city of Monaco. In the picture above you can certainly recognise the capital of the Monegasse.

Luxury Yacht Streets of Monaco :

• was designed by Yacht Island Design of Derbyshire County in England, and is still waiting to be funded by a billionaire owner.
• at 500-foot superyacht features the famous Monte Carlo Casino and racetrack, as well as Hotel de Paris, Cafe de Paris, La Rascasse and the Loews Hotel.
• hosts just seven guest suites onboard, all with private reception rooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms and balconies.

The main suite is the size of a luxury penthouse, taking up three floors and 4,800 square feet. Streets of Monaco has swimming pools, tennis courts, a mini waterfall, a cafe-bar with underwater views, a helipad and submarines.

1. The top of the luxury yachts in the world: Eclipse (Market price: $1.2 billion)

That’s right — the yacht of yet another Russian billionaire. Roman Abramovich is the proud owner of the Eclipse, which was created by Blohm and Voss of Hamburg and measures 536-feet in length.

What the yacht Eclipse has to offer:

• disco hall;
• two helipads;
• 24 guest cabins;
• 70 crew members;
• two swimming pools;
• a mini-submarine;
• several jacuzzis;
• three launch boats; and
• is believed to have several secret exits (one might only wonder what they are used for).

The master suite is 5,000 square feet big, features bulletproof windows, and includes a private garden. This yacht even has an anti-paparazzi laser shield sweeping the surrounding areas!

Find out how the rich and famous spend their sailing holidays on their chosen superyachts.

By the way, if you’ve somehow come into a load of cash and are interested in building a superyacht of your own, you can turn to some of the best luxury yacht brands out there who task themselves with the challenge of building high-quality superyachts on a regular basis.

Big players in the superyacht game hank to their tedious dedication to quality and personalized design.

• Blohm+Voss;
• Bertram Yachts;
• Benetti Yachts; and
• Riva Yachts.

If you cannot afford to buy a luxurious yacht, you could go on a sailing trip for a week and rent of our luxurious boats instead.

What Documents Do I Need to Charter a Boat?

British virgin islands route: a 7-day boat trip in the bvi, 2 thoughts on “top 10 luxury yachts in the world”.

I love spending time on yachts during the summer, but I will probably never have the opportunity of being on one of these ten yachts. However, I would definitely choose to take a ride on the Streets of Monaco if I had the chance. I would spend my time swimming, playing tennis and, of course, taking a ride in the submarine.

These boats are beautiful, not to mention they’re massive! Holy cow, they’re very expensive too. Which is funny, because my boss would like to rent one and take all the employees on a cruise. I’d like to know how much they’re to rent.

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Your Home at sea: The World

With 165 individual Residences, The World is the largest private residential yacht on Earth. Launched in 2002, the Ship is continuously maintained to the highest standards of performance, safety, and style – representing the pinnacle of bespoke comfort, sophisticated design, and remarkable amenities.

The best of all worlds

At 644 feet / 196 meters, The World is large enough to hold several extraordinary culinary venues, recreational spaces, and world-class amenities, yet with an average of only 200 or fewer Residents & Guests aboard at any given time, The World elegantly balances a sense of community with privacy and serenity. The Ship has the size and power for comfortable transoceanic crossings and polar exploration, and at the same time is small enough to dock in rarely-visited ports inaccessible to large commercial cruises.

The most extraordinary Home you will ever own

Each of the 165 Residences aboard The World is a privately owned, exquisitely stylish Home. From elegant studios to vast Ocean Residences with two or three bedrooms and spacious entertaining areas, Residents begin and end each day in any corner of the globe surrounded by the genuine comforts of home.

The World is always evolving

Our Residents collectively own the Ship, and they continually invest in maintaining and improving every aspect of The World’s shared spaces, as well as their private homes on board. Every three years, The World enters a major dry-dock, during which extensive renovations and visionary redesigns elevate the restaurants, lounges, and other facilities of the Ship beyond even our own unsurpassed standards.

