luxury explorer yacht

• Cars, Jets & Yachts

Top 10 Explorer Yachts in the World

Exploring the seven seas on an explorer yacht is one of the most life-affirming experiences out there.

By Ellie Brade

Over the past decade, the popularity of luxury explorer yachts has soared. And with good reason — is there a better way to see the world than from the deck of your own superyacht? Exploring the seven seas while authentically connecting with their natural beauty, is undoubtedly one of the most desirable and life-affirming experiences out there. Here, Ellie Brade presents 10 of the finest explorer yachts currently available for the intrepid travelers among you.

[See more: What are Explorer Yachts?]

Builder : McConaghy Year of build : 2012 LOA : 139.7 ft Number of guests: 9 Crew : 6

There is no mistaking Adastra (pictured above) thanks to her distinctive futuristic design and trimaran hull. Adastra has more than demonstrated her explorer credentials and has traveled the world, turning heads wherever she goes. Highly fuel efficient, she has a very small eco footprint, and her stable hull ensures a comfortable ride. With a trans-Pacific range of 10,000 nm she can cross the Atlantic twice before needing to refuel. An impressively shallow draft of just four feet allows her access to cruising grounds that other explorer yachts cannot visit, meaning very few places are off limits. Her 52-ft beam provides generously proportioned spaces, including the main saloon and a shaded outdoor deck. A light-filled, modern interior ensures an inviting base to conduct adventures from and accommodations include a full-beam master cabin. Adastra’s garage door folds out to create a platform for diving, and she carries plenty of toys and tenders for getting out and enjoying the water.

[See more: Step Inside the Adastra Trimaran Yacht]

Itinerary: Raja Ampat, Indonesia

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A light-filled, modern interior ensures an inviting base to conduct adventures

Originally built for use in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, Adastra is at home in Indonesia’s warm waters. The archipelago of Raja Ampat — meaning Four Kings — straddles the Equator and has over 1,500 islands and islets, which surround the four main islands of Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool. Very few explorer yachts visit here due to strict regulations, and the area is largely uninhabited, meaning you will often feel as if you have the ocean all to yourself. Crystal-clear waters, endless beaches, and a variety of dive sites and reefs are all waiting to be sampled. Adastra’s draft works to her advantage here, allowing the yacht to move easily between even the shallowest of anchorages.

Start your cruise with a visit to the paradisiacal rain forest-covered island of Kri before cruising towards Gam Island, which offers incredible diving — step straight into the water from Adastra’s dive platform. Move on to Wayag Island, where you can take kayaks into the Wayag lagoon, which is mesmerizingly blue. If you’re feeling energetic, hike inland and upwards to enjoy long views across the water. Cruise through Dampier Strait and spot hundreds of manta rays before visiting Pulau Gam to try and spot the rarely sighted red bird of paradise. Diving fans won’t want to miss traveling south and visiting Misool, which is renowned for its myriad of underwater sites. Venture into the Gua Sacral ancestral caves, which were once an indigenous burial site. Kayaking through Misool’s Blue Water Mangroves, which are peppered with reefs, will have you in awe of the natural beauty.

For sale $10m. Contact Ian Sherwood, sales broker, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

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A helicopter takes off from the Octopus landing pad

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2003 LOA: 414 ft Number of guests: 26 Crew: 63

One of the world’s most traveled yachts, Octopus is a groundbreaking expedition vessel that set the tone for the many explorer yachts that have followed in her impressive wake. With eight decks and at a gargantuan 414 ft, it’s no surprise that Octopus is packed with feature after feature, from a full basketball court to the entertainment-focused bridge deck. Her glass-bottomed underwater observation lounge means you can watch fish and sea creatures in their natural habitat. Huge storage capacity lets her carry no less than seven tenders, two helicopters, a submersible for eight guests and two crewmembers that’s capable of diving for up to eight hours, and even a large SUV for onshore adventures. Octopus has undertaken some truly special adventures, including recovering the ship’s bell from the wreck of the HMS Hood, cruising the coast of Antarctica and discovering the wreck of the WWII battleship IJN Musashi off the Philippines. Now, her legacy can continue with a new owner, as she’s currently for sale.

[See more: The Most Expensive Yachts for Charter]

Itinerary: Patagonia

At a gargantuan 414 ft, it’s no surprise that Octopus is packed with features

The sun sets over the horizon on one of Octopus’s many decks

Often a gateway to Antarctica, Patagonia possesses an unspoilt beauty. Ripe for adventure, it offers an incredible mix of landscapes with glaciers, hot springs, mountains, remote islands, beaches and a wide variety of wildlife. Begin your journey at Puerto Montt, which ushers you into the company of the Patagonian Fjords and Andes Mountains. Make for the Corcovado Volcano and take in the awe-inspiring National Park. Explore by tender, or even take in the landscape from above in one of Octopus’s helicopters.

The waters boast a diverse ecosystem, and you are sure to spot whales as you cruise — there are many whale research programs around these waters, and the explorer yacht’s glass-bottomed lounge provides an unrivaled view into the kingdom of these giants of the sea. Make your way to the Piti Palena Fjord, located in the delta of the Palena River — this is an excellent spot for fishing. Continue onwards to the Guaitecas Archipelago, which has eight main islands and waters famed for being home to yet more whales and dolphins. North of the archipelago is one of the world’s largest nursing and feeding grounds for blue whales — a sight not to be missed.

For sale €235m (approx. $285m). Contact Matt Emerson, senior partner-director, Americas, [email protected], +1 212 223 0410, burgessyachts.com

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The Beast delivers adventure with a side of luxurious living / ©Aaron March

Builder: Profab Engineering Year of build: 2019 LOA: 128.7 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew : 9

With the  yacht’s camouflage exterior, The Beast’s owner describes her as “a little different.” What an understatement! Built to explore, and incredibly stable (no need for sickness pills on this one), this catamaran explorer-style yacht can tackle just about any cruising ground except Antarctica and has a long range of 5,000 nm. Thanks to her 39.4-ft beam, she has an incredible 4,000 sq ft of living space, elegantly fitted out with a modern interior. The Beast is packed with all the equipment needed for enjoying remote itineraries, not the least of which is a 42-ft custom composite fishing boat adorably dubbed The Baby Beast . An industrial-style, 49-ft aft deck is packed with water equipment that includes a custom amphibious tender for driving straight from water to land. A favorite spot is the upper deck with its teppanyaki grill and bar.

Itinerary: New Zealand

The Beast’s sunlit bridge / ©Aaron March

Often described as ‘the whole world in one country’ New Zealand packs a punch as a destination, delivering 9,300 miles of coastline, snow, rain forest, white-sand beaches and a rich local culture. As a relatively young country, New Zealand is a blend of cosmopolitan cities and wild, remote beauty that begs to be explored by superyacht.

Join The Beast in Auckland and soak up the skyline as you head for Great Barrier Island, where you can visit the Glenfern Sanctuary and learn about the country’s native birdlife. The island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary with incredible stars — learn about the significance of the stars to the local culture as you gaze up at the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds.

Head for the Poor Knights Islands, an incredible marine reserve, where you can make the most of The Beast’s diving setup, using The Baby Beast as a base for daily adventures. Continue north to the Bay of Islands, home to a cornucopia of marine life and more than 100 different islands; come ashore and explore the island of your choice on board The Beast’ s amphibious tender. Northland has great spiritual importance, so take the opportunity to learn about the local culture and experience an authentic cultural performance.

Cruise onwards towards Cape Reinga, the very tip of New Zealand where the Maori people believe that souls depart this life for the next, and watch the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, which is an unusual and powerful sight. On the west coast, Ninety Mile Beach is a seemingly endless stretch of golden sand dunes. Away from the marine reserves, make sure to take advantage of The Beast’ s extensive fishing gear Below and right The Beast ; her sunlit bridge and land some fresh seafood to cook on her teppanyaki grill for lunch. Make your way back down the east coast, calling in at Auckland’s Waiheke Island on the way to enjoy a long vineyard lunch before reluctantly returning to civilization.

