largest yacht pool

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Delivered in 2016, Dilbar is the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage. She is one of the most complbuilt as and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of both dimensions and technology. At 15,917 tons, the 156-meter superyacht features entertainment and recreation spaces never before seen on a yacht. These include a 25-meter swimming pool that holds an incredible 180 m³ of water, the largest pool ever to have been installed on a yacht. The exterior design, a classic profile with a light ivory hull and bronze accents, was developed by Espen Øino International. Her spectacular interior, created by the Winch Design team, uses rare and exclusive luxury materials.

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The Top Pools on Private Yachts

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Written by Rebecca Pascoe

It’s a slightly unnatural thing to have a pool floating on a yacht. But the largest private luxury yachts have all the size and the space, so why not? Why not be able to swim in fresh water on the aft deck and laze around the pool when on holiday? Here, we have a look at a selection of some of the biggest and best superyacht pools known.

“ Expedition Yacht Luna on the other hand gets full marks for size…”

No longer content with just a humble hot tub, superyacht designers and owners are venturing for even bigger and more sophisticated swimming pools. As superyachts grow in size and volume so do stunning private pools, many of which are located on main decks as well as fore decks. At night these spectacular pools are lit up by underwater lighting providing a mesmerizing effect.

Yacht ESTER III – Swimming Pool – Photo by Guillaume Plisson

From 5m long counter-flow sunken swimming pools to 12m custom infinity pools lined with mosaic tiles, surrounded by luxurious cushions and sun pads, there are different styles of pools for guests to enjoy. Some superyacht infinity pools have artificial counter-current and full dive stations which drop off directly into the ocean, awesome.

1. Motor yacht QUATTROELLE doesn’t have the largest pool in the superyacht world however it is impressive none the less. One reason is that it’s positioned way up on the 3rd deck. This makes for fantastic views and full sun. The pool area is also beautifully styled. A striking pool like this comes at a cost in terms of stability, so the pool cant be huge. Obviously the water needs to be drained when the yacht is making passage, as can be seen below. There aren’t many infinity pools on the top deck so QUATTROELLE gets full marks for interest and innovation.

Superyacht QUATTROELLE Aft Deck Pool

Quattroelle the yacht pool

Yacht QUATTROELLE upper deck pool

2. The Expedition Yacht Luna on the other hand gets full marks for size. She has a huge aft deck and a huge swimming pool. Few other superyachts have dedicated so much space to sun worshiping. Luna’s long, elegant, trail away deck offers a vast pool, one of the best found on a superyacht. There’s also a huge decking area for sitting and soaking up the sun, just what’s needed to recharge your batteries. Other features include 10 VIP guest cabins each of which is over 100 square metres, a 20 metre outdoor swimming pool, nine decks and a large outdoor entertaining area.

Luna has a vast pool and sunning area

3. One of the earlier very large yachts, Octopus is a 414 foot (126m) superyacht and one of the largest and most recognizable vessels in the world. The Octopus has a glass bottomed swimming pool located in one of its upper decks, ideal to relax in and have a refreshing swim. The yacht’s higher decks rap around the pool leaving a direct line to the sun, or the stars. This beautiful vessel also has many other major features like a cinema, a music recording studio, a hangar for two helicopters and even a ten person submarine. There’s also an owner’s exclusive deck with a walk-in closet, study, outside bar and a whirlpool.

Yacht Octopus aft deck and pool

4. The Serene superyacht is a yachting masterpiece with an internal seawater swimming pool (length 15 metres), a hot and cold Jacuzzi plus a jet stream swimming pool on the sundeck, what a choice! In addition to these pools the vessel also has a helicopter hangar, two helipads and a submarine hangar. There’s even underwater viewing space for the 24 guests on board who are well accommodated in the spectacular 12 luxurious state rooms.

Serene at anchor

5. The Lürssen yacht TV launched in 2008 is a 257-foot (78.3 metre) high volume luxury superyacht is owned by Mexican businessman Emilio Azcárraga Jean. Its sundeck area features a large, stunning spa pool with a capacity for 16 persons and a wonderful contra-flow swimming pool with a 20m water slide. There’s also a bar, barbecue and dining area on the vessel’s sundeck. The lower deck includes an amazing gymnasium, sauna, massage and beauty rooms, everything you need for a relaxing vacation.

Superyacht TV – The Sundeck Spa Pool

Superyacht TV

6. The spectacular superyacht Ester III has a huge swimming pool. Located on the aft deck it spans two levels with a shallow end and a swim-up seat. Surrounded by sun pads this is one of the best superyacht swimming pools around. It’s perfect for mom and dad to soak up the sun while keeping a watchful eye on the kids as they play and swim in the pool. The water forms a waterfall down the front of the transom, running into teak grates below. It’s no wonder the Ester III was a real eye-catcher at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Yacht Ester has a pool

7. Now a common feature on mega yacht designs, the 269-foot (82-metre) Oceanco superyacht Alfa Nero was one of the first to have a large pool with glass window aft. One of the vessel’s most striking features is her aft deck with its unusually large swimming pool, complete with glass waterfall siding that converts to a helipad. The Oceanco boasts one of the world’s modern superyacht infinity pool innovations, 12 x 38 foot (3.7m x 11.6m). Through a hydraulic system this can be transformed into a dance floor or a helipad – wow!

Alfa Nero was early to have a very large swimming pool on her aft deck.

Alfa Nero Underway

8. The all conquering megayacht Eclipse is a 557 foot luxury yacht has two swimming pools one of which is a spectacular 15m swimming pool featuring a bottom that can be raised to create a paddling pool. After a day of swimming and frolicking in the pool, this innovative feature can be lifted to turn the area into a dance floor. The Eclipse also has a sauna, cinema, mini submarine, 30 luxurious cabins, two helicopter pads including plenty of high-tech gadgetry.

The Eclipse

The Yacht Eclipse by night

9. Superyacht PEGASUS V . Another well know yacht, she provides guests with a variety of outside space and a decent sized pool to match. One of the most impressive features on board yacht PEGASUS VIII is the Beach Club (see photo below). This is a dry dock for the custom built tender which disembarks guests directly inside the yacht which can be “flooded” when the tender is outside and forms a 12 metre swimming pool with underwater lighting and steps.

Superyacht PEGASUS V (ex PRINCESS MARIANA) – Swimming Pool

Motor Yacht PRINCESS MARIANA

10. NOMAD . Once again, this yacht was early to have a very large pool and outside lifestyle area and many designs have taken up this successful concept over the last 10 years. The sun deck features a spa pool and swimming pool, where you can swim up to the bar, and sunbathing mattresses on each side as well as a fantastic Barbecue area.

Yacht NOMAD – Sundeck Pool

11. Solandge is an 85m luxury yacht which was designed by Espen Oeino to offer many places for her guests to socialise or relax in privacy. Each deck has its own distinctive function with all the necessary furniture and amenities, such as built-in bars, buffets, dining areas, a pool and two hot tubs. There is a fantastic exterior cinema and a nightclub with a DJ station on the top deck. There is also an indoor/outdoor gymnasium.

The Yacht Solandge superyacht pool and aft deck

Another View of the Solandge pool

Luxury yacht Solandge – Pool bridge deck – Photo by Klaus Jordan

12. IRIMARI – 63m motor yacht IRIMARI is a spectacular vessel, built by the Turkish shipyard Sunrise Yachts, with naval architecture by Unique Yacht Design. Designed by respected Espen Oeino, IRIMARI superyacht boasts beautiful interior by renowned German studio Focus Yacht Design. Top deck pool pictured below.

