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The Ultimate Guide to Azzam Yacht: Specs, Design, and More

The Azzam was launched in 2013. She quickly became world famous for her incredible design and unheard of size. Even years later the Azzam remains the biggest yacht in the world. The designer has surpassed calling it a superyacht or even a mega yacht and has settled on the term gigayacht. 

Who is the Azzam Yacht Owner?

Azzam was owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was the second president of the United Arab Emirates until his death in 2022. He had a family fortune of $150 billion and was one of the richest people in the world. His assets were estimated by Forbes to be in the range of $830 billion which is almost unbelievable. 

Since his death it is unclear who the current owner of Azzam might be since he had eight children and a wife. The yacht may still be in the family or they may have sold it. 

How Much Did Yacht Azzam Cost?

It’s believed that the yacht came with an initial price tag, back in 2013, of $605 million. Though obviously reflecting the size of the yacht, the price is also believed to be elevated due to how it was built. After the initial design, the yacht was built in just three years which is an exceptionally short building time for a project of this size. Rumor has it that 4,000 people worked on the speed build and so some of that money went into ensuring it was built not just to standard but quickly as well. 

For a truly mind-blowing bit of trivia, someone took the time to determine the number of man hours that went into the building and did the math on how long it would have took one person by themselves to build the yacht. For it to have been delivered to the owner at the same time in 2013, the builder would have had to start making the yacht back in the year 1737 BC. That’s 3,750 years.

Can You Charter the Azzam

Interestingly enough you can probably find charter listings for the Azzam on the internet. If you can, you’ll also see that there are no available dates. The Azzam seems to have been listed as a charter yacht as something of a trick to avoid certain taxes. In Europe, charter yachts are exempt from a number of taxes so as long as it’s listed as a charter it’s cheaper to operate, even if no one is ever really allowed to charter it. 

How Big is the Azzam Yacht?

Azzam holds the title of the longest yacht in the world as of 2023, a title it has held since it was launched back in 2013. In fact, it was only surpassed in length in 2019 by a research and exploration vessel called REV Ocean which straddles the line between a yacht and something else and isn’t, strictly speaking, classified as a private yacht. 

Azzam clocks in at 180 meters in length which works out to an astounding 590 feet. The displacement is 13,136 gross tons. The beam is 68 feet but it only has a 14 feet draft. For a yacht its size, the Azzam was able to navigate some relatively shallow waters. 

How Fast is Azzam and What Engines Does it Use

The Azzam superyacht has a top speed listed at an impressive 32 knots, something you might not expect from such a large vessel. It’s powered by 2 Diesel 17,524 kW (23,500 hp) engines and 2 Gas Turbine engines with an output of 17,524 kW (23,500 hp).That’s a total of about 47,000 horsepower that was forced out through two Wartsila axial flow Modular waterjets and two boosters. It’s designed to easily travel warm and shallow waters

One source says it’s actually pulling 97,000 hp and that, at top speed, she can burn through 13 tonnes of fuel per hour. In any event, she’s able to cross an entire ocean without worrying about needing to refuel.

Inside the Azzam: Design and Features

Azzam was built by German shipyard Lurssen, builders of many of the world’s biggest superyachts. The bold and elegant exterior design is courtesy of Nauta Yachts while the interior, described as an innovative and timeless design, was handled by Christopher Leoni. It’s said he focused on luxurious décor inspired by the Empire style.

There’s a 95 footlong main salon in the yacht that has a totally open design and no pillars. This room also features a chandelier that was designed such that, even at full speed, it won’t rattle. The furniture on board features marquetry in mother of pearl. Word is it used an entire year’s production worth of it. 

There is room for 36 guests on board plus an owner’s suite. A crew of 60 maintain the yacht while it’s underway.