Charter from $185,000 per week. Contact Fleur Tomlinson, charter director, [email protected] , +64 930 201 78, 37, southyachts.com

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Ragnar has been designed to look like an explorer yacht

Builder: Royal Niestern Sander Year of build: 2012 (rebuilt 2020) LOA: 223.8 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 17

There is nowhere on earth that Ragnar can’t take you, from glistening ice to remote desert islands. Named for the Norse King of the Vikings, Ragnar is a powerful and luxurious explorer yacht, with full ice-breaking functionality and an impressive 6,000 nm range. Ragnar is able to tackle all conditions, so make the most of your surroundings by taking your pick from her abundant toy and tender collection, with something to suit every type of cruising ground. These include an Airbus EC145 helicopter for heliskiing, a three-passenger submarine, snowmobiles, quad bikes, a 30-ft Marelli ice condition tender and more. Expansive onboard spaces include a top deck hot tub and pool, an observation deck, fully equipped gym and tranquil spa center for soaking away the day’s activities.

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Itinerary: The Philippines

Enjoy sunsets in far-flung locations

High-stakes hammocks aboard Ragnar

The heli-landing zone on Ragnar

Although well-equipped for colder climates, Ragnar has plenty of warm destinations in her cruising plans, and 2022 will see her visit the Philippines, which is fast gaining popularity as a desirable charter location. Why? With more than 7,000 islands it is an ideal spot for exploring by yacht. Beautiful beaches and clear waters are a given, but each different island group — Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao — has its own character.

Board the yacht in bustling capital city Manila before heading for quieter cruising grounds. As you cruise towards Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines with over 1,700 islands, stop off at the hidden gem island of Busuanga and climb the 700 steps to the top of Mount Tapyas, which delivers incredible views across the region. Busuanga offers unparalleled cruising and plenty to do on land and on the water; hike through rain forests and dive the crystal waters, which are home to several wrecks. Nearby Coron has sacred freshwater lakes that are carefully maintained by the indigenous population — take a swim beneath impressive limestone cliffs that overlook the lakes.

A must-do is a visit to Palawan’s underground river, as is a stop at Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site where you’ll be able to sample what is arguably the country’s best diving. Make your way back to Manila, island-hopping as you go, and relax on board as you admire the landscape.

Charter from $525,000 per week. Contact James Clark, head of retail charter, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

Planet Nine

A helicopter takes off from Planet Nine / ©Studio_M

Builder: Admiral Year of build: 2018 LOA: 240 ft Number of guests: 12 (plus 4 staff) Crew: 20

A world-class explorer yacht, Planet Nine has a guest-centric design with edgy naval-inspired styling. She is ice-classed, allowing her to tackle polar waters, and has an MD-600N Explorer helicopter, hangar and commercial landing pad for arriving and departing in style. Abundant spaces across her five decks, which are all connected by elevator, include social areas such as the cinema room, Jacuzzi, numerous dining spaces, beach club, sea terrace and an entire owner’s deck for ultimate privacy. Three Rupert Marine RIBs are tailored for use in extreme conditions — so you can explore secluded coves or glide past ice floes while spotting local wildlife. Back on board, the observatory delivers stunning 180° views.

Itinerary: Saudi Arabia

Ample lounge space for lounging inside / ©Studio_M

Al fresco dining aboard Planet Nine / ©Studio_M

As the spiritual home and birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is rich with history and cultural significance, and has long been a center for pilgrims. Follow in their footsteps on your own journey of discovery. Explore the exquisitely blue waters of the Red Sea, seek endless sand dunes, and immerse yourself in the bustling towns and markets. Fans of diving will delight in all the Red Sea has to offer and can make the most of Planet Nine’s extensive dive gear.

Tabuk, just 62 miles off the border with Jordan, is the start of the Saudi coast and bears Egyptian and Ottoman influences — check out some of the area’s wild beauty spots and walk in the footsteps of the prophet Moses, who lived east of the city for many years. Cruise south towards the town of Al Wajh, which has over 60 miles of untouched beaches on either side. Continuing down the coast, Umluj (called the ‘Maldives of Saudi Arabia’) has 104 islands to its north. Jump on board one of Planet Nine’s RIBs and pick out your own private island. An hour inland of Umluj takes you to Harrat Lunayyir, a black lava field filled with cones and craters.

Visit Yanbu, an ancient spice trading post that was once home to TE Lawrence. A huge desert sits north of the town and gives way to the stunning ocean — a helicopter ride over the dunes will provide an unbeatable view before you touch down back on board for an aperitif as the sun sets. Round off your charter with a visit to historic Jeddah, the gateway to Mecca and crossroad of traders and pilgrims. Marvel at the beautiful architecture, visit the local souk (maamoul, anyone?) and revel in the city’s blend of old and new.

Charter from €650,000 (approx. $791,000) per week, for sale €85m (approx. $103m). Contact Charlie Carveles, sales and charter broker, [email protected] , +377 933 054 44, edmiston.com

Latitude was built in 1973 and refitted in 2020

Builder: Hitzler Schiffswerft Year of build: 1973 (refitted 2020) LOA: 179.4 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 16

In beautiful condition following a mammoth two-year refit completed in June 2020, Latitude will suit outdoor enthusiasts. An expansive lineup of water toys and vast deck spaces — bigger even than yachts twice her size — will keep you outside and busy all day long. This is truly an explorer yacht for connecting with nature and discovering new and remote destinations away from the stresses of everyday life. For those looking to wind down and disconnect, she has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation with a two-tier yoga deck, private masseuse/yoga instructor and a fully equipped open-air gym. Fishing fans will particularly enjoy Latitude — her explorer qualities and hardy design can take you to remote fishing grounds where you can take your pick from her comprehensive lineup of all the latest fishing gear.

Itinerary: French Polynesia

Latitude has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation

Set in the heart of the South Pacific, French Polynesia is a picture-perfect destination that combines a friendly welcome with incredible diving, idyllic beaches and unspoilt beauty. Plus, there’s a string of islands for yacht-hopping. With Latitude planning to spend two years in the region, the explorer yacht and her crew will know all the best secret spots. Join the yacht in Moorea, which pairs volcanic mountains with sandy beaches.

Dive off the coast, where you’ll be in the company of Tahitian stingrays — this will be just the first encounter with impressive sea life during your time on Latitude . Cruise onwards to Huahine, which presents a beautiful backdrop for a morning yoga session. Come ashore and meet the locals, who will be only too happy to tell you stories of French Polynesia’s history.

Next you’ll visit Taha’a, a white-sand island dotted with thatched villas. There is colorful coral off the island’s shores — dive and explore before heading ashore by tender for a picnic and a walk in the lush jungle. Raiatea is well worth a visit; it is regarded as a central point in French Polynesia and is believed to be the source of many ancient migrations to countries such as New Zealand and Hawaii. Finish your visit in Bora Bora, an extinct volcano set amidst an achingly serene lagoon.

Bora Bora is known as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, and with good reason. The vibrant shoreline contrasts with the blue waters, which are teeming with fish, and vibrant hibiscus flowers carpet the side of Mount Otemanu. Make the most of Latitude’s water toys and spend the day in the warm water before a final wind down back on board.

Charter from $161,000 per week. Contact James Clark, head of retail charter, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

Yersin is 95% recyclable

Builder: Piriou Year of build: 2015 LOA: 251.4 ft Number of guests: 18 Crew: 24

One of the world’s most sustainable and green yachts, Yersin ensures guilt-free cruising with an incredibly low cruising footprint — she is even 95% recyclable. This spectacular explorer yacht was built with science and discovery at the forefront of her design. She offers an unmatched opportunity to cruise the world and learn about its oceans firsthand. Able to travel from the Poles to the Equator, Yersin is a true explorer. There has been no compromise on comfort, and her many features include a gym, hammam, spa, cinema, dining spaces, an owner’s suite and eight guest staterooms. Thanks to her history as a luxury research vessel, her setup also includes classrooms (hello, homeschooling), laboratories, a hospital, media room and multifunction tenders. This is a unique yacht that is fully equipped to visit the most remote destinations.

[See more: Yersin: The Eco Superyacht for Sustainable Explorers]

Itinerary: Arctic Circle

The elegant interiors aboard Yersin

Impressive green credentials make Yersin the perfect vessel for exploring the pristine wilderness of the Arctic Circle. A charter aboard this luxurious yet intrepid explorer yacht showcases the region, from epic icebergs and polar bear sightings, to fjord landscapes and fine dining beneath the shimmering Northern Lights. With Greenland acting as your gateway to the Arctic Circle, step on board Yersin in the quaint settlement of Nuuk before raising anchor and cruising towards the vast Jakobshavn Glacier in Ilulissat. One of the highlights of Greenland is the ice itself, with its pure, imposing beauty, and the town of Ilulissat, meaning ‘iceberg,’ is the obvious spot for enjoying this natural wonder.