IRIMARI Pool and Bar

13. Superyacht Galactica Star has won awards and heart a plenty. The 65m Heesen superyacht Galactica Star is a Fast Displacement (FDHF) superyacht as designed by Van Oossanen and Heesen Yachts Naval Architects. The yacht’s Galactica Star’s exterior is designed by Omega Architects and they have done magical things with her aft deck pool.

Galactica Super Nova Pool Area

Galactica Star

Please get in touch with CharterWorld, the superyacht charter experts, to let us know your preferences for exterior decks and yacht pools for your next yacht charter.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "The Top Pools on Private Yachts".

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Inside the 10 biggest superyachts in the world with saunas, beach clubs & more.

When you picture beach clubs, helipads, gyms and cinemas, do you picture them on land or floating in the middle of the ocean?

Well the 10 biggest superyachts in the world feature all those and more, and we’ve got the details on all of them for you.

1. Azzam – 590ft

Azzam has held the record for the world’s largest privately-owned superyacht since it was constructed in 2013.

The ship cost an estimated $605 million to build, and can accommodate up to 36 guests and 80 cabin crew.

It is equipped with an onboard gym, swimming pool and even a golf training room.

2. Fulk Al Salamah – 538ft

Translated into “ship of peace,” Fulk Al Salamah has been in service with the Royal Navy of Oman since construction in 2016.

It became the second biggest superyacht in the world when it was built and has remained in that position.

3. Eclipse – 533ft

Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Eclipse cost an estimated $500 million to build back in 2009.

At 533 feet long,  Eclipse  was the world’s biggest superyacht until Azzam was constructed four years later.

The ship is fitted with 18 guest cabins and can accommodate up to 36 guests and 66 crew members.

Its stand-out features include two helipads, a wood-burning fire pit and a 16m swimming pool that transforms into a dance floor.

4. Dubai – 531ft

At just two feet shorter, Dubai is the fourth largest superyacht in the world at 531 feet.

The ship was commissioned in 1995 but work was not completed until 2006 and cost an estimated $400 million.

From 2006 to 2009, it was the world’s largest superyacht.

Ob board, Dubai’s eight decks boast a disco, a cinema, a submarine and a lobster tank.

5. Dilbar – 512ft

Named after the late mother of the owner, Uzbekistan-born billionaire Alisher Usmanov,  Dilbar  was built in 2016.

The ship can accommodate up to 24 guests and 100 crew.

Guests who don’t fancy going over the side are well-catered for, as Dilbar is the only superyacht in the world to feature a 25-meter swimming pool.

It also has a large garden and two helipads.

6. Prince Abdulaziz – 482ft

Built in 1984, Prince Abdulaziz held the title of the longest and tallest yacht in the world for an impressive 22 years.

It was overtaken by Dubai in 2006, which is 49 feet longer.

Prince Abdulaziz is one of the royal yachts of the Saudi royal family.

It can accommodate up to 64 guests onboard and between 60 and 65 crew.

7. A+ (previously Topaz) – 482ft

Previously named  Topaz, A+  was built in 2012 and cost approximately $527 million.

With a huge number of features, A+ would be a great place to entertain guests.

The boat is equipped with an on deck jacuzzi, two helicopter landing pads, swimming pool, tender garage, fitness hall, cinema and a large conference room.

8. El Mahrousa – 478ft

El Mahrousa was built in 1865 on the River Thames and held the title for world’s biggest yacht for more than 100 years.

It was designed by British naval architect Oliver Lang for the Ottoman governor of Egypt.

Translated to ‘the protected’, El Mahrousa became the first ship to cross the  Suez Canal  back in 1869 and has since been a naval training ship for the Egyptian government.

It is the oldest active superyacht in the world.

9. Nord – 466ft

The newest superyacht on the list, Nord was only completed this year.

It covers six decks and can accommodate up to 36 guests in its 20 cabins.

Nord gives Dilbar a run for its money with a huge list of fun features.

These include a gym, elevator, swimming pool, cinema, tender garage, swimming pool, barbecue, beach club, spa room, sauna and beauty salon.

The ship also has two helicopter pads, one on the bow of the yacht and one on the top deck.

10. Flying Fox – 446ft

Although it is the tenth-largest superyacht,  Flying Fox  is the largest charter vessel in the world.

Made up of six decks, the ship can accommodate up to 36 day guests and 25 overnight guests.

The boat features a diving center, spa and a cryotherapy sauna.

And for anyone thinking about hiring it, it is estimated to cost $3 million per week.

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Boat of the Week: Meet the 446-Foot ‘Flying Fox,’ the Largest Superyacht Available for Charter

Chartering for almost $4 million per week, the vessel is the owner's fantasy come true, with a two-deck spa, dive center, 54 crew that include former olympic athletes, two helipads, hospital and, of course, a cryotherapy center., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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Three time’s a charm for the owner of Flying Fox . Not only did he want hearts to beat faster when guests came aboard this magnificent 446-foot Lürssen, the owner wanted to make sure he included every whim and fantasy for his own pleasure. Think features like the two-deck spa, a professional dive center, two helipads for corporate helicopters, the world’s largest transverse swimming pool and, naturally, a cryotherapy center. He also staffed it former Olympic athletes and British ex-military to provide a first-class crew.

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The good news is that Flying Fox can be shared by the rest of us—or some of us, for about $4 million per week. The length makes her the  largest yacht available for charter . Delivered in 2019, she has just about every luxurious amenity imaginable. In a very real sense, she doesn’t just raise the bar—she sets a new one.

The first glimpse of the turquoise Espen Øino exterior is a quick reveal of the scope of the six-decked vessel. On the aft end, the 40-foot swimming pool immediately catches the eye. The largest transverse pool on any yacht, it has a retractable wall that can divide the water in two. That gives guests a choice between fresh water or salt, and temperatures ranging from steaming to icy.

The yacht has every possible toy imaginable—and many others that surprise, including a professional dive center, cryotherapy spa, and an onboard hospital.  G. Plisson for Imperial

The yacht’s two helipads also offer owners and guests a degree of flexibility. The 60-foot spot on the stern is the primary landing area for the owner’s H175 Airbus helicopter, with a second 49-foot helipad on the bow. Capable of carrying 12 guests, the H175 is one of the few VIP-configured models on the market. It’s also the owner’s favorite mode of transport.

Built for private use but conceived with the potential for charter, Flying Fox took three years to design. The owner wanted to make sure he included everything he’d missed on his previous two yachts. Imperial Yachts managed the build and is now overseeing charter.

“The original design process was about finding the balance between what the client was expecting and what was possible in terms of technology,” Eric Lepeingle, Imperial’s head of sales and charter, told Robb Report during an exclusive virtual tour. “The idea of having a meticulously designed yacht that also delivers on a technological front really pleased him.”

This view of the stern gives a sense of the vast but proportional scale of the 446-ft. gigayacht. Not pictured is the 60-ft. helipad on the swim platform.  G. Plisson for Imperial

Beyond her sheer size, the intersection of technology with gracious living is what defines Flying Fox . A large sundeck converts into a dance floor by night, offering live music, private dining and fireworks for the ultimate shindig. The 1,300-foot, two-decked wellness spa is one of the signature accomplishments of the design. Its “sea lobby,” with heated limestone floors and louvred oak paneling, one of the inspirations from interior designer Mark Berryman, makes a beautiful welcoming area, while the sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and relaxation room (with a fold-down balcony at sea level) set the tone.

