Palatial and pure luxury at their core, these opulent vessels provide a glimpse of life on the high seas. From stunning sunsets to exhilarating water sports, a sojourn on a luxury yacht is an experience to never forget. Soak up the sumptuousness of the high life with the most luxurious yacht in the world, as well as others of equal splendor to aspire to.
From gilded rooms that usher seafarers into a world of comfort to decks that open up to endless skies and horizons, yachts are the palaces of the sea. Prime facilities provide entertainment and exhilarating activities that recall the lifestyles of the rich and famous. From swimming pools and dance floors to cinema halls, bars, and lounges, these coveted yachts do not hold back when it comes to luxury. Even the simple act of boarding is a spectacular experience worthy of applause, with certain vessels outfitted with helicopter pads for billionaires to make their iconic entrances.
Every yacht on this list is a sleek, stunning vessel, powered by incredible top-of-the-line engines that speak to maritime excellence and technological advancements. Capable of crossing the seas at high speeds whilst causing no discomfort to its occupants, these yachts are crafted to the highest specifications with quality materials.
Enter the superyacht, a term used to describe the largest yachts in the world. Marrying capaciousness with pure luxury, the most luxurious and coveted yachts in the world aren’t merely vessels; they’re purveyors of unforgettable experiences.
The most luxurious and coveted private yachts on the high seas today
Pelorus
Named for the word ‘pelorious’, which is of Greek origin, this incredible yacht was built by Lürssen in 2003. In true homage to its name, which bears the meaning of ‘vastness’, Pelorus is one of the largest yachts in the world.
Measuring 115 meters in length, the superyacht features interiors designed by Terence Disdale, and exteriors by Tim Heywood. A steel hull and aluminum superstructure houses tastefully chic interiors recalling luxury nautical designs; to date, the vessel has undergone two major refits, boasting two helipads for prime accessibility. Most notably within its list of amenities is a hidden private deck that is attached to the master bedroom, providing privacy for one to luxuriate in the sun as desired. Within, the yacht is powered by two Wärtsilä engines which can take it to a top speed of 20 knots.
Al Said
Named for the late Sultan of Oman Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, the Al Said superyacht, which was built by Lürssen in 2008, is a mighty structure measuring 154 meters in length. Boasting 15,850 tonnes in sheer mass, it is said to be the world’s highest displacement superyacht.
While few details exist as to the yacht’s luxuries and comforts, it is known that the interiors were designed by RWD, and its exteriors are the work of Espen Oeino. Among its most famous features is a capacious concert hall that can house a 50-piece orchestra. Within its engine room, the Al Said houses twin diesel 11,149hp MTU engines that bring its maximum cruise speed up to 25 knots.
Radiant
Yet another magnificent project by Lürssen, the Radiant was built in 2009. Measuring an impressive 110 meters in length, its Tim Heywood-designed aluminum exteriors with charming teak wood decks house contemporary interiors within. Designed by Glen Pushelburg, the interior design evokes modernity, emphasizing the sensuality of textures played off against the warmth of wood.
Powered by twin 8,715hp twin diesel MTU engines, the Radiant is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 21 knots. Its impressive list of amenities includes a beach club, massage room, and swimming pools; most interestingly, the vessel also has a water cannon which can be used against pirates, which are a major threat off the coast of Somalia.
Serene
As one of the most luxurious luxury yachts in the world, the Serene more than lives up to the admiration it deserves, and once hosted tech billionaire Bill Gates. Measuring 133.9 meters in length, it was first constructed in 2011 by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
Its exterior boasts the work of Espen Oeino, its superstructure housing interior design by Reymond Langton Design. Rightly dubbed the ‘Floating Palace’, the Serene comprises amenities one might expect of one of the most luxurious yachts in the world. The long list includes a snow room, a steam room, an outdoor cinema, a seawater pool, a Hammam beauty center, a piano room, an observation room, an underwater viewing room, a beach club, a dance floor, and other luxurious amenities.