Travel further to the impressive Eqi Glacier. From here, take Yersin’s tender to enjoy a ringside seat to witness ice calving, where new icebergs are formed as fragments of the glaciers fall into the sea. Having hiked through icy landscapes, sampled the extreme sports of glacier skiing and ice diving, or immersed yourself in the rural communities of this unique region, it’s time to depart Greenland. Watch Uummannaq Mountain recede into the distance as you take the passage to Canada’s Baffin Island. It is full of marine life, so look out for whales and seals as you cruise — they swim undisturbed by the near-silent Yersin. The coastline of Baffin Island is an excellent place to spot the most iconic creature of the Arctic region, the polar bear.

Cruise up the fjords and observe these majestic animals from the comfort of the vessel’s deck or, for a closer encounter, take a private wildlife tour with a local expert. Enjoy a lunch of fish caught fresh by the crew, and after a day in the crisp polar air, warm up by enjoying a sauna in the opulent spa.

For sale from €72m (approx. $87.6m, VAT paid). Contact David Legrand, [email protected] , +377 931 004 50, and Antoine X. Larricq, [email protected] , +377 931 004 50, fraseryachts.com

Bold’s striking profile from the air / ©Guillaume Plisson

Builder: Silveryachts Year of build: 2019 LOA: 279.8 ft Number of guests: 16 Crew: 20

Designed by fabled aesthetic powerhouse Espen Øino, Bold has a naval-inspired design and is the biggest yacht built by Silveryachts to date. Described by her builders as “a fast, world explorer vessel with a genuine, fully-fledged superyacht finish,” Bold is the world’s fastest explorer yacht with an extraordinary top speed of 23 knots. Her low draft, unparalleled in other yachts of her size and length, also affords access to shallow waters. Accommodation is for 16 guests and includes the master suite with a private salon. Social spaces inside and out include large entertaining decks and a huge open plan ‘loft style’ main salon, with floor-to-ceiling windows that lead directly out to a large wintergarden. An outdoor cinema on the sundeck calls for family movie nights under the stars. Ready for adventure, Bold has a large inventory of water equipment including three different Rupert tenders. A heli-hangar and heli-landing deck allow the use of helicopters if desired.

Itinerary: The Whitsundays, Australia

Bold is set to return home to Australia this year for the first time since her launch — she is the largest Australian-built yacht in the world, and she will be available for charter all around her country of origin. Venturing around Australia’s expansive coastlines requires a yacht with serious muscle, and Bold more than fits the bill. Begin your cruise by heading to Hook Island where you can snorkel before traveling to Blue Pearl Bay for more world-class snorkeling off the back of Bold’s tender. Nearby Langford Island, home to reefs and coral, is another inviting dive spot. Spend some time relaxing on the island’s sandy beach before departing for Chance Bay, where you can hike along the Ngaro Sea Trail towards Whitehaven.

Cruise south to Lindeman Island, which has some beautiful national park walking tracks. Escape even further towards the seclusion of the southern anchorages off Thomas and Shaw islands. Here, you can take your pick from Bold’s toy garage and explore the anchorage. The explorer yacht will then make its way back towards Whitehaven Beach, which some claim is Australia’s finest. Take a walk inland through the rain forest and drink in the views across Hill Inlet before being collected by tender and whisked back to your floating home.

A visit to the Whitsundays wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system — a helicopter ride will guarantee the best views.

Charter from €985,000 per week (approx. $1.2m). Contact Romina Rastelli, EU charter manager, [email protected] , +377 931 029 29, hillrobinson.com

Legend is packed with every tender and toy you can possibly imagine / ©Chistopher Scholey

Builder: Icon Yachts Year of build: 1974 (refitted 2015) LOA: 254 ft Number of guests: 22 Crew: 28

Legend is packed with every tender and toy you can possibly imagine. Carrying submersibles, dive gear, snowmobiles, tenders, diving apparatus and more, she has something to suit every climate. Legend has extensively traveled the world, visiting Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Northern Europe and the Baltics, moving effortlessly from sun to ice. Transformed from a Soviet icebreaker in a no-expenses-spared refit, Legend offers high luxury on board with unique features such as a waterfall-fed 16-seater Jacuzzi, 14-person cinema, Balinese spa, modern gym, piano and whisky bars. Her sheer size and impressive internal volume mean that even the longest trips at sea won’t feel claustrophobic — there’s plenty of space to both gather and retreat. For serious expeditions, there is accommodation flexibility on board for up to 10 extra expedition staff. A commercial helideck and two helicopters mean it is easy to join the explorer yacht even in remote anchorages.

Itinerary: Antarctica

Legend’s main deck comes complete with Jacuzzi / ©Quinn Bisset

Journey on board Legend to Antarctica, where you’ll become one of the lucky few to have ventured 66-degrees south. Make the most of your mobile nature and get out on the water, whether kayaking through icy waters or gliding across the snow on Legend’s snowmobiles. As a Class 1 icebreaker, she can venture into pack ice sheets.

Join Legend at her anchorage off King George Island in nearby Maxwell Bay. Sail into the Bransfield Strait, passing penguins and icebergs as you go. On your first morning, a mandatory International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) briefing will outline the environmental responsibilities of visitors to Antarctica. Head for mainland Antarctica via the Gerlache Strait, spotting humpback whales along the way. The next morning, travel through the Neumayer Channel and watch calving Weddell, leopard and crabeater seals — an unforgettable sight. Legend’s crew will launch the Zodiac tender so you can cruise through brash ice for up-close encounters with local wildlife. Visit Andvord Bay to spot humpback whales and killer whale pods. Hop into the Zodiac again to visit Cuverville Island and its huge colony of Gentoo penguins. Later, drop anchor at Foyn Harbor and kayak around the wreck of the Governoren — keep an eye out for fur seals.

Cruise to Deception Island, where you can sail into the crater of a live volcano. Atmospheric whale factory ruins and the old bones of Whalers Bay hark back to the area’s past as a whaling center. Enjoy a hike up ‘The Nipple’ with views across steaming lava fields, then round off your charter with a visit to the chinstrap penguin colony on Baily Head, spotting plenty of other wildlife as you go. Disembark at Frei Station and visit the Russian Orthodox Trinity Church, where you can reflect in peace on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Charter from €490,000 (approx. $597,000) per week. Contact [email protected] , y.co

La Datcha can let charter guests “set out on the journey of a lifetime to places others can’t reach”

Builder: Damen Year of build: 2020 LOA: 252 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 25

One of the newest explorer yachts to hit the water, La Datcha, was designed to fulfill the owner’s brief for a yacht that could let charter guests “set out on the journey of a lifetime to places others can’t reach.” The resulting yacht delivers luxury in spades and is the ultimate crossover between comfort and performance. From her head-turning profile, care of Azure Yacht Design, to countless tenders and toys including two helicopters, snow scooters and a submersible, it is near impossible to narrow down her best features. La Datcha’s six decks boast a modern interior, and when hanging out on board you’ll have plenty of options — head to the luxury spa to unwind or relax after a day of exploring in the observation lounge. Two master cabins make her ideal for two families to share her unforgettable experiences. Able to operate autonomously at sea for up to 40 days, the world is her oyster.

Itinerary: Kamchatka, Russia

La Datcha’s striking profile from above

Dramatically dubbed Russia’s ‘Land of Ice and Fire,’ the Kamchatka Peninsula lies in eastern Russia and stretches over 740 miles. With glaciers, geysers, snow and over 300 volcanoes, Kamchatka’s landscape is like nowhere else on earth. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, including the Kamchatka brown bear. Start your charter in the peninsula’s capital city, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which is surrounded by three snow-capped volcanoes. Settle in on board, then fly to a nearby mountain top to ski a run or two. Cruise the fjords to reach Vilyuchinskaya Bay and fish abundant waters, whale watch or heli-ski. Enjoy incredible views from the top of the Vilyuchinsky Volcano before heading south towards Russkaya Bay. Take a helicopter flight over the Mutnovsky and Goreliy volcanoes; the brave can ski into the crater of the Mutnovsky volcano, which is home to a hidden glacier.

Back on board, your crew will take you by tender to spot Steller sea lions and sea otters. Cruise north to Cape Shipunsky and Bechevinskaya Bay, once a top-secret submarine base, and enjoy heli-skiing en route. Visit the ‘Valley of Geysers’ in the heart of Kamachatka — this spectacular Unesco World Heritage Site is home to a number of volcanoes including Karymsky, one of the most active in the world. Next, visit Klyuchevskaya Sopka and Morzhovaya Bay, home to yet more spectacular volcanoes. Round off your visit by heli-skiing on Zhupanovsky Volcano before relaxing at the Nalychevo Nature Park. Here, you can bathe in wild springs and hot thermal pools with a chilled glass of champagne in hand.