You have to assume a yacht of this size has a lot going for it. The sheer size of the Azzam ensured it had room for a lot of features, including stuff you’d not see on many yachts. Some of the known features of the Azzam include:

• An on-board submarine
• An on-board golf training room
• Fully equipped gym
• A large tender garage
• Swimming pool
• An entire missile defense system that can be deployed if the yacht is attacked
• An entirely bulletproof master suite

These are just a few of the known features. As you can imagine, a motor yacht with a bulletproof master suite and a missile defense system is one that was also built with privacy and security in mind. As such there are only limited details about what is available inside and very few photos of it as well. 

The Bottom Line

The mega yacht known as Azzam was owned by the president of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan until his death in 2022. It is currently unknown who has possession of the vessel. Despite being built in 2013, the yacht remains the longest yacht in the world at an astounding 590 feet.

It was never built to be the largest on purpose and, in fact, designers had to add considerable length in the production process to make sure everything fit and functioned properly which boosted it to the size it is now. 

At a price of over $600 million, it’s also one of the most expensive yachts ever build. The details of the interior are limited but it’s known to have remarkable defensive capabilities including a missile defense system.

One of the most remarkable features of the interior layout is a 95 foot long lounge area that has no support pillars as part of a visionary modern design. The beams in the ceiling are a meter thick as a result and the large, glass windows/walls were built to handle extreme stress with 7 cm thick glass.

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Azzam die größte Megayacht der Welt: Made by Lürssen-Werft

Roman Abramowitsch wurde abgelöst, seine Eclipse ist nicht mehr die “Größte Yacht der Welt”. Die Azzam hat nun den Titel “größte Privatyacht der Welt” inne. Das Schiff ist ebenso wie die Eclipse in Deutschland gebaut worden. Die Ecplise wurde bei Blohm und Voss in Hamburg gebaut und die Azzam ist auf der Lürssen Werft in Bremen entstanden. Die Azzam gehört laut der deutschen Wikipedia dem Prinz al-Walid ibn Talal Al Saud, der im übrigen der reichste Araber ist und zudem die Kingdom Holding führt. Er ist aber mit seinen 10 Milliarden Dollar Vermögen nur auf Rang 23 der aktuellen Forbes-Liste. Da ist also durchaus noch Potenzial nach oben. Wenn man der englischen Wikipedia glauben darf, dann ist der Besitzer Scheich Khalifa, das Oberhaupt (Präsident) der vereinigten arabischen Emirate. Für die Megayacht Azzam sollen rund 490 Millionen Euro bezahlt worden sein. Das wären in etwa 140 Millionen Euro mehr als die Sphinx-Schiffe wie die AIDAstella und so weiter pro Stück gekostet haben. Abramowitsch hatte seinerzeit bei B+V zweimal die Eclipse noch während der Bauphase verlängern lassen um auch ja die größte aller Privatyachten zu haben, schlussendlich war die Yacht nur einen halben Meter länger als die Dubai. Ich bin gespannt ob er sich damit abfinden kann oder ob Blohm und Voss, oder sogar die Lürssen Werft nicht demnächst einen Nachfolger für die Eclipse bauen wird…

Die Azzam ist mit ihren 180 Metern Länge sogar größer als einige Kreuzfahrtschiffe, sie ist länger als die MS Astor (176 Meter), die MS Delphin (157 Meter), die Ocean Majesty (136 Meter) die MS Hamburg (144 Meter) und auch nur 23 Meter kürzer als die kleinen AIDAs, wie die AIDAvita, AIDAaura und AIDAcara. Mit ihren 94000 PS schafft sie es auf über 31 Knoten Maximalgeschwindigkeit.

Das Design der Azzam stammt von Nauta Yachts, die Inneneinrichtung hat Christoph Leoni entworfen. Die Azzam ist sieben Decks hoch, der größte Salon soll über 500 Quadratmeter haben…

Ein bisschen kleiner (155 Meter) aber auch aus Deutschland ist die Al SAID vom Sultan aus Oman , die trifft man relativ häufig in Dubrovnik, der scheint ein Kroatien-Fan zu sein. Der werte Herr fährt im übrigen immer im Konvoi, zu seiner Megayacht gibt es noch ein Versorgungsschiff die Fulk al Salamah die nur unwesentlich kleiner ist.