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The World’s Longest Superyachts 2020

From a 600-foot expedition vessel to a 365-foot versailles-inspired yacht, the list of the world’s largest private superyachts keeps getting longer., the 590-foot-long azzam , owned by sheikh khalifa bin zayed al nahyan of the united arab emirates, had been unsinkable as the world’s largest superyacht since 2013., but rev , announced in august 2019, will soon best it: built by a norwegian businessman with goals to restore—and explore—our oceans, it will be 600 feet long., rev will be almost 200 feet longer than another notable explorer yacht: octopus , once owned by late microsoft cofounder paul allen, which has traveled to antarctica., entertainment mogul david geffen’s 450-foot yacht rising sun has long welcomed a-listers: it’s hosted countless celebrities, including oprah winfrey and jeff bezos., russian billionaire andrey melnichenko’s 468-foot sailing yacht a is a standout among luxury sailing yachts: the ship’s masts are a stunning 300 feet tall., a new motor yacht is also making waves: named opus , the 466-foot superyacht can sleep up to 36 guests across six decks and 20 cabins., opus is 20 feet longer than the longest charter yacht in the world, flying fox , but the fox’s grandeur is hard to beat: it’s home to a 4,305-square-foot spa., and tis is one of the most opulent superyachts: inspired by versailles and gone with the wind , it has 24-karat gold accents on its twin staircases., with these regal touches, tis won’t be left in the wake of the world’s largest superyachts—despite being a mere 365 feet long., see the best superyacht designs for 2020.

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The Top 10 Best Yacht Builders In The World

Here is our list of the best yacht builders on earth. Deciding which shipyard will build your luxury yacht is a complex and deeply personal choice, depending on many factors including the level of customization you want, your budget, the location of the shipyard, and the ‘feel’ you get for the yard’s vision and people.

Our list of the best yacht builders is naturally subjective and will not feature every well-known brand. Our short selection includes a range of shipyards, from manufacturers of the some of the most iconic custom-built superyachts to hugely popular production yacht builders.

Here are the best yacht builders on earth, sorted by region.

Usa – best yacht builders.

Westport is one of the dominant players in the American yacht-building market, with a hugely popular range of tri-deck and raised pilothouse motoryachts built from composite materials. Their models range from from the 112′ to 164′ (34m to 50m) series, allowing the yacht owner to customize the interior layout without the high cost and long timescale of fully-custom construction. As the largest American yacht building company in operation, Westport has a proud history of high quality yacht manufacturing dating back to 1964, with over 100 superyachts and over 170 fishing vessels launched from their Pacific Northwest Shipyard. Westport yachts are extremely popular in the US brokerage and charter market and have a reputation for holding their value well. View current Westport yachts for sale .

Christensen Yachts prides itself on the construction of American-built custom and semi-custom superyachts from fiberglass, including well known yachts M/Y CASINO ROYALE, M/Y SILVER LINING and award-winning M/Y ODESSA. Founded by superyacht owners, Christensen has a loyal following of yacht owners, many of whom are repeat customers. Currently producing yachts at its Vancouver, WA yard between 100’ to 165’ (35m to 50m) in length, Christensen was bought out in 2015 and is in the process of building America’s largest superyacht facility in Tennessee, which will construct vessels up to 70m. View current Christensen yachts for sale .

Northern Europe – Best Yacht Builders

German superyacht builder Lurssen is the builder of the largest superyacht in existence, the 590’ (180m) M/Y AZZAM, which was completed in an astonishingly quick three years. Known for superb build quality and large projects across its superyacht, naval vessel, as well as its’ yacht refit and management divisions, Lurssen is a family-run shipyard with a prestigious yacht building heritage spanning back to 1875, when it constructed the first ever motoryacht. Lurssen is the builder of 5 of the top 10 largest yachts in the world. View current Lurssen yachts for sale.

Feadship, Netherlands: For some yacht owners, the only name worth knowing is Feadship. This prestigious brand is synonymous with Dutch superyacht quality, and has a legion of steadfast and loyal fans. Dating back to 1849, Feadship creates fully custom yachts from a ‘blank slate’ beginning, priding themselves on creating supremely unique, innovative yachts that stand the test of time. There are 450 bespoke yachts currently afloat in the Feadship fleet, including M/Y HASNA, a 239’ (73m) with a revolutionary layout. Read more on Dutch yacht builders . View current Feadship yachts for sale .