Charter from€740,000 (approx. $900,500) per week. Contact Stefano Feltrin, managing director, [email protected] , +39 349 858 2600, ladatcha.com

[See more: Luxury Yacht Itineraries to Suit Any Occasion]

Ellie Brade

Latest in luxury, the explorer.

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Explorer Yachts

Explorer yachts: the ultimate adventure on the high seas.

Are you ready to embark on the ultimate adventure? Look no further than Explorer Yachts, the epitome of luxury and exploration. Designed and crafted by Naval Yachts, a renowned company specializing in producing top-of-the-line yachts, these magnificent vessels offer unparalleled experiences on the open seas.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Explorer Yachts and highlight why they are a must-have for any avid adventurer or sea lover. From their exceptional design and engineering to their unrivaled capabilities, we will explore the many reasons why investing in an Explorer Yacht is a decision that will elevate your maritime experience to new heights.

So, whether you're dreaming of exploring remote islands, cruising through icy waters, or simply enjoying a luxurious getaway with family and friends, join us as we uncover the extraordinary features and benefits of owning an Explorer Yacht from Naval Yachts. Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable journey filled with opulence, comfort, and boundless possibilities.

Exploring Remote Destinations with Explorer Yachts

Are you an adventurous soul looking to explore the vast oceans and discover hidden gems? Look no further than Explorer Yachts, the ultimate vessels for those seeking unparalleled luxury and exploration. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Explorer Yachts and why they are a must-have for any avid adventurer.

Explorer Yachts, produced by Naval Yachts, are designed with a singular purpose in mind: to take you on unforgettable journeys to remote destinations. These magnificent vessels are built to withstand even the most challenging conditions, allowing you to venture into uncharted territories with confidence.

One of the key features that sets Explorer Yachts apart is their exceptional range. Equipped with powerful engines and advanced fuel systems, these yachts can travel long distances without needing frequent refueling stops. This means you can embark on extended voyages without worrying about limitations or restrictions.

When it comes to comfort and luxury, Explorer Yachts spare no expense. These floating palaces offer spacious interiors that rival those of five-star hotels. From lavish cabins to state-of-the-art entertainment systems, every aspect of your onboard experience is meticulously designed for utmost relaxation and enjoyment.

But what truly sets Explorer Yachts apart is their versatility. Whether you're yearning for a tranquil escape in secluded bays or seeking thrilling adventures in exotic locations, these yachts have got you covered. With ample storage space for water toys and equipment, as well as advanced navigation systems, you can indulge in various water sports activities or embark on exhilarating expeditions with ease.

Investing in an Explorer Yacht not only grants you access to unparalleled experiences but also represents a wise financial decision. These yachts retain their value exceptionally well over time due to their high-quality craftsmanship and enduring appeal. Furthermore, Naval Yachts' commitment to excellence ensures that your investment is protected by comprehensive warranties and top-notch customer service.

So why wait any longer? It's time to take your passion for exploration to new heights with an Explorer Yacht from Naval Yachts. Embark on a journey of a lifetime and create memories that will last for generations. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first-time yacht owner, these magnificent vessels will elevate your maritime adventures to new horizons. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own the ultimate vessel for exploration - secure your Explorer Yacht today and let the world become your playground.

Luxury and Comfort Aboard Explorer Yachts

Are you dreaming of embarking on an unforgettable adventure, exploring the vastness of the open seas? Look no further than Explorer Yachts, the perfect vessel for your maritime escapades. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the world of Explorer Yachts and why they are a must-have for any avid sailor or adventurer.

Explorer Yachts, produced by Naval Yachts, offer a unique blend of luxury and functionality. These yachts are specifically designed to withstand long voyages in remote and challenging environments. Whether you're planning an expedition to polar regions or seeking to navigate through uncharted waters, Explorer Yachts are built to handle it all.

One of the key features that sets Explorer Yachts apart is their exceptional range and fuel efficiency. Equipped with advanced propulsion systems and state-of-the-art engineering, these yachts can cover vast distances without compromising on performance or comfort. This means you can explore far-flung destinations without worrying about refueling or being limited by range constraints.

Furthermore, Explorer Yachts boast spacious interiors that provide ample room for relaxation and entertainment. From luxurious cabins to expansive lounges and dining areas, every inch of these yachts is designed with your comfort in mind. You can unwind in style after a day of exploration or entertain guests while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape.

In addition to their impressive design and capabilities, Explorer Yachts offer endless possibilities for customization. Naval Yachts understands that each adventurer has unique preferences and requirements when it comes to their vessel. That's why they work closely with clients to tailor every aspect of the yacht according to individual needs - from layout configurations to interior finishes and amenities.

Investing in an Explorer Yacht is not just about owning a remarkable vessel; it's about embracing a lifestyle filled with adventure and discovery. Imagine cruising through pristine waters, encountering exotic wildlife, and discovering hidden gems off the beaten path - all from the comfort of your own floating sanctuary.

So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime, consider investing in an Explorer Yacht from Naval Yachts. These exceptional vessels offer the perfect blend of luxury, performance, and exploration capabilities. It's time to set sail and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Exploring the Arctic: Explorer Yachts Expeditions

Are you dreaming of embarking on extraordinary voyages, exploring the vast oceans, and discovering hidden gems around the world? Look no further than Explorer Yachts, the ultimate vessels for those seeking unparalleled adventures at sea. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Explorer Yachts and why they are a must-have for any avid explorer or luxury yacht enthusiast.

Explorer Yachts are specifically designed to navigate through challenging waters while offering exceptional comfort and safety. These robust vessels are built to withstand rough seas and adverse weather conditions, ensuring a smooth and secure journey no matter where your wanderlust takes you.

One of the key features that sets Explorer Yachts apart is their extended range capabilities. Equipped with powerful engines and advanced fuel-efficient technologies, these yachts can travel long distances without the need for frequent refueling stops. This allows you to embark on extended expeditions, reaching remote destinations that are often inaccessible to traditional yachts.

The spacious interiors of Explorer Yachts offer a luxurious sanctuary amidst the vastness of the ocean. With carefully crafted design elements and high-quality materials, these yachts provide a lavish living space that rivals that of five-star hotels. From opulent cabins to state-of-the-art entertainment systems and gourmet kitchens, every detail is meticulously designed to ensure maximum comfort and indulgence during your voyage.

What truly sets Explorer Yachts apart is their versatility. Whether you're planning an adventurous exploration in polar regions or a leisurely cruise along tropical coastlines, these yachts are equipped with cutting-edge navigation systems and reinforced hulls to handle any environment with ease. They offer unrivaled stability even in rough waters, allowing you to enjoy your journey without compromising on safety or comfort.

Naval Yachts is renowned for its commitment to excellence in yacht manufacturing. With their expertise in crafting top-of-the-line vessels combined with their dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction, choosing an Explorer Yacht from Naval Yachts ensures you are investing in a vessel of the highest quality.

So, if you're ready to embark on unforgettable adventures and experience the world from a whole new perspective, consider investing in an Explorer Yacht from Naval Yachts. With their exceptional range, luxurious interiors, and unmatched versatility, these yachts are the epitome of luxury and exploration. Take the plunge into a world of endless possibilities with an Explorer Yacht today.

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The Xplorer 60, formerly known as the SeaXplorer 60, is in build and almost ready to start taking on infinite adventures. The ideal 60-metre luxury explorer yacht for any Owner looking to push the boundaries of conventional superyachting. With her eye-catching, bold exterior, luxurious interior and ocean-going capabilities, the opportunities with this Xplorer 60 are endless.

Available for delivery spring 2025 -

Into the Extraordinary

The Xplorer range combines high-quality luxury yachting with a passion for adventure and exploration. The result is an icon of innovation, as technically sophisticated as it is elegant. Able to access both polar extremes and unspoiled tropical beauty in safety and absolute comfort, with consideration for fragile areas of natural beauty and autonomy for upto 30 days, the Xplorer embodies escape into the extraordinary.

Exterior design

The Xplorer 60 inherits an award-winning design legacy from both the original Xplorer 58 PINK SHADOW design and the Xplorer 77 LA DATCHA. The result of a collaborative effort with our exterior design partner for the series Azure Yacht Design. This 60-metre Xplorer is set to turn heads in much the same way with her striking and bold exterior lines, inspsired by the natural world she is set to adventure within.