Gegen die Megayachten hier, ist die Reisebericht AIDAvita Mittelmeerkreuzfahrt: Abreise von Mallorca vor kurzem mit ihren knapp über 90 Metern ja nur reines Spielzeug…

Die Megayacht Azzam in Fahrt:

Im übrigen stammen aus den Top 100 Megayachten auf der Welt fast 50 Prozent aus deutschen Werften. Die Inhaber sind aber bei weitem nicht alle deutsch. Die Araber führen die Liste an, gefolgt von den Russen und Amerikanern.

Der Trend geht aber nicht bei allen in die Richtung “größer, größer”, es gibt auch einige die ihre riesigen Privatyachten verkauft haben weil sie damit kaum noch in die kleinen Häfen reinkamen und haben sich daher kleinere Luxusyachten bauen lassen…

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Azzam Superyacht

Azzam Superyacht, delivered in October 2013, replaced the Eclipse Superyacht as the largest superyacht in the world.

Constructor

Fr. Lurssen Werft

Exterior Designer

Nauta Design

Interior Designer

Christophe Leoni

Length of Azzam

October 2013

Two diesel engines rated at 23,000HP

Azzam was launched at Lurssen Shipyard in Bremen, Germany, in April 2013. Upon delivery to its owner in October 2013, the yacht created a significant landmark in yacht building, involving less than three years of construction and one year of engineering activities.

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The owner of the yacht is Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The yacht’s construction cost more than $600m. The name of the yacht, Azzam, means determination in Arabic.

The exterior design of the yacht was provided by Nauta Design, while interior design was by Christophe Leoni. Fr. Lurssen Werft was responsible for the engineering and construction of the Azzam superyacht. Technical engineering activities were carried out under the leadership of Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi.

Development of the world’s largest superyacht

The yacht was transferred from her original dock at Lurssen Shipyard, measuring 170m, to a larger dock, measuring 220m, in May 2012. Steel cutting for the yacht was held in late 2009.

The yacht successfully completed sea trials in June 2013, prior to its commissioning.

Dimensions of the superyacht

The Azzam measures 180m long, and has a beam of 20.8m and a maximum draft of 4.3m. The hull of the world’s larget yacht is made of steel.

The yacht is larger than the Eclipse by 17.2m. The Eclipse, which was commissioned in 2010, is owned by billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Azzam superyacht has a gross tonnage capacity of approximately 14,000t and features a fuel tank with a capacity of one million litres.

Its main salon measures 29m in length, with its beam measuring 18m. The salon on-board the yacht has an open space featuring no support pillars. The yacht features approximately 50 suites with no large open spaces on the deck, with the interior design of the vessel incorporating the Empire Style.

Azzam superyacht layout and facilities

The interior design of the yacht is highly confidential, but initial photo releases suggest that it features six decks. The rear view of the vessel also suggests that it is powered by jets.

The yacht is capable of providing accommodation facilities for at least 50 professional crew members. Similar to other yachts constructed by Lurssen, Azzam is environment-friendly with decreased carbon dioxide, noise and soot emissions, as well as enhanced fuel-efficiency.

Azzam is also believed to include facilities to use waste heat from the engine to operate the yacht’s desalination system for drinking water. Lurssen has been lauded for being the first yacht-builder to implement this system.

Engine details

The yacht features two gas turbines and two diesel engines with a rated power output of 23,500hp. The yacht can sail at a maximum speed of 30k.

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• EILMELDUNG — __proto_headline__

Superyachten: Wer hat die längste

Saudische "Azzam" Das ist die längste Yacht der Welt

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Hamburg - Drei Luxuslimousinen der Marke Maybach hintereinander oder 17,50 Meter: So groß ist der Längenunterschied zwischen der "Eclipse" des russischen Oligarchen Roman Abramowitsch und der nagelneuen "Azzam". Die 180 Meter lange Megayacht ist am Freitag bei der Bremer Lürssen-Werft vom Stapel gelaufen und gehört Branchendiensten zufolge dem saudischen Prinzen Walid Ibn Talal . Ein bisschen teurer als die "Eclipse" ist das neue Luxusspielzeug vermutlich auch gewesen, die Schätzungen liegen bei rund 500 Millionen Euro. Die "Eclipse", Baujahr 2009, hatte nur 340 Millionen Euro gekostet - allerdings ohne Extras wie das U-Boot und das Raketenabwehrsystem .