Amels’ vast and high-tech superyacht facility is the largest in the Netherlands, producing iconic, high-value yachts up to 330’ (100m), including their 2017 flagship yacht, 272’ (83m) M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN. Amels offer a fully custom yacht building service, as well as their exceedingly popular Limited Edition Series, whereby the yacht owner retains control over interior and exterior design but the yacht is built on a proven platform, thereby slashing the build time. Amels also builds support yachts through their parent company, DAMEN, a heavyweight in global shipbuilding. View current Amels yachts for sale .

Dutch yacht builder Heesen is known for its aluminum and steel superyachts and innovative use of technology, as seen in the revolutionary fast displacement hull form first seen in the multi-award winning M/Y GALACTICA STAR, and the hybrid propulsion utilized in the 2017 launch of M/Y HOME. With a fleet of over 170 yachts launched since inception in 1978, Heesen is known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in superyacht design and engineering. Heesen builds motoryachts between 100’ to 265’ (30m to 80m) in length at its Oss shipyard. View current Heesen yachts for sale .

Now owned by Lurssen, Blohm + Voss is a yachting powerhouse in its own right, constructing magnificent large superyachts including the iconic MOTOR YACHT A and 531’ (162m) M/Y ECLIPSE, currently the third-largest yacht in the world. The vast Blohm +Voss facility in Hamburg, Germany creates striking custom motoryachts and sailing yachts. View current Blohm +Voss yachts for sale.

Mediterranean – Best Yacht Builders

Benetti is a powerhouse of luxury yacht building, with a very healthy order list and a boat- building pedigree stretching back to 1873. Since 1960, Benetti has been constructing superyachts in Italy, including iconic yachts MY KINGDOM in 1980, then the largest yacht in the world at 280’ (85m), right through to recent launches such as the award-winning M/Y 11.11. Benetti is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, the largest producer of luxury yachts in the world, building semi-custom and fully custom yachts between 100′ and 330′ (30m and 100m) long. Known for their Italian style and long history of yacht construction, Benetti has a loyal following of yacht owners who return to the yard each time they upgrade. View current Benetti yachts for sale .

The creators of one of the most well-known yachts on the planet, S/Y MALTESE FALCON, Perini Navi enjoys a superb reputation as a sailing superyacht builder, and also entered the large motoryacht market in 2007 under its Pichiotti brand. Perini Navi yachts are known for their superyacht luxuries and interior volume, as well as the technically brilliant sailing systems that allow these large yachts to be operated by a small crew. Perini Navi dominates the sailing superyacht market with its range from 130’ to 200’(40m to 60m), constructed at their three shipyards in Viareggio, La Spezia in Italy and also in Istanbul. View current Perini Navi yachts for sale .

UK – Best Yacht Builders

Sunseeker is one of the most instantly recognizable names in the yachting world, building performance luxury yachts known for their speed and sleek looks. Once better known for their smaller sport yachts, Sunseeker is now a major player in the superyacht market, with customizable yacht models from 75′ to 155′, as well as constructing the Predator range with a top speed of 45 knots. Built and engineered in Dorset, UK, Sunseeker is Britain’s most famous luxury yacht builder, creating the hand-finished yachts regularly featured on James Bond films. View current Sunseeker yachts for sale .

Worth Avenue Yachts has extensive experience with each of these yacht brands. To find out more about the relative advantages of these shipyards or the other high-quality shipyards that we recommend, please contact us for an expert discussion.

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These Are the 5 Biggest Superyachts in the World

Yachts, as with most other things connected to the ultrarich—apartments, shopping sprees, bank accounts—are getting bigger. And while price, nautically speaking, usually scales with size, that’s not always the case. So there’s, oddly enough, less overlap between this list and our recent list of the  World’s Most Expensive Superyachts than one might expect.

There are reasons behind this. Interestingly, some of the biggest superyachts in the world have become so stunningly large that they can no longer maintain status as belonging to a single family or dynasty. The largest ones have become condominiums or charterable research vessels—playthings for the ultrawealthy.

Still, superyachts offer a kind of privacy that it is nearly impossible to come by on land. Pencil towers have entrances on public streets and elevators with other residents. Even a castle surrounded by a moat is in view, comparatively. A superyacht, on the other hand, is essentially a private island, an oasis. So as long as the rich keep getting richer, the yachts will keep getting bigger. For now, these are the five biggest superyachts in the world.