Eight diesel-electric MTU 2,828hp engines afford the magnificent vessel with a maximum speed of 25 knots, and it can travel 6,000 nautical miles at 15 knots on a full 800,000-litre tank.
Dubai
Built by Blohm+Voss in 2006, Dubai is one of the most luxurious yachts in the world, inviting the envy of all who harbor great love for life on the high seas.
Measuring 161.8 meters in length, the massive superyacht features elegant interiors designed by Platinum Yachts, with a stunning exterior by Andrew Winch. With a mosaic swimming pool, several sunbathing areas and jacuzzies, a split-level owner’s deck, a helipad, and an exquisite circular glass staircase, Dubai is as much a magnificent vessel as it is a work of art.
Motor Yacht A
Motor Yacht A counts itself among one of the most luxurious and coveted mega yachts of the world. Measuring 122 meters in length, it was first launched in 2008, built by Blohm+Voss with design work from Martin Francis and Philippe Starck.
Aesthetically, this superb vessel resembles a stealth warship from the outside, in particular the Zumwalt-class destroyer of the United States Navy. Within its superstructure, the yacht houses a magnificent master bedroom measuring 232 square meters and six guest suites, the walls of which can be removed to create four spacious staterooms. In addition to two swimming pools, yet another glass-bottom swimming pool sits atop a disco; the yacht also has a helicopter hangar and a nine-meter speedboat.
A+
Once named Topaz, A+ is yet another extravagant vessel constructed by Lürssen. Measuring 147 meters in length, the beautiful megayacht features an exterior by renowned yacht designer Tim Heywood. Its spectacular interiors, however, are the work of Terence Disdale Design, featuring elegant and organic forms that recall the best in quiet luxury. Equipped with a 7,990hp engine, the yacht can reach a maximum speed of around 23 knots, while two diesel generators provide power to the stabilizers for all onboard systems.
Azzam
Clocking in at 179 meters in length, Azzam is the world’s largest private yacht, a record it has held since 2013. Produced by German shipbuilders Lürssen Yachts, this magnificent vessel is a masterpiece that marries luxury with the highest specs in modern technology, accounting for its hefty price tag. The superyacht’s exteriors are the work of Nauta Yacht; within, its interiors are the work of French interior decorator Christophe Leoni, whose chic and minimalistic work is imbued with the elegant warmth of wood.
Boasting its own missile defense system and a bulletproof master suite, this extraordinary vessel is perfectly balanced to fully mitigate rattling within even as it traverses the high seas at top speed. It is also one of the fastest yachts in the world, with a maximum speed of 30 knots courtesy of the combined 35,048 kW power of four engines.
Eclipse
The penultimate entry on our list of the most luxurious yachts in the world, the Eclipse clocks in at a staggering 162.5 meters in length, a magnificent symbol of luxury on the high seas. Once the world’s biggest yacht, it was eclipsed by the Azzam in 2013.
With design work by Terry Disdale, the vessel boasts the expert construction of German shipbuilders Blohm+Voss. Like Azzam, Eclipse boasts a missile detection system and bulletproof windows, ensuring prime protection for the occupants of its master suite. With a maximum speed of 21 knots and a maximum range of 6,000 nautical miles on a full tank, this mega vessel is one for the books and worthy of admiration.
History Supreme
Topping our list of the world’s most luxurious and coveted yachts, History Supreme is worth a staggering USD 4.8 billion, thrice the price of the Eclipse. Designed by Stuart Hughes, the stunning yacht measures a humble 30 meters in length; yet, it is said to have been constructed over a three-year period with 100,000 kg of solid gold and platinum, earning it the title of the most luxurious and coveted yacht in the world.
The extravagant vessel has a base wrapped in a thin sheet of gold, with the same theme of luxury bleeding into the deck, railings, dining area, and even the anchor. Per reports, the yacht’s main sleeping quarter houses a feature wall composed of T-Rex bone and meteoric stone; the vessel is also home to an ultra-luxurious bottle of liquor set with an 18.5 carat diamond.
(Featured image: Lürssen)