The most expensive yachts in the world are much more than mere vessels; they are symbols of extreme wealth and limitless opulence. Floating properties traverse the world’s seas, competing to be the largest, fastest, and most luxurious among the wealthiest of the wealthy. From those designed for entertainment to those incorporating cutting-edge technology and ecological features, each of these megayachts is a masterpiece of engineering and design. Here’s a Top 15 list of the most outstanding yachts:
- ‘The Streets of Monaco‘ – Yacht Island Design’s Dream At the top of our list is ‘The Streets of Monaco’, a 155-meter megayacht that replicates the luxury of the principality of Monaco. This extravagant project by Yacht Island Design features a 1,460-square-meter master suite and a range of facilities including a hotel, a casino, a tennis court, multiple pools, and even a Formula 1 circuit. Valued at $800 million, it outshines even Jeff Bezos’ personal yacht.
- ‘Flying Fox’ – Jeff Bezos’ Passion for the Sea Amazon founder Jeff Bezos isn’t left behind in the world of yachting with his yacht ‘Flying Fox’. Though the exact price remains secret, his new megayacht built by Oceanco is estimated to exceed $500 million. With 127 meters in length and three masts, it’s designed to blend supreme luxury with limitless functionality.
- ‘History Supreme’ – Robert Kuok’s Golden Jewel A show of ostentation, ‘History Supreme’ stands out with its solid gold and platinum coating, estimated at €2.4 billion. Designed by Stuart Hughes, this 30-meter yacht includes a giant gold aquarium and extravagant details like diamond-encrusted liquor bottles and Tyrannosaurus Rex bones in the bedrooms.
- ‘Eclipse’ – Roman Abramovich’s Arsenal With 170 meters in length and valued at €800 million, ‘Eclipse’ belongs to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. This megayacht not only houses a submarine and a missile defense system but also features an anti-paparazzi shield based on laser technology, ensuring maximum privacy for its guests.
- ‘Azzam’ – Abu Dhabi’s Giant Built by Lürssen Yachts in 2013, ‘Azzam’ is a 180-meter colossus owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates. This €600 million megayacht combines speed and luxury, with an interior design that includes a 30-square-meter main salon and space for 48 cabins.
- ‘Serene’ – Art and Technology at Sea Valued at approximately €485 million, ‘Serene’ belongs to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia. This 133-meter yacht hosts the world’s most expensive painting, Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Salvator Mundi’, alongside luxury facilities such as pools, spa, theater, and a submarine hangar.
- ‘Dubai’ – Custom Design by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Priced at €350 million, ‘Dubai’ symbolizes the personalized creativity and luxury of UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This 163-meter megayacht offers luxurious accommodation for 24 guests in suites with private balconies, along with pools, gyms, a disco, and a submarine.
- ‘Dilbar’ – Medical and Technological Innovation Owned by Russian tycoon Alisher Usmanov and valued at €241 million, ‘Dilbar’ is notable for being the only yacht with an onboard pharmacy and operating room. With 156 meters in length, it offers unparalleled luxury with pools, a cinema, a disco, and multiple tenders.
- ‘Superyacht A’ – Elegance and Sustainability Designed by Philippe Starck and owned by Russian billionaire Andrei Melnichenko, ‘Superyacht A’ is known for its innovative and sustainable design. With an approximate value of €233 million, this yacht accommodates 14 guests and a crew of 37, featuring advanced ecological features and distinctive style.
- ‘Al Mirqab’ – Traditional Luxury with a Modern Touch Owned by Qatari politician Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, ‘Al Mirqab’ is a 133-meter megayacht valued at €218 million. With an indoor pool, cinema, bars, and disco, this yacht combines modern amenities with an interior design reflecting Qatar’s rich culture.
- ‘Topaz’ – Saudi Royal Family’s Beauty At 147 meters (15 meters shorter than Abramovich’s Eclipse), ‘Topaz’ is one of the most expensive superyachts in the world. Launched in 2012 at a cost of around €550 million, this 12,000-ton vessel was designed by British designer Tim Heywood.
- ‘Triple Deuce’ – The Largest and Most Expensive Yacht Ever With a length of 220 meters, ‘Triple Deuce’ is the largest and most expensive private yacht of all time. Featuring three gas turbines producing 100,000 horsepower, it is designed to cruise at over 30 knots and offers luxurious amenities for 36 guests.
- ‘Octopus’ – Paul Allen’s Scientific Expedition With a length of 126 meters and priced at €178 million, ‘Octopus’ is owned by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft. This yacht features two helicopters, a submarine for 10 people, a remote-controlled submersible for underwater exploration, a recording studio, a glass-bottom pool, a cinema, and seven tenders.
- ‘Al Said’ – The Sultan of Oman’s Treasure This six-deck, 16,000-ton, 155-meter megayacht belongs to the Sultan of Oman and was also designed by Lürssen Yachts. Launched in 2008 and currently docked in Muscat, Al Said has a top speed of around 25 knots and can accommodate an impressive 150 crew members and 65 guests.
- Pelorus (Estimated Price: €300 million)
Pelorus is a 115-meter megayacht built by Lürssen and originally owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Launched in 2003, this yacht is renowned for its impressive size and luxurious design. Pelorus features several standout amenities, including an onboard swimming pool, jacuzzis, multiple outdoor lounging areas and decks, as well as a fully equipped gym and a cinema. It also boasts a wide array of water toys, including jet skis, speedboats, and diving equipment, for the enjoyment of its guests. Accommodating up to 22 guests in 11 luxurious suites, Pelorus has sailed through some of the world’s most exclusive waters, serving as a symbol of extravagance and comfort at sea.These yachts represent the ultimate in luxury, innovation, and technology in the world of recreational boating. From extravagant designs and precious materials to cutting-edge technology and amenities rivaling those of the finest five-star hotels, each of these megayachts is a masterpiece of naval engineering and interior design. Behind each vessel are stories of billionaires competing to have the biggest, fastest, and most luxurious, creating a true arms race at sea.
Conclusion
The world’s most expensive yachts are not just luxury items; they are manifestations of power and status in the most exclusive realm. From the most extravagant designs to the most advanced propulsion systems and sophisticated security features, these megayachts represent the pinnacle of maritime luxury. Floating properties that defy the limits of engineering and design offer a glimpse into the private and enclosed world of the billionaires who own them.
Each of these yachts represents a massive financial investment but also bears witness to the desires and aspirations of those wealthy enough to own them. From Formula 1 tracks and glass-bottom pools to anti-paparazzi shields and missile defense systems, these megayachts have no equal in terms of extravagance and exclusivity. In a world where wealth is measured by possessions rather than money itself, luxury yachts are clear symbols of power and influence that transcend borders and oceans.
In summary, the world’s most luxurious and expensive yachts sail the seas, but they also navigate the turbulent waters of social status and personal prestige. They represent the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity, where money is no obstacle and only the world’s richest can afford to enter this select club of luxury yacht owners.
With this list of the top 15 standout yachts, we have explored a world of opulence and excess that few can imagine. Each with its own story and owner, these yachts continue to be living testaments to humanity’s ability to push luxury to the utmost extremes, even within the confines of the sea.