Custom Interiors

For the Xplorer 60’s luxury interiors, we enlisted the expertise of H2 Yacht Design to create a bespoke new interior concept. We have worked with the team at H2 on previous Amels projects but this represents our first collaboration with the UK-based design studio on an Xplorer. The Xplorer 60 features luxury interiors over three guest decks including six suites for 12 guests.

Experience the Xplorer 60

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Discover the amazing potential of an explorer yacht charter

By Editorial Team |   Last Updated 25 October 2022

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Imagine witnessing a whale breaching across the bow? Or, heli-skiing down your own private mountainside? Perhaps you are keen to get involved with marine conservation? Explorer yachts allow you to enjoy a whole range of fascinating experiences, opening up the possibilities for once-in-a-lifetime adventures where the world really is your oyster. 

In this article:

What is an explorer yacht?

Seaworthiness, international polar code, long distance cruising, independence, what are the benefits of an explorer yacht, freedom to explore, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, superyacht luxury, need more information.

In recent years, the charter scene has witnessed an increase in demand for go-anywhere explorer yachts, with naval architects pushing the envelope with a raft of innovative concepts in response to discerning yacht travellers seeking ever-more thrilling adventures. 

Thomas O'Nial, sales manager at Campers & Nicholsons, confirms he's seen a marked increase in requests for explorer yachts in both the sales and charter sectors over the last few years, with the pandemic acting to accelerate this demand: "Clients are tired of the usual yacht charter circuit, and are expressing a desire to explore new territories and discover new things."

Damen's SeaXplorer Design Manager Enrique Tintore agrees, adding "SeaXplorer clients come from all manner of backgrounds and nationalities, but all share a passion for pushing the envelope and a love for fun and adventure. From tropical diving to heliskiing, they want the highest level of capability for fun."

Expedition yachts not only boast impressive cruising ranges and autonomy, but also come equipped with the latest toys, gadgets and state-of-the-art technology, offering a synergy of impeccably-styled interiors and luxury amenities – proving you can have your cake and eat it too.

However, there are some important distinctions between a superyacht and a true explorer yacht; 

First and foremost, while aesthetically rugged and robust, an explorer yacht must be seaworthy. This means safe enough to withstand the roughest sea conditions, and do so comfortably for its passengers onboard. 

A number of yachts also comply with IMO’s Polar Code, with hulls built to ice-class, such as Damen's SeaXplorer  yacht LA DATCHA (pictured), designed to venture to extreme polar regions.

Although not mandatory, it certainly opens up greater opportunities for extreme exploration.

All our clients share a passion for pushing the envelope and a love for fun and adventure

Explorer yachts should also have the fuel tank capacity and efficiency to cruise for longer distances, offering unlimited potential to access remote areas of the globe.

And they don’t need to be behemoths either, British shipbuilder Arksen’s flagship explorer model is a fairly diminutive 26m (85ft) with an impressive 7,000 nm oceangoing range.

Likewise, Italian shipyard Cantiere Delle Marche's latest explorer yachts, AURELIA and RJ are both under 500GT, yet still bear all the hallmarks of a true explorer: robust, seaworthy and designed for world cruising, with both offering a 5,500 nm range without compromising on comfort and luxury, illustrating just how diverse the growing market for explorer vessels can be.

Another important attribute of a true explorer yacht is autonomy, basically the ability to remain at sea for long periods while remaining totally self-sufficient.

To achieve this, as well as ample fuel capacity, the yacht needs sufficient storage space to carry adequate food supplies and other necessities to maintain crew and guests, including specialists such as local guides, helicopter pilots and ski instructors.

The vessel should also be able to generate fresh water and manage waste effectively. This last point is often something that gets overlooked, however is one of the most fundamentally important aspects of an expedition yacht charter, not only because the vessel will undoubtedly be exploring remote locations without convenient refuse services, but also because effective waste management is a crucial environmental issue for ocean going yachts given their autonomy at sea and global range.

With a clearer understanding of what makes an explorer yacht, the next question you might ask is: why should you charter one?

Below are some pretty compelling reasons why explorer yachts are a cut above the rest;

The best thing about an expedition yacht is the freedom to explore the world’s oceans, from the poles to the tropics, with the capacity and range to remain at sea for longer periods of time between stops.

Clients are tired of the usual yacht charter circuit, and are expressing a desire to explore new territories and discover new things

Space is another great feature common on ocean going yachts. From storage to outdoor living, everything about an explorer yacht is supersized, designed for your ultimate comfort and safety whilst at sea. 

Tintore explains the major reason for such large volume on explorer yachts like SeaXplorer La Datcha "is so that we can combine the capability you need to explore the world with the luxury space you want when you are there. Our SeaXplorers offers the best of both without compromise."

Having plenty of onboard space also means there’s more room for toys for use on land and at sea. O'Nial confirms one of the major bonuses in having plenty of space is that "there's much more room for jumbo toys, such as landing craft, especially for remote destinations without any convenient harbours or pontoons, as well as all-terrain vehicles, seaplanes and helicopters."

Some of the larger explorer yachts also come equipped with their own mini medical hospitals complete with trained staff, as well as research laboratories, ski lockers, hyperbaric dive chambers and much more. 

Explorer yachts by their very nature offer the kind of unique experiences that many standard yachts cannot, such as the opportunity to partake in scientific research, explore remote destinations and offer greater opportunities for adrenaline-fuelled adventures as part of the whole package; such as 4x4 off-road touring, heli-skiing and submarine exploration à la Jules Verne. 

Tintore underpins this point: “Explorer yachting offers the opportunity to experience the world with genuine adventure and rare experiences that are truly priceless."

there's much more room for jumbo toys

And there’s no need to compromise on luxury as most explorer yachts nowadays also offer an array of luxurious extras, such as wellness facilities, swimming pools, entertainment systems and movie theatres. 

With unlimited cruising potential coupled with superyacht standard luxury, it's clear to see why explorer yachts have become so popular. 

For some of the coolest places on the planet to visit by explorer yacht, read our article:  Best explorer yacht destinations for off-the-beaten-track adventures.

If you are interested in chartering an explorer yacht, or simply want some more information, please reach out to your preferred yacht charter broker who will be able to help you further.

For some more inspiration, please read our yacht charter destination guides , which offer lots of helpful tips and advice covering a wide range of destinations, as well as a sample of expert hand-picked itineraries.

You can also view the entire fleet of expedition yachts available for charter .

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FEATURED EXPLORER YACHTS AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER

126m Lurssen 2003 / 2021

85m SilverYachts 2019

85m Ak Yachts 2021

78m Piriou 2015

77m IHC Verschure 1974 / 2019

77m Damen Yachting 2020

75m Abeking & Rasmussen 2016

73m Admiral Yachts 2018

68m Royal Niestern Sander 2012 / 2020

63m Halter Marine 1978 / 2022

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From ‘Tenet’ to ‘Succession’: 5 Superyachts That Doubled as Hollywood Sets

These vessels by names like lürssen and admiral yachts provided luxe backdrops for trending productions., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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From the battered trawler Orca in Jaws to the dinghy where Fredo spent his lonely final moments in The Godfather Part II , boats have been integral to myriad Hollywood blockbusters as props, locations, or narrative devices. But now it seems the not-so-humble superyacht, specifically, is ready for its close-up, with sprawling vessels being given more substantive character arcs in everything from chart-topping music videos to TV series. Here, a handful that helped carry their respective productions.

‘Whisper’ | ‘6 Underground’

You don’t often see a 312-foot yacht blown to pieces, but that’s exactly what director Michael Bay inflicts upon Whisper (née Kismet ) in his action-packed thriller 6 Underground starring Ryan Reynolds. It was all movie magic, of course; in reality, much care was taken to protect everything down to the teak decks during filming of the many shoot-outs and explosions.

‘Christina O’ | ‘Triangle of Sadness’

Few yachts are as famous as the actors being filmed on board, but then few yachts compare to the 325-foot Christina O . While the pirate attacks and numerous deaths in Ruben Östlund’s 2022 dark comedy Triangle of Sadness never actually happened aboard Aristotle Onassis’s renowned pleasure craft, it was certainly the real-life setting for wild fetes among the world’s glitterati.

