From private jets to superyachts, the world’s wealthiest people can lay claim to the most bespoke and extravagant purchases that money can buy. Owning a yacht is widely seen as an investment in status, entertainment and privacy, offering a unique sense of freedom since you can drop anchor at any port anywhere in the world.
Similarly, 21st-century cruise ships have upped the stakes in luxury living, featuring state-of-the-art gyms, Olympic swimming pools, gourmet restaurants and full-size theatres. These vast vessels have been furnished with everything you could possibly need to make your dream cruise memorable, whether that means watching a Broadway-quality show, shopping for designer handbags or having your own butler on call 24×7.
We take a look at some of the world’s most opulent yachts and cruises that are currently sailing across the planet today.
The History Supreme
Costing a whopping USD 4.8 billion, the History Supreme is built from 1,00,000 kg of solid gold and platinum. The 100-ft-long yacht, which took three years to build, was commissioned by Malaysian businessman Robert Kuok.
While most of the details about the History Supreme are kept under wraps—and thus adding to its exclusivity—it has been reported that one of the walls of the vessel’s master suite is made of meteoric stone. Apparently, there is even a genuine Tyrannosaurus Rex bone onboard! Speculation remains rife about the number of rooms on the yacht, which also supposedly includes a movie theatre with a 3D screen, a dining area with crystal chandeliers, a helipad, a wine cellar and windows in the below-the-sea areas of the vessel.
Seven Seas Explorer
Owned by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the Seven Seas Explorer has 377 passenger suites that are the height of refined living. Every cabin has spacious closets, high-end finishes, comfortable beds and private balconies. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of Champagne in the sitting area. However, nothing beats the view from the 4,000-sq-ft, two-bedroom Regent Suite, which has two wraparound balconies, three walk-in closets, two Pablo Picasso lithographs and a grand piano.
The ship has nearly 500 chandeliers and some 2,500 pieces of art, including works by masters such as Picasso and Marc Chagall. The signature steakhouse, Prime 7, remains one of the best at sea, while Compass Rose and Sette Mari set the bar high for cruise ship dining.
Eclipse
The M/Y Eclipse is the third-longest yacht in the world. Owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, it is estimated to have been built at a cost of EUR 340 million.
The superyacht has two helicopter pads, 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, several hot tubs and a disco hall. It is also equipped with three launch boats and a mini-submarine that is capable of submerging to 50 m (160 ft). For security, Eclipse is fitted with a missile detection system and self-defense systems.
Unsurprisingly, the yacht requires a dedicated crew of approximately 70 members to ensure seamless operations.
Seabourn Quest
Launched in 2011, the MV Seabourn Quest is an oceangoing ship with a passenger capacity of 458 guests. Owned by the Seabourn Cruise Line, it offers spacious accommodations spanning categories ranging in size from 295 to 1,182 sq ft of indoor space.
All suites on the ship feature a comfortable living area, a walk-in closet, a fully stocked bar and refrigerator, and a spacious bathroom with a tub and shower. The Observation Bar serves coffees, teas and pastries in the daytime; and cocktails in the evening, but the standout feature is undoubtedly the panoramic views it offers.
The ship also has a range of fitness and relaxation services onboard thanks to its well-equipped gym, Pilates and yoga rooms, two pools, a sun terrace, and massage and beauty treatments that include therapies like acupuncture.
Azzam
This private superyacht is the longest private motor yacht in the world at 180 m. Built at an estimated cost of USD 600 million for Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the second president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it features six decks, a 95-ft main salon, and enough room for 60 crew members in 30 cabins. There are also said to be 18 staterooms that can accommodate up to 36 guests.
The yacht is said to be equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as a missile defense system and a bulletproof master suite to ensure the total safety of its passengers.
Silver Muse
With eight dining venues, spacious outdoor areas and up-to-the-minute technology, the Silver Muse is one of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships. Owned by the Silversea Company, the 596-passenger ship is composed of all-suite accommodation that is inclusive of a private veranda. There are nine room types to choose from, with the Owner’s Suite, Grand Suite and Royal Suite being inclusive of a butler service, too.
A walk through the ship will reveal polished interiors of gleaming Italian marble, wood and leather. The teak pool deck features one of the largest swimming pools at sea. What’s probably most exciting about this ship is the variety of places to dine in, like Silver Note, a supper club that plays host to live music every evening.