Während über die Inneneinrichtung der "Azzam" noch spekuliert wird, ist über die "Eclipse" schon vieles bekannt: Die Abramowitsch-Yacht ist eine regelrechte Festung, mit zahlreichen Abwehrmöglichkeiten gegen Paparazzi oder Angreifer, aber auch mit Annehmlichkeiten wie Pool, Kino, Partyraum.

Das Dach der Kabine von Abramowitsch lässt sich öffnen, die Gäste können sich auf Motorbooten und Jet-Skis vergnügen und zur Anreise auf einem der beiden Hubschrauberlandeplätze landen. Der Bau bei Blohm + Voss war allerdings recht kompliziert: Zweimal musste das Schiff verlängert werden, damit es nicht schon beim Stapellauf auf den zweiten Platz verwiesen wird, mehrfach musste die Hamburger Werft das Schiff wegen Beanstandungen überarbeiten. Angeblich soll Blohm + Voss mit dem Auftrag sogar Verlust gemacht haben.

Die meisten Superreichen der Welt legen sich Luxusyachten zu, wenn sie mit ihrem Wohlstand prahlen wollen. Der mutmaßliche Besitzer der "Azzam" hatte schon vor sechs Jahren als erster Privatmensch einen Airbus A380 bestellt (Listenpreis circa 200 Millionen Euro), verkaufte das größte Passagierflugzeug der Welt allerdings noch vor der Auslieferung weiter.

Saunalandschaft, Weinkeller, Konzertsaal: Alles an Bord

Es sind vor allem Scheichs und Prinzen aus den Arabischen Emiraten, die die Liste der Besitzer der längsten Yachten der Welt prägen: Auf dem mittlerweile dritten Platz liegt Scheich Mohammed Bin Raschid Al Maktum, Herrscher von Dubai und Premierminister der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate . Seine Yacht "Dubai" ist nur einen halben Meter kürzer als die "Eclipse" von Abramowitsch. Auch sie hat einen Pool, einen Hubschrauberlandeplatz und Kabinen für mehr als hundert Gäste. Und auch die "Dubai" wurde in Deutschland gebaut: Bei Blohm + Voss und in der Lürssen-Werft.

Die Lürssen-Werft hat derzeit das Quasi-Monopol auf Großyachten, auch das jetzt viertlängste Schiff bauten die Bremer: 2008 übernahm das Sultanat Oman die 155 Meter lange "Al Said" als königliche Yacht. Neben dem obligatorischen Hubschrauberlandeplatz ist über die Inneneinrichtung folgendes bekannt: Es soll eine Saunalandschaft geben, einen Weinkeller, ein Kino und einen Konzertsaal mit Platz für ein 50-köpfiges Orchester. Sicher ist zudem, dass die Zahl der Bediensteten die der Gäste mit 150 zu 65 deutlich übersteigt.

Je kürzer die Yacht, umso mehr Häfen kann sie anlaufen

Einer der hierzulande bekanntesten Eigner einer Megayacht ist der Microsoft -Mitgründer Paul Allen: Er ließ seine "Octopus" (126 Meter, Hubschrauberhangar, U-Boot für acht Personen) ebenfalls in Deutschland bauen, bei der Werft HDW in Kiel - im Auftrag von Lürssen. Als Allen die "Octopus" 2003 in Empfang nahm, bekam er die drittlängste Yacht der Welt - 2013 ist sie auf Platz zwölf abgerutscht. Um Aufsehen zu erregen, muss eine Yacht aber nicht unbedingt sehr groß sein: Die "Venus" des verstorbenen Apple-Chef Steve Jobs ist nur 78 Meter lang - das reicht gerade für Platz 70.