‘Planet Nine’ | ‘Tenet’

Superyachts are often portrayed as safe havens, and the 240-foot luxury ice-breaker Planet Nine made the perfect hideout for the villain in Christopher Nolan’s enigmatic sci-fi film Tenet . Of course, rocket launchers had to be added to the decks to lend the desired military aesthetic. Also included in the movie’s $200 million budget: the use of a stunning Riva 33 Aquariva Super and two F50 foiling catamarans.

‘Solandge’ | ‘Succession’

The estimated value of the Roy family’s empire on HBO’s Succession is around $18 billion, and nothing illustrates the clan’s lavish existence as much their yacht, played by the 279-foot Solandge . Scenes including flashy helicopter landings, luxury tenders, and sundeck pool parties add a dose of verisimilitude for a yacht with a real-life charter rate of about $1.1 million per week, plus expenses.

‘Coral Ocean’ | “Sticky”

As a devotee of extravagance, singer Drake stayed true to his reputation when choosing the 238-foot Coral Ocean as a backdrop for his 2022 music video for “Sticky” from his seventh album, Honestly, Nevermind . The artist was so enamored with the 1994 Lürssen build, which completed a $35 million refit two years ago, that he booked a $660,000 charter afterward, documenting his escapades on social media.

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'Access to hidden-gem ports': Why this luxury yacht is the best option for beach lovers

“This is your yacht, to do with as you please,” Captain Rob O’Leary said to guests of the Emerald Sakara , the second luxury superyacht from Emerald Cruises. “We have an international crew from 21 different nations, and we are all here for you.”

I was on the maiden voyage of the 360-foot Sakara, a December 2023 sailing with the added glamor of a Champagne christening in San Juan, Puerto Rico, led by the ship’s godmother Kelly Craighead. She is president of Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade organization.

“Sakara” is a Sanskrit word meaning “thoughts become things” – a fitting name, given the thought that went into the ship’s chic design.  And our itinerary for the week couldn’t be more yacht-like – an island-hopping experience in the West Indies, stopping in out-of-the-way ports that larger cruise ships can’t manage. And while some smaller boats can feel rocky, the Sakara’s stabilizers keep the ship on an even keel.

Are luxury cruise ships worth the money? We did the math for Silversea's Silver Nova.

With just 100 guests and 76 crew, the Sakara is part of the larger trend in cruising: smaller ships that cater to vacationers who want the style and feel of a yacht, and the intimate service that accompanies that, with the amenities of a larger ship. Craighead said that small-ship cruises offer “luxury at a great value, access to hidden-gem ports and unique features like marinas for water activities directly off the ship,” she says. “These small ships can even be chartered, for your own amazing, private yacht experience.”

After departing from San Juan, the Sakara reached the Puerto Rican island of Culebra in a few hours, just 20 miles off the coast. We hopped in a taxi van at the port to reach the pristine waters of Flamenco Beach, which consistently makes the world’s top 10 lists. It was a fall-asleep-on-the-sand kind of day, under brightly colored umbrellas, with multiple trips to the canteen for French fries.

“I hope you enjoyed Culebra today because it’s quite hard to get in, through a very narrow channel,” O’Leary said at a supper-hour briefing. 

The next day, we stopped at the nearby island of Vieques, which is filled with wild horses – about 2,000 of them – most of whom are fully accustomed to the photo op. We docked at Esperanza Bay and wandered the waterfront. There were jeeps or ATVs available to rent for those who wanted to beach-hop, but we settled into the sand at Sun Bay. And when we sailed into Cruz Bay on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John the following day, there were yachts and catamarans everywhere – and the Sakara fit right in.

The crew outdid itself the next day at White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the British Virgin Islands. A barbecue feast awaited us, along with beach loungers, steel-drum entertainment, and all the paddles and water toys from the ship. Later, we wandered down the beach to find a young yacht crowd, groups of friends who have rented their boats, all knee-deep in their mojitos.

“I get a real kick out of driving the Emerald Sakara into St. Barths, muscling in and anchoring next to all the other superyachts,” O’Leary said. “It looks good in the pictures.” A stop there brought a snorkeling excursion, a bit of high-end shopping and a few rosé-soaked hours on Plage de Saline.

Back on board, the creature comforts of the Sakara included plenty of outdoor space to connect with the ocean, a small infinity pool, a full-service spa and a large, elegant dining room and terrace. It’s all part of the cushy yacht lifestyle. 

The ship will spend the summer and fall cruising the Mediterranean Sea – heading for the French and Italian rivieras, Croatia and Greece – with eight-day itineraries from $5,100. The Emerald Sakara will be back in the Caribbean next December, with eight-day cruises starting at $4,100. 

Editor’s note: The contributor of this story received access to this cruise from Emerald Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

See Four Seasons' upcoming ultra-luxury cruise with a $350,000-a-week suite bigger than most homes

• Four Seasons says it will begin sailing an  ultra-luxury yacht cruise in January 2026.
• The 222-guest vessel would have 95 spacious suites and 11 dining options — but food wouldn't be free.
• The largest suite would have four floors and bedrooms, a spa, and a price of $350,000 per sailing.

Four Seasons plans to expand its high-end hotels and resorts portfolio with a luxury 222-guest cruise ship.

The company says the 95-suite vessel will debut in January 2026 and cost a minimum of $20,000 per weeklong sailing.

For that price, the luxury hospitality giant says travelers would enjoy a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio and massive suites spanning as many as four floors. If all goes as planned, the 679-foot-long Four Seasons I could become one of the most expensive and opulent options in the cruise industry.

The ultra-plush 14-deck Four Seasons I is scheduled for 19 voyages in 2026 to more than 130 Caribbean and Mediterranean ports.

Reservations opened two weeks ago. Those interested can register to join a waitlist or book through a travel agent.

So far, "sales have been very encouraging, and the demand is exciting to see," Thatcher Brown, chief commercial officer and head of joint operations for Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, told Business Insider in a statement. The company is a joint owner and operator of Four Seasons Yachts.

Renderings make the Four Seasons I look as opulent as the brand's land-based properties.

Four Seasons says its vessel will have 95 suites ranging from 537 to 9,975 square feet, some with three bedrooms.

The smallest suite starts at $19,700 for a five-night roundtrip voyage to Athens, Greece.

No windowless interior cabins here: Like other ultra-luxe cruises, the suites would all have terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Customers could expect upscale amenities like a walk-in closet, down-filled duvets and pillows, and marble dual vanity bathrooms, per Four Seasons.

The most premium suites would also feature additional accommodations for "personal assistants," such as au pairs or security personnel.

Some options, like the 7,952-square-foot Loft Suite, could be adjoined with seven other cabins to accommodate up to 20 people.

Without connecting cabins, the Loft Suite would already have three bedrooms and bathrooms, a powder room, and a sauna.

Others, like the largest Funnel Suite, would have its own spa and kitchen.

Four Seasons says the 9,975-square-foot mansion, partially perched in the ship's glass-lined funnel , will span four floors, four bathrooms, three bedrooms, and three powder rooms.

Not to mention the private elevator, pool, and $350,000-a-voyage price tag.

Accommodations of this price and size are generally unheard of in the cruise industry.

Luxury operator Silversea says the largest suite on its upcoming 728-guest Silver Ray will be 1,324 square feet. Competitor Regent Seven Seas' new Seven Seas Grandeur debuted in 2023 with a more expansive six-guest 4,443-square-foot option.

Both suites' sizes and prices — Regent's starts at $42,000 per person for a total of $252,000 at maximum occupancy — would be stunted by Four Seasons' promise of a 9,975-square-foot, $350,000 floating mansion.

But cabins with six-digit prices aren't unheard of.

While not a luxury cruise line, Royal Caribbean's popular three-floor townhouse on the new Icon of the Seas is being booked at an average of $100,000 a week — although it's about four times smaller than Four Seasons' largest.

Royal Caribbean and other mass-market cruise lines are beloved, in part, for their unlimited complimentary food options.

Regent Seven Seas' all-inclusive fare also covers caviar, foie gras, and Champagne.

But don't expect any of these to be free on the Four Seasons I.

Breakfast would be complimentary. Lunch, dinner, and booze would not.

The vessel's 11 restaurants and lounges would be priced similarly to Four Seasons' on-land properties. (A dinner entrée at its resort on the Caribbean island of Nevis — also one of the ship's destinations — ranges from $34 to $163.)

The pricing structure may sound odd to most cruise traditionalists. (Hey, at least WiFi would be "free.")

But some of the ship's amenities could look familiar: Like most cruise liners, the Four Seasons I would have a pool, spa, and clubs for children and teens.