Flying Fox also has the first cryo-sauna ever installed on a yacht, bringing the spa experience to the next level. It has an antechamber set at -40 ̊F, followed by a main chamber at -116 ̊F. Cryotherapy is typically favored by elite athletes for muscle regeneration. “When he’s on board, the owner enjoys kitesurfing, jet skiing, diving,” says Lepeingle. “He wants to be able to recover quickly. He also wants charter guests to be able to enjoy any activity, so the yacht is designed to anticipate all requirements.”

Adjacent to the Zen-themed spa is the dive center, which includes a three-person decompression chamber and the option to dive depths of up to 328 feet. “To date, our charter guests have enjoyed diving depths of no more than 165 feet,” says Lepeingle, “but if people want to push their limits, we can help them to do that in the most secure way.”

Designer Espen Øino took great care to ensure that the exterior spaces flowed easily into each other.  G. Plisson for Imperial

Supporting this ethos are the 54 onboard crew. The sports, gym and diving instructors are either former Olympic athletes or ex-British military. The helicopter is serviced by a dedicated pilot and engineer, and the onboard hospital (directly connected to a mainland hospital on a 24/7 basis) has a permanent medic. “Most the crew are typically ex-military because the owner believes military personnel have discipline and experience that normal crew don’t,” says Lepeingle.

Another prerequisite of the owner is the aft open-air galley. Five different types of ovens—tandoor, pizza, barbecue and two rotisseries—are joined by two teppanyaki grills and an alfresco dining area that seats 24 guests. Its five chefs cater for multiple diets and cuisines, all freshly prepared in full view. “One of the rotisseries can fit an entire lamb,” says Lepeingle. “The banquet opportunities are exceptional.”

As a PYC-classified yacht Flying Fox sleeps up to 25 guests, with a crew-to-guest ratio of two to one. The 328-square-foot master suite on the main deck stretches the full 74-foot beam width and takes in a dedicated salon, gas firepit and private jacuzzi (one of three on board). Even the onboard 20-foot irrigated trees are well-watered.

The yacht has two helipads on the bow and stern. Pictured is its Airbus C175 corporate helicopter, the owner’s favorite mode of transport.  G. Plisson for Imperial

Flying Fox has mostly cruised the Eastern Mediterranean, with Turkey and Greece being the owner’s preferred cruising grounds. The yacht did a stint last winter in the northern most atolls of the Maldives. Currently in port in the Mediterranean, she will be heading to Croatia this summer and is available for charter through Imperial.

Here’s an exclusive video tour of the yacht. Check out other images below.

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As Far As You Can Sea: World’s Largest Superyachts

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts.

by Emma Treagus Updated on May 22, 2024

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With onboard swimming pools, cinemas, helicopter landing pads, and spas, the world’s largest superyachts have more facilities than your ‘average’ five-star hotel.

Owned by some of the world’s wealthiest people—along with a few anonymous owners who’d prefer to keep their luxury transport a secret—these mega yachts redefine the word “boat” into something indescribably sleek, stylish, and seriously impressive. 

If superyachts are your thing, you’ll want to read on for all the facts and figures on all of the largest yachts in the world.

The 26 largest yachts in the world

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts: Our ranking methodology

A superyacht or mega yacht is typically a motor yacht or sailing yacht with a length of 30 meters (100 feet) or more. For this ranking, we looked at the superyachts and luxury expedition mega yachts that are used privately or made available for charter. We excluded so-called ‘residential superyachts’ (think Njord and The World), which are essentially luxury apartment buildings at sea where people own private residences inside the superyacht rather than the whole yacht. By researching diverse, reliable sources like Wikipedia and the Superyacht Times, we compile a list of the largest yachts in the world.

Curious about other striking superlatives? Check our round-up of the most expensive cars in the world and the most expensive private jets in the world . They are both perfectly good alternatives to owning a yacht. And if you prefer to stay home, we’ve ranked the biggest homes and the most expensive houses in the world to give you some inspiration too.

26. Y721 (aka Koru) | 417 feet—127m

Ever wonder where Jeff Bezos spends his downtime? As of today, we’re predicting it to be on his $500 million superyacht. Y721—nicknamed Koru—is 127m long. And featuring three sky-high slender masts, Koru is said to be the largest sailing yacht in the world . 

With dark exteriors and natural wooden decks, Koru is inspired by another one of Bezos’ yachts—the Black Pearl. The clean lines and classically curved bow speak to an understated elegance despite the yacht’s mammoth size. While a long line of portals indicates at least 9 guest cabins. In light of all the secrecy surrounding Koru, we doubt Bezos will ever charter her out, but we can still dream.

25. Al Mirqab | 436 feet—133m

Adorned with cascading chandeliers and gold accents, Al Mirqab is renowned for its unrivaled interiors. Surrounded by suspended glass artworks, a grand staircase floats throughout the four floors. And inspired by authentic Arabian styles, the magnificent superyacht is reminiscent of a magic carpet ride through the seas . 

Built for the former Prime Minister of Qatar, Peterswerft-Kusch spared no expense in delivering Al Mirqab to an impossibly high standard for luxury. The large swimming pool is a standout feature as it opens up into the sea, creating the ultimate playground for adults. Al Mirqab has a capacity for up to 60 guests and is manned by an equal number of crew. Although you have to be invited by the politician himself as Al Mirqab isn’t available for private charter.

24. Serene | 439 feet—134m

Adeptly named, the magnificent superyacht embodies the serenity of a life at sea. Serene was built in Italy for a Russian owner in 2011. She was leased to Bill Gates for the Summer in 2014 for $5 million per week. 

Designed by Reymond Langton, the 134m mega yacht marries elegant sophistication with state-of-the-art technologies. The seven decks leave ample space for guests to soak in scintillating views. While the underwater viewing room—nicknamed the Nemo room—is a permanent gallery of resplendent sealife. The real-life snow room makes up to four inches of snow. And whilst this may seem odd when your billionaire boss asks for snow—you make it snow.

23. Crescent | 445 feet – 136 m

Yet another Lurssen masterpiece, Crescent pays homage to classic naval designs with traditional architecture and elegant interiors. Formerly named Project Thunder, she was built in Germany and delivered to Igor Sechin in 2018. The Russian oligarch’s superyacht was seized by Spain after sanctions were placed on Russia in 2022. 

Crescent features low bulwarks and full-height windows to maximize the view from the center of the boat. Her distinctive wing station provides unrivaled views for up to 18 guests. But don’t get your hopes up—Crescent is strictly for private use only and isn’t available for charter. 

22. Savarona | 446 feet – 136m

Savarona is the second-largest yacht built by Blohm & Voss and spends most of her time in the Mediterranean. This luxury superyacht is one of the oldest in the market — a perfect fusion of traditional charm and modern facilities. 

Previously named Gunes Dil, Savarona was designed by Cox & Stevens, with interior design carefully handled by Donald Starkey. She’s available to charter on a weekly basis and has been refurbished over the years. Back in the day, her cost price was $4 million, and in 1989, she was chartered by Kahraman Sadikoglu, owner of the Turkish Sadikoglu Group, who spent an estimated $50 million on refurbishing her from top to bottom.