5. Eclipse (533 ft)

In 2010, as  Eclipse sailed out of the Hamburg harbor, where it was constructed by notable German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss, it was the world’s largest ship. In the intervening decade or so, it’s slid to the fifth position. Commissioned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich—whose ties to Putin have caused him to be sanctioned—it allegedly traded hands last year, though this may be simply a dodge to avoid it being seized. Features of the $600 million Terence Disdale–designed ship include 17 staterooms, a 185-foot deck on the massive primary suite, a gym, a spa, an immense swimming pool, and a half-dozen on-board tenders for shuttling guests in and out of port and excursions. If those don’t suffice, there is also a helicopter pad with room for three choppers.

4. Fulk Al Salamah (538 ft)

Like many superyachts, ownership and much else about Fulk Al Salamah —Ship of Peace—is unclear. It is suspected that it belongs to the Omani royal family, a part of their fleet of extortionately expensive conveyances. Built by Mariotti in Genoa in 2016 and designed by local team Studio de Jorio, it contains a beach club (a swim platform, often with a pool and lounge area), beauty salon, and a sizable helicopter deck, though it’s unclear if this deck has room for more choppers than the Eclipse, despite its additional five feet of overall length.

3. Azzam (597 ft)

Azzam holds the title of largest privately owned superyacht, a position it has maintained since it was completed at a cost of $600 million by Lürssen Yachts in Lemwerder, Germany, ten years ago. Designed by Nauta of Milan with interiors by French decorator Christophe Leoni, the ship is reportedly owned by a member of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayah. Prominent features include Empire-style furnishings and interiors, and a pair of massive diesel engines coupled with a pair of gas turbines, allowing high-speed travel and an immense range between refuelings. The Sheikh must be somewhat paranoid—or have good reason to fear attack—because the yacht also includes a high tech security system including a missile system and bulletproof master suite.

2. REV Ocean (600 ft)

The acronym in this giant yacht’s title stands for Research and Expedition Vessel, and this $350 million ship is outfitted to do just that. Groups that charter it head out to sea and use its state of the art scientific equipment to dive into trenches in its transparent-domed submersibles, arrange whale pod viewings in its helicopters, conduct seabed mapping and coring with its sonar and drilling systems, view documentaries in its 35-person theater, and even listen in on or record the conversations of ocean mammals with its underwater hydrophone. Funded by the Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Røkke, designed in Norway by Espen Øino, and built by Norwegian constructor Vard, it is slated to be completed in 2024. Over 100 groups applied for the maiden voyage, with preference given for scientific research and conservation missions—54 scientists can be accommodated onboard. Though it seems that private charters with the proper scientific supervision may also be allowed. Any profits made by chartering are returned to the funder’s One Healthy Ocean initiative.

1. Somnio (728ft)

Referred to as the world’s first yacht liner, this floating giant—the name is Latin for dream—combines features of a superyacht, a cruise ship, and a condominium. Under construction by the Norwegian ship-building company Vard, with an expected completion date in the middle of 2024, the $600 million project will feature 39 private residences designed by Winch and Tilberg, both of Sweden. Each will include bespoke features including a gym, kitchen, library, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Of course, apartments, which start in the eight-figure range, are available by invite only. Both the owners list and the planned route at sea are closely guarded secrets.

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• Luxury Riverboats Are Giving Superyacht Charters a Run for Your Money

Once the ugly-duckling cousin to oceangoing superyachts, many riverboats now offer similar levels of luxury, comfort, and service. They can also access historic cities or remote deltas where no superyacht can venture.

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With the rise of expedition yachting in remote destinations such as Antarctica , Greenland, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, there’s a general belief that all corners of the globe are now accessible by private yacht charter.

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“River cruising is the beneficiary of a larger travel trend in which luxury travelers are looking to do nothing,” Daniel Levine, director of New York consultancy Avant-Guide Institute , tells Robb Report . “By that, I mean they can visit multiple ports and soak up plenty of culture and history, all without changing hotels.”

This new fleet of river cruisers can access inland cities and remote stretches of countryside that are inaccessible to large oceangoing vessels. Plus, Levine says, there’s an added advantage to river travel: no seasickness.

One leader of the new set of purpose-built riverboats is Aqua Expeditions , the luxury river cruise operator whose first vessel, Aria Amazon , set sail on the Peruvian Amazon in 2011. Over a decade later, the fleet has grown to three river ships, none with more than 20 suites, cruising both the Amazon and the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, along with two oceangoing yachts in the Galapagos and Eastern Indonesia. 