The company also promises a lounge and marina that will open onto the water, giving guests direct access to activities like snorkeling or windsurfing.

Four Seasons Yachts plans to take delivery of its $399 million vessel, now being built by famed Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, in late 2025.

A second Fincantieri-built ship would join the hospitality company's fleet the following year. The next vessel would cost more than 400 million euros, about $429.2 million, Four Seasons says.

This isn’t Four Seasons' first foray into itinerary-based vacations.

The company has also found "tremendous success" in its private jet-based "cruises," Alejandro Reynal, the president and CEO of Four Seasons, told BI in a statement.

Its 2024 vacation-by-air itineraries started at $135,000 for a 16-day Asia tour. Demand has been growing, he said, "signaling that luxury travelers are looking for immersive, exclusive, end-to-end travel journeys that allow them to explore the world with their favorite brands."

But its new ultra-luxe cruise arm would be entering an increasingly crowded luxury market, soon to be dominated by like-minded hospitality giants.

High-end Aman Resorts and Orient Express plan to launch their own luxury cruises in 2027 and 2026, respectively.

Staying ahead of the competition, Ritz-Carlton debuted its first 149-suite Evrima yacht cruise in 2021, with a second 224-cabin ship scheduled to begin sailing later this year. Its least expensive itinerary is currently $5,100 per person for a six-night voyage from Barbados to Puerto Rico in early 2025.

Interested in a hotelier-owned vacation at sea but don't want to pay the luxury price tag? Margaritaville's cruise is an affordable $75 for two nights.

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Feadship’s first full hybrid electric project 1012 takes to the sea.

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The first full hybrid electric yacht by Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards, Project 1012, emerges from ... [+] the shed at Makkum in preparation for sea trials and July delivery.

Feadship has announced the launch of their first full Hybrid Electric Class yacht, Project 1012, from Hoofdorp, The Netherlands. The yacht headed out of the shed at Makkum for sea trials in anticipation a July delivery to its Spanish owner, a repeat Feadship customer. Project 1012’s design is noteworthy inside and out, dovetailing a contemporary chamfered hull with a traditional flared bow, defining its modern classic profile.

By The Numbers

On the way to sea trials from Makkum, Feadship's 91.80-meter yacht, Project 1012, is guided away ... [+] from the shed but toward the shipyard's carbon neutral goal, Road to Zero, 2030.

Project 1012 measures 91.80 m/301’2” in length, bow to stern. Stretching across a 14.50m/47’7” beam, the yacht has a 3.90m/12’10” draft. The crisp navy-blue steel hull and bright white aluminum superstructure work well with upper decks, pleasantly curved and cleanly wrapped in uninterrupted floor to ceiling glass. The overall effect? Ultra-clean.

The propulsion system powers the yacht with two MTU 16V4000M65 main engines offering 2560kW at 1800 RPM with shaft-driven, fixed pitch propellers. Additionally, three Caterpillar C18 generators provide 465 ekW, and two PTI/PTO, Power Take-off /Power Take-in, motors provide 2 x 560 kW, with a Lithium-Ion battery capacity of 1 megawatt.

Feadship Project 1012 in 3/4 profile shows off the extended beach club and aft deck requested by the ... [+] owner as one of the reasons for building a new yacht.

The yacht’s conventional diesel propulsion mode is assisted by the e-motors which work as shaft generators, providing electricity for hotel loads and battery bank recharging. Low speed navigation is also a benefit of this hybrid system, using the power from generators or batteries to navigate marinas and tight maneuvers.

Those systems give the project a top speed of 17.5 knots, with a cruise range of 5,500 nautical miles at 12 knots.

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New google play biometrics warning issued to all android users, apple watch series 9 hits all time low special offer price, project 1012 design team.

The launch of another groundbreaking Feadship moves them one step closer to their 2030 neutral ... [+] carbon goal with state-of-the-art Feadship technology.

The yacht’s naval architecture was penned by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects, complemented by design from Sinot Yacht Architecture and the owner’s design resources. Additional owner requests regarding specific exterior design were well integrated owing to the owner’s long history of yachting experience.

Excellence in craftsmanship evident throughout the yacht exhibits impeccable execution of detail, turning the yacht into an “understated family home.”

Interior Details

The owner’s request for more beach club space resulted in the new design commanding 25 percent of the length of the lower deck. In addition to a large, fixed stern platform, two fold-down platforms to port and starboard contribute to 165 square meters, approximately 1776 square feet, of leisure lounging at the water’s edge. Just forward of the beach club, a side-load garage secures storage for two 10-meter tenders, a ski boat, and a bevy of additional water toys.

The large stern platform and two fold-down decks to port and starboard create a grand beach club ... [+] worthy of the 165 square meters dedicated to waterfront leisure.

Forward of the tender garage and engine room, the usual placement of a galley, crew mess, and crew cabins own the lower deck bow. From the stern beach club platform, a matched pair of sweeping staircases to port and starboard lead to the main aft deck where a large pool beckons. A shaded open air lounge tucks in under the deckhead overhang.

Guest suites and staff cabins located forward on the main deck, and master stateroom, family lounge, and wellness area on upper decks, are outfitted with natural materials and finishes. The sun deck is graced with a forward-facing sofa and sun loungers, collecting guests for sunsets, panoramas, and observation. The aft portion of the sun deck, fitted with a crane, stores two rescue tenders.

Project Manager Albert Abma comments in a Feadship press release, "Working with the experienced owner, designers, and owner's team has been a professional pleasure," continuing, “Gathering the operational experience of the owner’s team with the yard’s building experience has resulted in this modern-classic, state-of-art and full custom new Feadship”.

Feadship’s Roadmap To Zero

Project 1012 details illustrate the Feadship hallmark of craftsmanship.

As Feadship aims carefully at a carbon-neutral superyacht by 2030, Project 1012 puts them one step closer to a fuel system engaging progressive thinking, assuring every Feadship is poised to transition gracefully to new fuels.

“The crucial next step is that we need a flexible or agnostic fuel system, meaning it has to work with the fuels of today, but also those of tomorrow, as we’re not yet talking of just fuel cells for propulsion purposes,” notes Giedo Loeff, head of Feadship R & D, in a Feadship press release. With that 2030 commitment, Loeff adds, “Our announcement is significant because as of now Feadship plans to build yachts with tanks and systems that are certified for a whole array of non-fossil fuels.”

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From the archives: Inside 107m Andromeda, the toughest toybox on the water

In 2016 Graeme Hart took delivery of 107.4-metre Andromeda (then known as Ulysses ), a hardy, go-anywhere explorer capable of carrying a 21-metre multihull in the foredeck.  Eight years on and now under new ownership, Hart's vision lives on – albeit with a change of hull colour and new faring. In this 2016 deep dive from the BOAT International archives, Stewart Campbell gets a closer look at Andromeda . 

There’s something wide-eyed and wonderful about Andromeda . If you put a bunch of 10-year-old kids in a room, dosed them up with sugar and told them to design a boat between them, I’d put good money on it coming out like this — and carrying the same sort of kit: six motorbikes, two ATVs, a helicopter, a twin-hulled 50-knot support boat, a Sealegs amphibious RIB and full-on landing craft. It’s a Tonka truck with a hull. It’s an iceberg-dodging, wave-crunching, mile-munching, ocean-eating, horizon-conquering monster. 

The 107-metre explorer yacht  looks totally out of place the first time I spot her, anchored off genteel Cap d’Antibes, with not a snowy peak or dreamy atoll in sight. She’s a fair way off shore but still dominates the horizon. Eclipse is also in town but, from a distance, it’s hard to tell that the Blohm+Voss yacht is 55 metres longer than Andromeda , whose 6,000 gross tonnes and six decks tower above the waterline.

Her look, that toughest-kid-in-the-anchorage aesthetic, was a naked statement of intent from her commissioning owner, Kiwi billionaire Graeme Hart, and his close collaborator on the exterior styling, Kyle Dick, of OscarMike Naval Architects in New Zealand. “The portrayal of strength is not misleading,” says Hart. “It is what it is. Andromeda is a boat to be used. Everything about it is to be used. My theme with cruising is ‘no limits’.” Dick says they were going for “expedition style with real presence”. Job done on that score.

Andromeda was former owner Graeme Hart’s fifth superyacht (his sixth, the 116 metre Ulysses was delivered by Norweigan yard Kleven in 2018). His previous boat was the well-known, no-nonsense 58.5 metre Trinity yacht Ulysses , now called Grand Rusalina . And before that was a 49 metre Feadship now known as Teleost . Each jump up the chain demonstrates an attempt by Hart to achieve the perfect balance in a boat, which comprises three main elements, he says: seakeeping, volume and support.