21. Flying Fox | 446 feet – 136m

Flying Fox is known as the most expensive charter yacht in the world , and a week aboard will set you back around $3 million. Chartered by the one and only power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z in 2021, it’s filled to the brim with all of the luxury facilities you could ever possibly want. 

The Flying Fox is rumored to be owned by Jeff Bezos, although that’s a claim that’s never been totally certified. She spends most of her time in the Mediterranean, specifically Cannes, Capri, and Sardinia, although she’s recently visited Norway, too. She can accommodate the largest helicopters on the market, and it reportedly took more than 50 meetings with her owner for interior design to be completed.

20. Rising Sun | 454 feet – 138m

The Rising Sun’s original owner, Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corporation, sold her in 2010 as he considered her too large. Famously used by David Geffen for self-isolation, Rising Sun has also been a popular hang-out spot for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Beatrice, the Princess of York. 

She’s a Superyacht with impressive attention to detail like interiors kitted out in teak and onyx and endless features like a full gym, a large wine cellar, a sauna, and a spa. She’s got a full-size basketball court that doubles up as a helicopter landing pad and a private cinema for those long evenings spent at sea.

19. Al Salamah | 457 feet – 139m

Al Salamah is part of the Omani Royal fleet and started her very secretive life in Genoa. Known as the world’s biggest superyacht right up until 2016, she’s a sleek masterpiece of a ship, with a distinctive cream color and beach club design. 

Al Salamah does everything in multiples, from the five galleys onboard (the main galley, a bakery, a crew galley, an owner’s diet galley, and an Arab galley), three hospitals (one for the owner, one for guests, and one for the crew) and 2,000 sqm of floor space. She was put on sale briefly for $280 million USD, before being delisted and instead given as a gift to the Crown Prince of Bahrain. 

18. Solaris | 458 feet – 139m

Everything about Solaris was supposed to be kept a secret when she was being built—a secret that didn’t last long when her huge size was spotted undergoing sea trials in the North Sea. One of this Superyacht’s main attractions is her beach club on the top floor: the perfect spot for relaxation during those long days out at sea. 

That beach club comes complemented with endless other stylish amenities, like a large helipad, sun deck, and a crane to launch tenders, toys, and subs. Interior design is largely unknown, but, if it’s anything as sleek and white as its exteriors, it’s sure to be impressive.

17. Scheherazade | 459 feet – 140m

Two helicopter landing pads, two outdoor Jacuzzis, and two outdoor fire pits: Scheherazade doesn’t hold back with not only the essentials but also the luxuries. Previously named Lightning, “Scheherazade” is mostly associated with a female character in the Middle Eastern folk tales in the series One Thousand and One Nights. 

Not much is known about this superyacht, and even her birth and building process were referred to under a codename: Project Lightning. No one involved in her creation, even Lurssen, has revealed anything about her interiors or her owner. All that’s really known is that she sailed from Germany to Norway initially after completion. 

16. Ocean Victory | 460 feet – 140m

Ocean Victory has traveled all over the world, from Europe to Southeast Asia and back again. Owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, she’s the upgraded vessel to follow his purchase of the 76-meter Ebony Shine. 

She’s one designed with pure luxury in mind, from the six individual swimming pools onboard to the 300-square meter spa area. She’s beautiful both inside and out, with a unique concept designed by Espen Oeino and interior designer Alberto Pinto. The largest superyacht ever built in Italy, Ocean Victory shows some of the finest in the world when it comes to premium quality adventures at sea.

15. Yas | 463 feet – 141m

Yas is known best for its seamless and rather unusual design — one that’s a little different from most superyachts out there. The owner of Yas wanted a yacht that lived up to his own heritage; one with a backbone reminiscent of the navy and with abstract lines throughout. 

He chose an existing boat in Abu Dhabi, which was deconstructed within the region before being shipped off and renovated into the wonder that it is today. The Yas yacht was originally a Dutch navy frigate, which you’d never guess from strolling around onboard today.

14. Nord | 465 feet – 142m

Nord’s distinctive bow design has never been seen before on a yacht. That’s one of the first things you’ll notice about her. The next thing you’ll notice is her unusual design, which verges on battle-esque and has been called “ a warship wearing a tuxedo ” by Dan Lenard of the Italian design studio Nuvolari-Lenard. 

She’s one of the best superyachts out there for fun, with a sports and diving center on the lower deck, a swimming pool higher up, overlooking the ocean, and a fleet of tenders. She was designed for global exploration: a yacht that will calmly cruise her way all across the world.

13. Sailing Yacht A | 469 feet—142.8m

Challenging the status quo and pushing design boundaries, Sailing Yacht A is an enigma. The sail-assisted superyacht was built in Germany and delivered to Russian tycoon Andrey Melnichenko in 2017. However, she was seized by the Italian police force, Guardia di Finanza, in 2022 after sanctions were placed on Russian businessmen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Distinguished by soaring rotating carbon fiber masts, Nobiskrug’s hybrid approach to superyachts makes Sailing Yacht A more eco-conscious than other luxury yachts of her size. The u nderwater viewing pod molded into the keel speaks to her unrivaled innovation. And many balconies are enclosed by some of the largest pieces of curved glass ever made. 

12. El Mahrousa | 478 feet – 146m

El Mahrousa had a few different names in her time, ranging from the translated “The Protected” to El Horreya, which in Arabic translates to “Freedom.” It’s not surprising that she’s had more than one name when you take into account her age. As the oldest superyacht in the world, she’s undergone a lot of restoration over time, including multiple lengthenings and faster engines. 

She was renamed back to El Mahrousa in 2000 and gained even more recognition for being the first ship to cross the new Suez Canal extension in 2015. Back in her original days, she was built on the River Thames and took her first trip in 1867.

11. OK | 479 feet—146m

Delivered in Japan in 1982, OK is one of the largest and most unique superyachts in the world. Sprawling over 479 feet, the water giant is engineered to submerge almost seventy percent. This is accredited to the work done by Karmarine Shipyard. While the majority of the vessel was built by Oshima Shipping, it was privately converted to a semi-submersible yacht in Turkey. 

The superlative finishing on OK superyacht was designed by Timur Bozca, winner of the Younger Designer of the Year award in 2015. The blueprint being as many games as possible. The extraordinary vessel has the uncanny ability to hold over seventy toys, including a sailing yacht, a sea plane, tenders, buggies and even a tennis court.

10. Opera | 480 feet—146.4m 

Like many of the most majestic water titans, Opera was delivered by Lurssen in Germany and built for Abu Dhabi royalty. This time, the owner is Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of the founder of the United Arab Emirates. And while it may not be quite as astronomical as Lurssen’s previous builds—Azzam, Blue and Dilbar—the streamlined vessel is equally impressive onboard. 

The three-story superyacht proves large enough for a pair of helipads and two swimming pools, amongst many other toys, while simultaneously making room for up to 48 guests and 80 crew members. When it comes to the interior, details are sparse, but we do know that it was designed by Terence Disdale, a London firm renowned for creating bespoke luxury spaces. 

9. Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet – 147m

The Prince Abdulaziz’s yacht was ordered by King Fahd, who named her after his son Prince Abdul Aziz. Now, she’s owned by his brother, Abdullah. Just one of the yachts owned by the Saudi royal family, she’s spotted frequently throughout Europe, especially in Cannes, where the royal family owns a property. 