Auf den besten Rang, nämlich auf Platz 9, kommt ein US-Amerikaner, der Film- und Musikproduzent David Geffen. Seine 138-Meter-Yacht "Rising Sun" ist ebenfalls von der Lürssen-Werft gebaut worden - ursprünglich allerdings für den Chef des US-Software-Konzerns Oracle , Larry Ellison . Der hatte fünf Jahre nach einem Käufer für die "Rising Sun" gesucht, um sich 2010 die vergleichsweise winzige "Musashi" bauen zu lassen - mit dem 88-Meter-Schiff (Platz 46 der 100 längsten Yachten) kann der Milliardär nämlich deutlich mehr Yachthäfen anlaufen.

Anmerkung der Redaktion: In einer früheren Version dieses Artikels hieß es, die Lürssen-Werft habe ihren Sitz in Bremerhaven. Diese Information ist falsch, vielmehr ist Bremen der Hauptsitz. Wir haben die Stelle korrigiert und bitten, den Fehler zu entschuldigen.

Mehr lesen über

Die größte Privatyacht der Welt: Am 5. April 2013 lief die 188-Meter-Yacht "Azzam" bei der Lürssen-Werft in Bremen vom Stapel. Über diese Fakten hinaus gibt es nur viele Spekulationen: Die Yacht soll vom saudischen Prinzen Walid Ibn Talal in Auftrag gegeben worden sein und 500 Millionen Euro gekostet haben.

Angeblich soll die Megayacht bis zu 28 Knoten (rund 50 km/h) schnell fahren. Weil die riesigen Motoren aber entsprechend viel Treibstoff brauchen, haben die Tanks angeblich ein Volumen von einer Million Litern.

Der bisherige Rekordhalter "Eclipse": Die Megayacht hat ihren Eigner Roman Abramowitsch während des Baus viel Ärger eingebracht. Mehrfach musste die Werft Blohm + Voss nacharbeiten, angeblich hat sie bei dem 340-Millionen-Auftrag sogar einen Verlust eingefahren. Das Schiff hat ein U-Boot, zwei Hubschrauberlandeplätze und sogar ein Raketenabwehrsystem an Bord.

Im Innenraum herrscht angeblich Luxus pur: Die Wände sollen mit Krokodilledertapete bezogen sein, auch ein Kino, eine Disco und ein Pool sind an Bord. In seiner Kabine kann Abramowitsch angeblich sogar das Dach öffnen um freien Blick auf den Himmel zu genießen.

Die Vorgängerin: Schon vor der "Eclipse" hatte der russische Oligarch eine Luxusyacht: Die "Luna", hier auf einer Probefahrt Richtung Helgoland, ist allerdings nur schlappe 115 Meter lang.

Die "Dubai" von Scheich Mohammed Bin Raschid Al Maktum: Die Luxusyacht wurde ebenfalls von der Bremer Lürssen-Werft gebaut und ist nur einen halben Meter kürzer als die "Eclipse" - allerdings mindestens genauso luxuriös und mit Kabinen für 115 Gäste.

Wirklich große Yachten kaufen vor allem die arabischen Herrscherhäuser: Hier liegt die "Al Said", in Besitz des Sultans von Oman, in der Adria vor Anker. Der schwimmende Palast misst rund 155 Meter Länge und liegt damit auf dem vierten Platz der weltweit längsten Yachten. Im Innenraum ist angeblich ein Konzertsaal mit Platz für ein 50-köpfiges Orchester.

Gewaltiges Schiff: Seit 1999 ist die "Al-Salamah" auf den Weltmeeren unterwegs. Die in Deutschland gebaute 140-Meter-Yacht gehört dem Kronprinzen von Saudi-Arabien und steht auf Platz 8 der Rangliste.

Megayachten vor der Luxuswerft: Hier liegen die "Al-Salamah" (oben), die im Besitz des saudischen Königshauses ist und die "Rising Sun", die von Oracle-Chef Larry Ellison bestellt und später wieder verkauft wurde.