“On my river ships, 30 percent of departures are now private buyouts, similar to traditional charters,” says founder Francesco Galli Zugaro. These clients, mainly multigenerational family groups or large gatherings of friends, are people who tend to vacation on yachts rather than the typical cruise ship crowd. Most of them have come to the riverboats, says Galli Zugaro, after chartering one of Aqua Expeditions’ two yachts.

The desire for off-the-beaten-track travel is fueling this new interest in riverboat charters, says Frédéric Crétin, a Monaco-based charter broker at superyacht brokerage Camper & Nicholsons . “We’ve had a surge in enquiries for the Peruvian Amazon, especially with Americans since it’s not too far from home,” says Crétin, who manages whole-boat bookings for the Aqua Expeditions fleet.

Heritage Line operates five traditionally styled ships along the upper and lower Mekong River and in Vietnam’s Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. “Our vessels, particularly our small-ship sailing charters on Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, have seen an increase in private stays,” says CEO John Tue Nguyen. “We now average 12 to 15 charters annually, including families, multi-generational bookings and VIP travelers.”

In Egypt, a gap in the market to showcase the country’s temples in a private, exclusive way, was behind the launch of the Nile River’s first luxury charter yacht in 2022, Berge . “Our clients are mostly royal families, politicians, celebrities, and athletes,” says Armen Kazazian of Kazazian Cruises , the yacht’s owner. “They don’t want to share the Egypt experience with hundreds of other people.”

The 180-foot, nine-cabin vessel has recently been joined by a sistership, the 196-foot, nine-cabin Arax . True to superyacht protocol, charters are secured with an official MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association contract, and in the lead-up to the charter, a preference form is sent out to gather information on dietary preferences and daily routines to ensure everything is ready for your arrival. 

The differences also include having no water toys as one would on a conventional yacht charter. “But we overcome that with the destination and experiences, such as candlelit dinners on private islands,” says Kazazian. Maybe. But being restricted to a single route on a river is also fundamentally different than port-hopping along the Med or Caribbean.

Inland cruising has multiple benefits, insists Matthew Shollar of Transcend Cruises , Europe’s first charter-only, river-cruise company. “You’re not just in coastal locations and you can take your whole group off the boat to a spa, or go biking, or shopping,” Shollar says. “And a riverboat always docks close to your destination.”

In September 2025, the company’s first ship, the 443-foot Transcend , will launch, with a second identical vessel following in early 2026. Penned by Tillberg Design of Sweden, both are built to European riverboat specs but draw inspiration from superyachts for style and amenities, including a 2,600-square-foot indoor/outdoor fitness area that includes a gym, spa, and guest wellness facility. 

“The single most expensive piece of equipment on board is a hot tip from superyachts, a 144-inch C Seed unfolding television,” continues Shollar. “It’s a worthwhile investment for guests to enjoy everything from silent discos to movie nights on the sun deck.”

The company soft-launched Transcend Advance this summer to better examine the private market’s potential. It took over a five-star vessel from Riverside Luxury Cruises. One client, celebrating his 60th birthday party, had never considered a riverboat charter, but was lured by being able to host many more guests. “We designed a six-day itinerary that was flexible and unique,” says Kimberly Daley, Transcend’s chief revenue officer. “It enabled him and his friends to see chartering in a whole new way.”

Transcend will sail “the highest-demand European waterways,” including the Rhine, Danube, and Moselle, offering waterside access to historic cities like Trier, Budapest, and Belgrade.

But a second collection of smaller luxury barges is carrying charter to canals and smaller waterways. Both Belmond’s 128-foot Coquelicot and European Waterways’ Kir Royale launched in France’s Champagne region this year, with a max capacity of six and eight guests, respectively, and the possibility of whole-boat bookings. This combination of space, intimacy, pastoral views and access to exceptional vineyards can’t be replicated on oceangoing yachts.

While luxury riverboats are still a small niche compared to the larger world of superyacht charters, they offer another kind of cruising experience, one that combines slow-moving water with a relaxed lifestyle in some of the most scenic destinations on the planet.

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• Cruises/Yacht Charter
• River Cruises

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