She’s been redecorated once — in 2007 — in a project that took 15 months to complete, without even taking into account the rest of the ship’s upkeep. The Prince Abdulaziz is known for its combination of bold colors and fusion of traditional and modern design, thanks to its influence from the late David Hicks.

8. A+ | 483 feet – 147m

What do you do when the name “A” is already taken for your superyacht? Choose the next closest thing: A+. Previously named Topaz, this superyacht was the world’s fourth-largest luxury yacht when she was built, before being stripped of that particular title only a few years later. 

Nevertheless, she’s a seriously impressive superyacht, with endless facilities like a large jacuzzi, double helicopter landing pads, a swimming pool with a swimming platform and underwater lights, as well as a fitness hall, cinema, and a large conference room. She’s also well equipped with water toys, like jet skis, inflatable boats, a catamaran, and even a mini-submarine.

7. Al Said | 508 feet – 155m

Another Superyacht built, shrouded in secrecy, Al-Said was referred to as “Project Sunflower” the entire time she was being created, right up until she was delivered to her owner in 2008. Not much is known about Al Said, from her movements through to her amenities — although she is known to have a huge concert room with space for a full 50-person orchestra. 

Currently, she’s flying the flag of Oman and has spent a lot of time in its surrounding waters. Her interior was styled by British designer design house RWD, with exterior design being credited to Espen Oeino. When she was delivered to the Sultan of Oman, she replaced a previous ship of a smaller size. 

6. Dilbar | 511 feet – 156m

Dilbar, or Project Omar, as it was originally known as, is another superyacht designed with the help of exterior expert Espen Oeino, but with interiors strikingly designed by Andrew Winch. Dilbar is famously known as the world’s largest yacht by gross tonnage (interior volume) but as the fifth-longest superyacht in the world. 

She’s home to a spa pool and beach club, as well as a large private cinema, spacious cabins set high on the main deck, a spacious dining room, and a salon with its own piano. She’s just as classy and beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

5. Blue | 527 feet—160.6m

Sunday blues simply cease to exist on one of the world’s most extravagant superyachts. The elegant behemoth was built for member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and billionaire, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2022. Valued at over $600 million, Blue is one of the most expensive superyachts in the world. And with a strong emphasis on the environment, this superyacht is also one of the most sustainable. 

Blue strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. She is equipped with a highly efficient Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion Concept developed by Lürssen’s own engineering specialists. And the wastewater treatment plant allows water to be disposed of in drinking water quality.

4. Dubai | 531 feet – 162m

Dubai had multiple names in the planning stages—including Panhandle, Platinum, and Golden Star. Owned by the ruler of Dubai, it was aptly named after its home country and comes with all of the luxurious amenities you’d expect from such a name. 

The Dubai comes complete with a huge swimming pool and two jacuzzis. Further down, you’ll find a large dining room with striking blue and burgundy decor and space for up to 90 guests. Dubai usually spends her time moored at Sheikh Mohammed’s private island in front of his summer palace in Dubai. She’s basically the definition of a floating palace.

3. Eclipse | 533 feet – 162.5m

It took around five years for Eclipse to be built from start to finish. While she was always designed to be a huge, luxurious Superyacht, the focus was more on decking it out appropriately rather than breaking any records. An award-winning superyacht, she’s incredibly spacious, with endless rooms to explore and a sleek, neutral color palette running through. 

The Eclipse’s owner, Roman Abramovich, was more focused on facilities: he wanted more than one helicopter pad and a large swimming pool, too. Other than that, designer Terry Disdale had free reign for the rest of the superyacht. It’s just as much a clean piece of architectural styling as it is a stunning experience on deck.

2. Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet – 164m

Fulk Al Salamah translates to “Ship of Peace” and that’s something that sounds like a given when you’ve taken a look at this superyacht’s incredible layout. Developed under the codename Project Saffron, Fulk Al Salamah is more of a support vessel than she is a typical superyacht. 

While she might still come complete with all of the necessities for a particularly relaxing voyage, she’s more so known for being a transport ship for the Royal Navy of Oman. She’s also used as a sort of friendship boat — pun intended — and is often sailed across the world with the intention of strengthening ties with the Sultanate. In some ports, influential people are welcomed onboard.

1. Azzam | 590 feet – 181m

Most superyachts in the top 10 category have a few mere inches between sizes, but the Azzam shoots far ahead with a large amount of extra length. The largest superyacht in the world, she was never designed to win the title — rather just to be a sleek and elegant vessel. Azzam was crafted backward, with the plans for her interior confirmed long before her exterior was fully signed off. 

Her length only came to be as such to incorporate everything required for the interiors, which added an extra 35 meters to her overall size. She’s also designed to look smaller than she actually is, with a blend of indoor and outdoor living. It took more than 4,000 people to build Azzam , clocking up six million man-hours over a period of four years.

The largest yachts in the world: Conclusion

The largest yachts in the world are:

• Azzam—590 feet
• Fulk Al Salamah—538 feet
• Eclipse—533 feet
• Dubai—531 feet
• Blue—527 feet
• Dilbar—511 feet
• Al Said —508 feet
• A+—483 feet
• Prince Abdulaziz—482 feet
• Opera—480 feet
• OK—479 feet
• El Mahrousa—478 feet
• Sailing Yacht A—469 feet
• Nord—465 feet
• Yas—463 feet
• Ocean Victory—460 feet
• Scheherazade —459 feet
• Solaris—458 feet
• Al Salamah—457 feet
• Rising Sun—454 feet
• Flying Fox—446 feet
• Savarona—446 feet
• Crescent—445 feet
• Serene —439 feet
• Al Mirqab—436 feet
• Y721 (aka Koru)—417 feet

The most expensive yacht in the world

The fact that the History Supreme, the world’s most expensive superyacht, comes coated in gold, is only part of the reason for its high cost. A superyacht with a real-life Midas touch, it was sold to an anonymous Malaysian businessman for $4.8 billion. 

Robert Kuok, the richest Malaysian businessman, is the rumored owner of History Supreme, but no one has confirmed for sure. The History Supreme also comes with plenty of other impressive touches: a master bedroom decked out in platinum, a wall feature made from meteoric stone, and a genuine T-Rex dinosaur bone, to add to the list. 

She took three years to build from scratch and comes with 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum. Other seriously luxe features are her 68 kilograms 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium and a liquor bottle adorned with a rare 18.5-carat diamond . The base of the vessel comes wrapped in gold, too.

Frequently asked questions about the world’s largest yachts

The largest yachts in the world are owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Roman Abramovich, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Alisher Usmanov. Our guide tells you more about all the biggest yachts in the world .

At 417 feet (127 m), Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ sailing yacht, Koru (formerly Project Y721), is one of the world’s largest yachts.

The 181-m (590 ft) Azzam is the world’s longest yacht in length, but the 156-m Dilbar has a much larger internal volume (measured in Gross Tons) at 15,917 GT (Gross Tons) versus 13,136 GT for Azzam. As such, Dilbar is the world’s largest yacht in volume. Read our full guide to discover the largest yachts in the world .

The biggest yacht in the world is the Azzam , which has an estimated cost of $600 million. She’s owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is not currently for sale.

In terms of the number of megayachts, the largest superyacht-owning country is the United States. Nationality-wise, beyond American, an increasing percentage of superyacht owners are Turkish, Greek, Emirati, German, Australian and Dutch.

About the author

Emma Treagus

Women’s fashion & travel editor.