Italienerin "Serene": Die 134-Meter-Yacht ist ausnahmsweise nicht in Deutschland, sondern von der italienischen Werft Fincantieri gebaut worden. An Bord befindet sich ein U-Boot, das für Tauchgänge bis 100 Meter ausgelegt ist. Wer die Besitzer der Yacht sind, ist nicht bekannt.

Die "Octopus" von Microsoft-Mitgründer Paul Allen: Beim Stapellauf 2003 war die "Octopus" die drittgrößte Yacht der Welt - mittlerweile ist sie mit 126 Metern Länge auf Platz 12 abgerutscht.

iYacht: Die "Venus" wurde von Apple-Chef Steve Jobs in Auftrag gegeben und von Star-Designer Philippe Starck entworfen. Den Stapellauf der mit 78 Metern Länge vergleichsweise kleinen Yacht im Oktober 2012 hat Steve Jobs nicht mehr erlebt.

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A Closer Look at the $600 Million Superyacht Azzam

It's the longest yacht in the world and one of the world's biggest superyachts. The Azzam is a sight to behold. It's sleek and slender. Traveling up to 32 knots, it's fast. The Azzam was commissioned by the President of the United Arab Emirates, one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world. It took three years to build and was launched in 2013. It's veiled in secrecy. No one knows quite for sure what the interior looks like except for what we've heard from French interior designer Christophe Leoni. We do know that the Azzam superyacht has a heliport, a submarine, and a missile defense system. It can travel at fast speeds in warm shallow water. It has a large capacity for guests and crew members. The Azzam is certainly one of the most luxurious yachts of all time. Here is a closer look at the $600 million Superyacht Azzam.

Who owns it?

It took one year to be engineered and three years to build the Azzan superyacht. Built in a Bremman, Germany Shipyard by Lüssen Yachts, the Azzam was launched in April 2013 and delivered to its owner in September of that year. The Azzam was commissioned by Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates. The expensive superyacht was commissioned as a charter to avoid higher European taxes but will not likely be used as a charter. Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahyan is said to be worth $15 billion. His family is believed to be worth $150 billion. Khalifa was born in 1948 and was heir to the Abu Dhabi throne. He took on many political responsibilities during his father's reign. Khalifa succeeded his father as Emir of Abu Dhabi in 2004 and was named the President of United Arab Emirates the following day. He is married to Shamsa bint Suhail Al Mazrouei and they have several children. They reside in the presidential palace and have a private jet. It's really no surprise that the fourth wealthiest monarch in the world commissioned the Azzam superyacht.

While technically not the largest yacht in the world, the Azzam is certainly the longest. The Eclipse, owned by Russian Roman Abramovich, is larger but falls 57 feet shorter than the Azzam. The Azzam is 590 feet long. Its beam is 68 feet. The Azzam features an unusually short draft that is just 14.1 feet. This helps the yacht gain its speed. Its maximum speed is 32 knots. The Azzam is powered by two gas and two diesel engines and features four pump jets. The Azzam's interior features an open floor plan with no pillars. The main salon is 29 meters long with an 18-meter beam. There are 18 staterooms that can accommodate up to 36 guests. The Azzam accommodates up to 60 crew members in 30 cabins.

Special Features

The Azzam superyacht has many special features. Some of these features are truly unique. While there is a heliport, there are some other amazing features that come with the Azzam. This superyacht has its own submarine. It also features a missile defense system. It's believed that the master suite of the Azzam is completely bulletproof.

Engineered by

The Azzam superyacht was engineered by Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi. He was commissioned to design a yacht that was innovative and could travel at high speeds in warm shallow waters. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi took a year to design the Azzam along with the Italian yacht builders, Nauta Yachts. The end result is a sleek, slender and long yacht with the ability to sail fast. The Azzam is a modern yet timeless boat. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi certainly created the yacht of its owner's dreams.