“I’ve always strived to deliver the best seakeeping because, guess what, people can get pretty fragile in a Force 9 gale. Number two is volume because you want to bring friends and family and you don’t want 10 or 20 people clambering over each other. I remember building our 49 metre Feadship and it felt like we were building the Oriana ! But we soon found the volume limiting so went on to build a 1,000 gross tonne boat, and now Andromeda is a 6,000GT boat,” he says.

“The last element is support — and that’s about tender ops, activities and things like that. From day one in New Zealand we were brought up in an active boating lifestyle, but you can’t just pull up in a bay and sit there. What are you doing? Well, on Andromeda we have everything you possibly can do. If you want to put some bikes in the landing craft and go riding, then off you go. If you want to get the heli out and reconnoitre, then off you go. The whole suite of support activities is there."

Hart’s journey to find a shipyard that would be able to deliver on all three fronts took him far north, to the fjords of Norway and the little town of Ulsteinvik. There, he found Kleven Verft, a world leader in building offshore support vessels (OSVs). “What we learnt was that the real SUV of the sea was these OSVs that support the oil rigs — that was the big ‘ahhh’ moment. These are the guys that really understand how to build a vessel that’s intended to cope with any sea condition and provide maximum comfort, stability and safety.”

But first Kleven needed to be convinced to take on a project unlike anything that had come before it. “We needed to think through if this was right for us,” says Ståle Rasmussen, the yard’s CEO. “In the end it came down to the partners and how we were able to co-operate and work together – this is what shipbuilding is all about.”

The Andromeda dream team became: Kleven for construction; OscarMike, with heavy input from Hart, for the exterior styling and layout; Marin Teknikk for the naval architecture and London’s H2 Yacht Design for the interiors, working closely with Hart’s wife, Robyn. Outfitting, meanwhile, was done in Germany by Finnish company Europlan, which has a proud history of fitting out cruise ships but a very limited one working with superyachts. But then again, nothing was ordinary about this build.

“I love building and creating something that wasn’t there before,” says Hart. “There’s no replication. You’re not hitting a ‘I’ll have another one of those’ buttons. You’re creating something that hasn’t been done before, so it’s a journey.”

You get a sense of Andromeda ’s commercial roots when stepping on board, with the high door cills, unpolished welds and, of course, that unfaired hull. But it’s all contextual. If you were walking into a high-maintenance interior that cost €20,000 a square metre, it wouldn’t feel quite right.

The job of mellowing the unalloyed masculinity of Andromeda fell to Jonny Horsfield, of H2. “We went for light, pastel colours and a relaxed summer house feel inside,” he says. “We felt the concept of the yacht was to be a go-anywhere ‘superyacht’ rather than a basic functional explorer.

“We worked mostly with the interior contractor, Europlan, who were fast learners. For example, they expect a wall finish to be part of a panel system that can be repeated quickly across a large ship, but we explained that yacht interiors are made up of layers of finishes and they soon understood and adapted quickly.”

One of H2’s big inputs was to bring the spa and superyacht gym together at the rear of Andromeda ’s main deck, creating one large wellness centre. Horsfield also suggested relocating the cinema to the boat deck, where it joins a clubby saloon to form a more informal party area, complete with pool table and mirror-finish stainless steel bar.

Europlan really hit a high note with this unit, says Horsfield. “They are really comfortable with metal finishes and the bar was easy for them to produce.” Two areas where there was zero attempt to restrain the commerciality of the contractors — and to great effect —were the galley and bridge on Andromeda .

The former is a chef’s dream, offering immediate access to a big forward pantry, a huge island and enormous windows. It’s all on the same level as Andromeda ’s main dining areas, which are two separate spaces: one formal, with a long banqueting table, and a more informal canteen-like set-up.

The bridge, meanwhile: whoa. Visibility through those forward-leaning frames is outstanding and, such is their scale and height, they make everything else in the anchorage look like a bath toy. “The concept for the bridge on Andromeda was offshore support vessel pumped up with a bit of carbon fibre and teak,” says Captain John Brining. “I’ve worked on the biggest cruise ship in the world — and this is better.”

The entirely Rolls-Royce bridge is also Hart’s favourite part of Andromeda . “I love being up there, especially if we’re going into a new port or anchorage. You can sit in the lounge to starboard and have breakfast or lunch, or if we’re doing a sunset cruise we’ll sit there with a glass of wine. It’s a very social space but you’re not getting in the way. Just the elevation, the windows, the design – it’s an area you could happily spend a lot of time in.”

Space is a theme throughout. Guests, of which Andromeda can carry 36, each get very generous quarters, spread across three decks, with the choicest digs being the two VIPs on the boat deck, each with its own private superyacht balcony . The upper deck guest cabins also get some shared outside real estate. “That’s fabulous because for most guest cabins on yachts they’re looking out of a porthole. Some cabins are bigger than others but there’s no apology needed anywhere,” Hart says. The biggest cabin is naturally the owner’s – and it occupies an entire deck.

Unusually, the bedroom is rear-facing, overlooking a private aft terrace, while forward is a lounge and bar. Horsfield also designed all the exterior deck layouts and furniture, and he kept to the theme. “We tried hard to make sure the functionality of the exterior decks related to the concept of world cruising. The basic concept was: breakfast on the aft main deck, lunch and chilling on the aft pool deck and dinner on the upper deck.”

It’s worked out a little like that, says Hart. “We might have breakfast on the aft deck and evening drinks on the main deck. You go up to the sky lounge to play pool at night and have a pre-dinner cocktail. The pool deck serves two purposes: one as a daytime activity area but it’s also a great party environment at night. We got such a big [11 metre] pool because often, if you’re cruising in the South Pacific, sometimes jumping off the back of the boat is not always the best idea. And if Andromeda swings at anchor, suddenly you’ve got a 500 yard swim home.”

That’s if you’ve got time for swimming, because Andromeda has one big problem: you’re almost paralysed with choice. Housed in the well forward is a 21 metre foiling catamaran, known as U21, owned by the Harts for years, which is an independent cruiser in its own right. It can be craned off in just over an hour (“down from three,” the captain says proudly) and take parties fishing or exploring.

It’s the choice when you want to get up close and personal with nature, something Hart learnt the hard way. “We were in Alaska and went exploring in a RIB and by the time we got back to the boat we almost had hypothermia. If you’re in Alaska and you want to go exploring, you do it in U21!”

There are also two 14 metre Naiad RIBs housed on Andromeda’s boat deck that can be splashed in no time, as well as four sailing dinghies, four jet skis, the landing craft and amphibious RIB. But it’s what’s kept in the toy garage that will quicken the heart of anyone in touch with their inner 10 year old. Complete with sofa and access to a modest beach club, two brand new Harleys gleam next to the untouched Ducatis and zero-miles KTMs. The two ATVs sit temptingly, too.

“It all comes back to why you’re on the boat,” says Hart. “You’re on Andromeda to make the most of every single day. For some people that will mean sitting by the pool, but for others it will be taking out a motorbike or exploring in some remote area in the ATVs. You can bring the landing craft up alongside and in no time you’re off on land exploring or cruising. It’s just really cool to have a menu of things to maximise your experience.”

Andromeda comfortably ticks the support and volume boxes, then, but what about seakeeping? She hasn’t been tested yet in the wild, desolate seas of the high latitudes, but you get the impression that the huge flared bow will shrug off anything too testing. Captain Brining says the worst he’s encountered at the helm were 4.5 metre seas, which barely registered on the bridge.

Andromeda's a heavy unit – all steel and Ice Classed – so runs pretty flat, or as the captain puts it: “You’d have smashed the interior to pieces before you’d be worried about the ship.” Then, at anchor, the dynamic positioning can be engaged, the huge 13 square metre stabilisers flapping in tune with the bow thruster and azipulls to keep you dead still. The diesel-electric set-up also means that pristine anchorages will remain unspoilt by any chug, as Andromeda quietly slips out on batteries alone.

Then your only decision is what to do with the 8,500 nautical miles in Andromeda's ’ tanks. “Just fill it with fuel and food and she can go for months,” says Hart. “You just have to figure out what you want to do. There’s a big old world out there beyond St Tropez.”

First published in the September 2016 edition of Boat International. Subscribe below and never miss an issue.

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