A former fashion assistant and budding entrepreneur who calls the world her home, Emma writes many of Luxe Digital’s women’s style and travel stories, drawing on her passion and experience for slow fashion alongside an appreciation for current trends. When she’s not getting her way with words, you’ll find her exploring a new city (at quite a walking pace)—locating the nearest sushi restaurant or devouring a book on the beach.

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• Striking superlatives

Hot on the trail of 56 superyachts owned by Russian oligarchs and subject to seizure

• Published: Mar. 06, 2022, 2:04 p.m.

French authorities have seized the yacht Amore Vero linked to Igor Sechin, a Putin ally who runs Russian oil giant Rosneft, as part of EU sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The boat arrived in La Ciotat on Jan. 3 for repairs and was slated to stay until April 1 and was seized to prevent an attempted departure. (AP Photo/Bishr Eltoni) AP

• The Associated Press

The massive superyacht Dilbar stretches one-and-a-half football fields in length, about as long as a World War I dreadnought. It boasts two helipads, berths for more than 130 people and a 25-meter swimming pool long enough to accommodate another whole superyacht.

Dilbar was launched in 2016 at a reported cost of more than $648 million. Five years on, its purported owner, the Kremlin-aligned Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, was already dissatisfied and sent the vessel to a German shipyard last fall for a retrofit reportedly costing another couple hundred million dollars.

That’s where she lay in drydock on Thursday when the United States and European Union announced economic sanctions against Usmanov — a metals magnate and early investor in Facebook — over his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine.

“We are joining with our European allies to find and seize your yachts, your luxury apartments, your private jets,” President Joe Biden said during his State of the Union speech Tuesday night, addressing the oligarchs. “We are coming for your ill-begotten gains.”

But actually seizing the behemoth boats could prove challenging. Russian billionaires have had decades to shield their money and assets in the West from governments that might try to tax or seize them.

Several media outlets reported Wednesday that German authorities had impounded Dilbar. But a spokeswoman for Hamburg state’s economy ministry told The Associated Press no such action had yet been taken because it had been unable to establish ownership of the yacht, which is named for Usmanov’s mother.

Dilbar is flagged in the Cayman Islands and registered to a holding company in Malta, two secretive banking havens where the global ultra-rich often park their wealth.

Still, in the industry that caters to the exclusive club of billionaires and centimillionaires that can afford to buy, crew and maintain superyachts, it is often an open secret who owns what.

Working with the U.K.-based yacht valuation firm VesselsValue, the AP compiled a list of 56 superyachts — generally defined as luxury vessels exceeding 79 feet in length — believed to be owned by a few dozen Kremlin-aligned oligarchs, seaborne assets with a combined market value estimated at more than $5.4 billion.

The AP then used two online services — VesselFinder and MarineTraffic — to plot the last known locations of the yachts as relayed by their onboard tracking beacons.

While many are still anchored at or near sun-splashed playgrounds in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, more than a dozen were underway to or had already arrived in remote ports in small nations such as the Maldives and Montenegro, potentially beyond the reach of Western sanctions. Three are moored in Dubai, where many wealthy Russians have vacation homes.

Another three had gone dark, their transponders last pinging just outside the Bosporus in Turkey — gateway to the Black Sea and the southern Russian ports of Sochi and Novorossiysk.

Graceful, a German-built Russian-flagged superyacht believed to belong to Putin, left a repair yard in Hamburg on Feb. 7, two weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine. It is now moored in the Russian Baltic port of Kaliningrad, beyond the reach of Western sanctions imposed against him this past week.

Some Russian oligarchs appear to have not gotten the memo to move their superyachts, despite weeks of public warnings of Putin’s planned invasion.

French authorities seized the superyacht Amore Vero on Thursday in the Mediterranean resort town of La Ciotat. The boat is believed to belong to Igor Sechin, a Putin ally who runs Russian oil giant Rosneft, which has been on the U.S. sanctions list since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

The French Finance Ministry said in a statement that customs authorities boarded the 289-foot Amore Vero and discovered its crew was preparing for an urgent departure, even though planned repair work wasn’t finished. The $120 million boat is registered to a company that lists Sechin as its primary shareholder.

On Saturday, Italian financial police in the port of San Remo seized the 132-foot superyacht Lena, which is flagged in the British Virgin Islands. Authorities said the boat belongs to Gennady Timchenko, an oligarch close to Putin and among those sanctioned by the European Union. With an estimated net worth of $16.2 billion, Timchenko is the founder of the Volga Group, which specializes in investments in energy, transport and infrastructure assets.

The 213-foot Lady M was also seized by the Italians while moored in the Riviera port town of Imperia. In a tweet announcing the seizure on Friday, a spokesman for Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the comparatively modest $27 million vessel was the property of sanctioned steel baron Alexei Mordashov, listed as Russia’s wealthiest man with a fortune of about $30 billion.

But Mordashov’s upsized yacht, the 464-foot Nord, was safely at anchor on Friday in the Seychelles, a tropical island chain in the Indian Ocean not under the jurisdiction of U.S. or EU sanctions. Among the world’s biggest superyachts, Nord has a market value of $500 million.

Since Friday, Italy has seized $156 million in luxury yachts and villas in some of its most picturesque destinations, including Sardinia, the Ligurian coast and Lake Como.

Most of the Russians on the annual Forbes list of billionaires have not yet been sanctioned by the United States and its allies, and their superyachts are still cruising the world’s oceans.

The evolution of oligarch yachts goes back to the tumultuous decade after the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union, as state oil and metals industries were sold off at rock-bottom prices, often to politically connected Russian businessmen and bankers who had provided loans to the new Russian state in exchange for the shares.

Russia’s nouveau riche began buying luxury yachts similar in size and expense to those owned by Silicon Valley billionaires, heads of state and royalty. It’s a key marker of status in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and size matters.

“No self-respecting Russian oligarch would be without a superyacht,” said William Browder, a U.S.-born and now London-based financier who worked in Moscow for years before becoming one of the Putin regime’s most vocal foreign critics. “It’s part of the rite of passage to being an oligarch. It’s just a prerequisite.”

As their fortunes ballooned, there was something of an arms race among the oligarchs, with the richest among them accumulating personal fleets of ever more lavish boats.

For example, Russian metals and petroleum magnate Roman Abramovich is believed to have bought or built at least seven of the world’s largest yachts, some of which he has since sold off to other oligarchs.

In 2010, Abramovich launched the Bermuda-flagged Eclipse, which at 533 feet was at the time the world’s longest superyacht. Features include a wood-burning firepit and swimming pool that transforms into a dance floor. Eclipse also boasts its own helicopter hangar and an undersea bay that reportedly holds a mini-sub.

Dennis Cauiser, a superyacht analyst with VesselsFinder, said oligarch boats often include secret security measures worthy of a Bond villain, including underwater escape hatches, bulletproof windows and armored panic rooms.

“Eclipse is equipped with all sorts of special features, including missile launchers and self-defense systems on board,” Cauiser said. “It has a secret submarine evacuation area and things like that.”

Eclipse was soon eclipsed by Azzam, purportedly owned by the emir of Abu Dhabi, which claimed the title of longest yacht when it was launched in 2013. Three years after that, Usmanov launched Dilbar, which replaced another slightly smaller yacht by the same name. The new Dilbar is the world’s largest yacht by volume.

Abramovich, whose fortune is estimated at $12.4 billion, fired back last year by launching Solaris. While not as long as Eclipse or as big as Dilbar, the $600 million Bermuda-flagged boat is possibly even more luxurious. Eight stories tall, Solaris features a sleek palisade of broad teak-covered decks suitable for hosting a horde of well-heeled partygoers.

But no boat is top dog for long. At least 20 superyachts are reported to be under construction in various Northern European shipyards, including a $500 million superyacht being built for the American billionaire Jeff Bezos.

“It’s about ego,” Cauiser said. “They all want to have the best, the longest, the most valuable, the newest, the most luxurious.”

But, he added, the escalating U.S. and EU sanctions on Putin-aligned oligarchs and Russian banks have sent a chill through the industry, with boatbuilders and staff worried they won’t be paid. It can cost upwards of $50 million a year to crew, fuel and maintain a superyacht.

The crash of the ruble and the tanking of Moscow stock market have depleted the fortunes of Russia’s elite, with several people dropping off the list of Forbes billionaires last week. Cauiser said he expects some oligarch superyachts will soon quietly be listed by brokers at fire-sale prices.

The 237-foot Stella Maris, which was seen by an AP journalist docked this past week in Nice, France, was believed to be owned by Rashid Sardarov, a Russian billionaire oil and gas magnate. After publication of an earlier version of this story, AP was contacted Sunday by yacht broker Joan Plana Palao, who said his company represents a U.S. citizen from California who purchased the Stella Maris last month. He declined to disclose the name of the buyer or the person from whom the boat had been purchased.

On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a new round of sanctions that included a press release touting Usmanov’s close ties to Putin and photos of Dilbar and the oligarch’s private jet, a custom-built 209-foot Airbus A340-300 passenger liner. Treasury said Usmanov’s aircraft is believed to have cost up to $500 million and is named Bourkhan, after his father.

Usmanov, whose fortune has recently shrunk to about $17 billion, criticized the sanctions.

“I believe that such a decision is unfair and the reasons employed to justify the sanctions are a set of false and defamatory allegations damaging my honor, dignity and business reputation,” he said in a statement issued through the website of the International Fencing Federation, of which he has served as president since 2008.

Abramovich has not yet been sanctioned. Members of the British Parliament have criticized Prime Minister Boris Johnson for not going after Abramovich’s U.K.-based assets, which include the professional soccer club Chelsea. Under mounting pressure, the oligarch announced this past week he would sell the $2.5 billion team and give the net proceeds “for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, location transponders showed Solaris moored in Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday. Eclipse set sail from St. Maarten late Thursday and is underway in the Caribbean Sea, destination undisclosed.

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Review: Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: First In

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is new to the cruising scene—its first superyacht, Evrima , launched in 2022, and Ilma is the second in its quickly expanding fleet, which is meant to provide all the luxury and freedom of a private yacht with the refinement and service Ritz-Carlton is known for.

And I have to say they’re nailing it—I truly felt like I was aboard a yacht more than a cruise ship. All of the spaces are designed with intimacy in mind and you can tell.

Tell us about the ship in general .

She’s sleek, she’s sexy, and she has a hotelier’s touch. I stayed at Hôtel Arts Barcelona , a Ritz-Carlton flagship, before Ilma departed, and being onboard felt like a natural extension of the hotel. Everything felt comfortable but not at the expense of style. My mind immediately goes to the director-style dining chairs on deck outside Mistral, the restaurant on deck 10, which were not only designed specifically for Ilma —sleek chrome for the base and classic nautical stripes for the cushions—but improved upon from Evrima for new dimensions catering to comfort. I also can’t rave enough about the linens throughout the ship, from the napkins to the sheets to the bathrobe (more on this later).

All of the decks on board are expansive but never feel overcrowded—the loungers, couches, and tables are arranged to create pockets of intimate spaces, so you never feel like there are 400 other passengers onboard. There are 10 decks in total, the upper deck (10) and lower decks (3-5) being the most social—the main pool deck is on top, with loungers spanning along both sides of the ship and smaller tables between. At the bow, there’s the observation deck, cleverly hidden on the far side of the pool, with couches and its own bar. It’s so private, you almost feel like you might be in the wrong place (replaced quickly by the feeling that this is now your own little secret). The lower decks house most of the restaurants, the fitness studio and spa, and the smaller (infinity) pool deck, as well as the Living Room, which has smaller groupings of couches and tables, separated by natural parts of the architecture, like pillars and bookshelves, so you feel like you’re in, well, someone’s well-appointed family room.

Every design decision feels purposeful because, of course it is. Taking what they learned from Evrima and her guests, the Yacht Collection expanded much of Ilma ’s capacity to respond to what passengers gravitated toward the most, doubling the size of the fitness studios, the number of spa treatment rooms, and and the amount loungers on deck, for which I was grateful. I was relieved not to have to wake up at dawn to stake my claim on a seat.

Who is onboard?

Mostly couples, a few families, and a handful of solo travelers, all ranging in age. We had a lot of longtime Ritz loyalists, many who’d never cruised before, finally willing to give it a shot, thanks to Ilma .

Describe the cabins .

Spacious, airy, plenty of room to breathe. My cabin— a Grand Suite —had both dining and living areas, in addition to a bedroom that I could close off while sleeping, avoiding any of the gorgeous Mediterranean sunlight let in by the floor-to-ceiling glass sliding door too early in the morning. Running the whole width of the suite, the door opened onto a balcony to rival the decks above. I had two loungers and two armchairs all to myself, of which I made ample use.

I appreciated the two separate closet spaces (more than I have in my current apartment) that had drawers and hanging space—with enough hangers!—in addition to open shelving, which I used as easy access for the items I reached for the most: jewelry, bags, a sarong for the pool.

As for the linens, they were all from Frette , including the bathrobe, which now has the distinction of being the most comfortable robe I’ve ever used and made me realize how scratchy other robes turn out to be.

The color scheme was, like the rest of the superyacht, refined and understated—soft grays, whites, with a pop of color from the teal couch.

In the bathroom, I relished using the Diptyque products present during every shower, though I did have to hunt for the waste bin, which turned out not to be a separate receptacle but a drawer that was part of the vanity and took some getting used to.

Tell us about the crew.

They were attentive and engaged but not overbearing and often knew what I wanted before I did (thinking of the iced oat milk latte I was offered one morning on the pool deck—it turned out to be just what I needed). We were told some of the crew had come from other Ritz properties, and I could tell a few were still getting their sea legs but were well on their way to adapting to the ship.

My suite ambassador, Horacio, was a particular standout, always anticipating what I’d need for the coming day—an extra bottle of Moët early on, then a fresh bottle of sparkling water later. He also made sure my welcome-night dress was freshly pressed in time for dinner and the following party, which I was especially grateful for, as there was no iron in the suite (there are two in the guest launderette, though).

What food and drink options are available on board?

You’ll never want for a drink or snack on Ilma . There are five restaurants, all with distinctive types of cuisine—Tides, Memorī, Beach House, Mistral, and the pièce de resistance: Seta su Ilma . Headed up by Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi, Seta is the only restaurant on board that requires an additional fee to dine there, and I’d recommend making a reservation as soon as you embark.

I experienced Seta (and it truly is an experience ) my last night on the superyacht, and it was quite the send-off. Dinner is an 11-course tasting menu with a wine pairing for every course, so everyone told me to eat light the day of, and I’m glad I did, especially since my favorite course (Wagyu beef calabrese) came last before dessert. Seta was the most intimate of the restaurants with only ~40 seats, and all of the tables had staggered seating times. Our (chatty) table was one of the later seatings, and we closed down the restaurant.

And when you’re more parched than peckish, there are six bars aboard, most adjacent to their respective restaurants. My favorite was the Marina Bar, in the aft of the ship. Two of the walls transform out into open-air decks with glass paneling beneath you, so you can get a glimpse of the water below while you sip your cocktail of choice (mine was naturally a piña colada).

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

Yes and yes—treatments available include the usual suspects, like massages and facials, as well as salon services for both men and women. The Barber—an extension of the Pisterzi brand , which has locations in New York and Milan—and The Salon are the go-to spots for haircuts, shaves, manicures, and all grooming needs in between. (I heard nothing but rave reviews about The Barber from the men aboard—I heard some variation of “best shave of my life” every time.) There’s also a steam room and sauna (one of each for men and women), which you can enjoy even without another treatment booked.

I’m always carrying around a tight back, so I was delighted to be treated to a deep muscle massage and finally feel my shoulders fall below my ears. Before my treatment, my massage therapist asked the usual questions—any injuries, which spots needed the most work, etc.—but then she applied two different oils and asked which I liked better. The one I chose meant my body needed relaxing, naturally. During the treatment, there was a bowl of rose petals on the floor below my head, which I found to be a nice touch. The massage itself was just the amount of pressure I like—a lot—without verging into too much . Afterward, the steam room and sauna were offered to me, but I was eager to heat up by the pool instead.

What about activities and entertainment?

You won’t find a theater or auditorium onboard Ilma and that’s because life is best lived on the decks, so I found—catching sun by one of the two pools or taking advantage of the adult playground that is the “aquabana”—a floating lounge space off the aft of the ship where you can swim in the sea, kayak, paddleboard, or relax with your feet in the water under one of the cabanas. These are common on private yachts, and in keeping with giving passengers a taste of the yachting lifestyle, Ilma acquired the largest one made yet (so I’m told).

There was plenty of live music throughout the voyage: a DJ by the pool deck or a live band in the Living Room— Ilma ’s central lounge space with a coffee bar and rotating gelato flavors by day and a busy cocktail bar by night.

When you’ve had enough sun (hard to imagine, I know), there’s not only a gym but spinning and movement studios, all expanded on Ilma , due to their popularity on Evrima . I had the best intention of spending one morning testing out a treadmill, but whenever I walked by, it seemed like the other guests had it under control.

Instead, I power-walked the decks, taking in all the art—you can find an original Hockney, Warhol, and Picasso onboard—and window shopping at the Bvlgari boutique.

How was the experience for families?

Surprisingly welcoming! I did not expect to see so many families on board, but there was dedicated programming for children through Ritz Kids , as well as a number of children simply enjoying the amenities alongside the rest of us: dancing, swimming, and sipping juices.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

We sailed from Barcelona to Saint-Tropez, where we anchored overnight, before disembarking in Monte Carlo. The overnight port call in Saint-Tropez gave us plenty of time for both planned excursions, which ranged from winery tours to a pastry-making class, and taking the tender into town for your own exploring.

For my excursion, I took a tour of nearby Port Grimaud, a planned community built in the ‘60s with a network of canals meant to mimic Venice, followed by a seafood tasting at a local restaurant before grabbing an digestif along the harbor back in Saint-Tropez with some of my fellow tour mates. What I really appreciated was how much time to wander we were given on our tour—we had portions of planned activities, like a boat tour through the aforementioned canals, but plenty of time for our own discovery.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Ilma is the first build in the collection to have a specialized gas system installed, which makes it flexible for current—and future—sustainable fuels, like bio- or synthetic fuels, and the next member of the fleet, Luminara (launching in 2025), will have the same.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

A voyage on Ilma is worth booking to experience the luxury of the yachting lifestyle wherever, whenever—with the full service of a hotel.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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10 facts about Lürssen's 156m superyacht Dilbar

Related articles, superyacht directory.

Launched by German shipyard Lürssen in 2016, Dilbar is a record-breaking superyacht. Her builder has even claimed that she “is one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of both dimensions and technology.” This standout superyacht was delivered to her owner Uzbekistani billionaire Alisher Usmanov as a replacement for Usmanov’s previous yacht of the same name, which has since been renamed Al Raya . Information about the super-secretive yacht is scarce but the figures that have been revealed are impressive. Read on to discover the 10 most incredible facts about Dilbar …

1. Dilbar is the fourth longest yacht in the world

At 156 metres, the Espen-Øino designed Dilbar is one of the longest superyachts in the world. She was a step up from Usmanov’s previous Dilbar yacht, now renamed Al Raya , which measured only 110 metres.

2. She can accommodate almost 100 crew members

Dilbar is normally run by a crew of 80 that help maintain the superyacht and wait on her guests. When necessary, this crew capacity can be increased to a maximum of 96 crew members, meaning Dilbar can carry as many as 120 people at full capacity.

3. The largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage

While the title of largest yacht in the world by length goes to the 180.61 metre Azzam , the 156 metre Dilbar has the greatest interior volume of any yacht ever delivered, boasting an impressive gross tonnage of 15,917. This translates into 3,800 square metres of living space for 24 guests styled by Winch Design with rare and exclusive luxury materials and extended by fold-out balconies.

4. Dilbar has the largest swimming pool ever installed on a superyacht

Measuring 25 metres long, the swimming pool on board Dilbar can hold an impressive amount of water – 180 cubic metres of water in fact. The swimming pool on Dilbar is reportedly the largest pool to ever be installed on board a superyacht.

5. There is a garden on board

For guests missing the shore, Dilbar is equipped with an expansive garden complete with a specially developed variety of grass that tolerates salt air. The designer of the garden, German architect and founder of Yacht-Green Axel Massmann, disclosed that plants from “Mediterranean areas” were chosen because “ Dilbar tends to be between the South of France, northern Spain and sometimes Cyprus.” By choosing plants grown within EU waters, Dilbar was also spared the headache of customs regulations that forbid the import of foreign plants.

6. The yacht is powered by a 30,000KW electric diesel power plant

Opting for an electric-diesel hybrid power source helps reduce Dilbar’s emissions while still providing a top speed of 22.5 knots. Her builder Lürssen claims that the 30,000 KW power plant on which Dilbar runs is the most powerful to ever be fitted on a superyacht.

7. Over 1,100km of cables were installed on board

Dilbar was a technical feat. A total of 1,100 kilometres of cabling (almost the same length as the total land borders of the country of Bhutan) was stretched throughout the interior to power all of the amenities and facilities on board.

8. There are two helipads

Helipads are a key asset to helping owners and guests make smooth and swift journeys from ship to shore. Dilbar however is equipped with not one but two helipads where the H175 helicopter can land to drop off or pick up. The first is located forward at the bow of the yacht, while the second is situated aft on the top deck flybridge.

9. Dilbar was built in just 52 months

From the time of signing the contract to delivering the superyacht to her owner, Lürssen and the designers working on the project managed to construct and complete Dilbar in just over four years.

10. The interiors feature over 1,000 sofa cushions

The amount of living space on board meant that Winch Design had to decorate the interiors with plentiful soft furnishings. Dilbar has been outfitted with over 1,000 custom-made sofa cushions on board, with each and every one uniquely designed to fit the interior scheme.

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