Built by Nauta Yachts

World renown Italian yacht designers, Nauta Yachts helped make the Azzam superyacht a reality. Nauta Yachts worked with engineer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi to design and build the amazing superyacht Azzam. The company works diligently to create some of the greatest yachts in the world. From the original design through its building, Nauta Yachts designs yachts to be majestic, sleek, powerful and structurally sound. The company also pays attention to detail, honoring the requests of the person who commissions the yachts to be built. In building the Azzam, Nauta Yachts paid adherence to the owner's instructions to create a long, slender yacht with major security measures as well as a yacht that could travel at high speeds through even warm, shallow waters, according to Boats International.

Interior Design by Christophe Leoni

The interior design of Azzam is complements of French Yacht interior designer Christophe Leoni. While little is know about the interior of the Azzam, its interior design can be concluded through interior designer Christophe Leoni. The actual interior has been kept secret with no known photographs made public. We do know that the main salon has an open floor plan with no pillars to break it up. We do know that Christophe Leoni, through his own style and through the owner's request, decorated the interior of the Azzam in early nineteenth century French Empire style yet in a relaxed fashion. There are 18 large guest staterooms as well as 30 cabins for crew members. The master suite, we can only imagine, is a luxurious retreat for the President Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahyan and his wife. The master suite is also said to be completely bulletproof. We can only imagine how enchanting gatherings are on this magnificent yacht in this magnificent atmosphere. The world's longest superyacht, the Azzam, is an amazing feat of yacht engineering. It's one of the largest yachts in the world and certainly one of the most luxurious and accommodating. The Azzam is luxurious, sleek and fast. It is certainly a wonderful way for the United Arab Emirate's President and his family and friends to relax on the sea.

Written by  Dana Hanson

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The world´s longest yacht, at 180.65 meters, with a top speed of over 30 knots, Azzam is a truly extraordinary luxury gigayacht. Her outstanding characteristics even include her exceptionally short building time of less than three years from keel laying to delivery, in 2013. Engineer and principal designer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi set out to build a large yacht with an innovative and timeless design that would be able to travel at high speed in warm and shallow waters. The bold and elegant exterior by Nauta Yachts incorporates many elements of visionary modern design. Renowned French designer Christophe Leoni conceived a sophisticated interior with luxurious décor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.

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These Are the 5 Biggest Superyachts in the World

By Brett Berk

Yachts, as with most other things connected to the ultrarich—apartments, shopping sprees, bank accounts—are getting bigger. And while price, nautically speaking, usually scales with size, that’s not always the case. So there’s, oddly enough, less overlap between this list and our recent list of the  World’s Most Expensive Superyachts than one might expect.

There are reasons behind this. Interestingly, some of the biggest superyachts in the world have become so stunningly large that they can no longer maintain status as belonging to a single family or dynasty. The largest ones have become condominiums or charterable research vessels—playthings for the ultrawealthy.

Still, superyachts offer a kind of privacy that it is nearly impossible to come by on land. Pencil towers have entrances on public streets and elevators with other residents. Even a castle surrounded by a moat is in view, comparatively. A superyacht, on the other hand, is essentially a private island, an oasis. So as long as the rich keep getting richer, the yachts will keep getting bigger. For now, these are the five biggest superyachts in the world.

5. Eclipse (533 ft)

In 2010, as  Eclipse sailed out of the Hamburg harbor, where it was constructed by notable German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss, it was the world’s largest ship. In the intervening decade or so, it’s slid to the fifth position. Commissioned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich—whose ties to Putin have caused him to be sanctioned—it allegedly traded hands last year, though this may be simply a dodge to avoid it being seized. Features of the $600 million Terence Disdale–designed ship include 17 staterooms, a 185-foot deck on the massive primary suite, a gym, a spa, an immense swimming pool, and a half-dozen on-board tenders for shuttling guests in and out of port and excursions. If those don’t suffice, there is also a helicopter pad with room for three choppers.

4. Fulk Al Salamah (538 ft)

Like many superyachts, ownership and much else about Fulk Al Salamah —Ship of Peace—is unclear. It is suspected that it belongs to the Omani royal family, a part of their fleet of extortionately expensive conveyances. Built by Mariotti in Genoa in 2016 and designed by local team Studio de Jorio, it contains a beach club (a swim platform, often with a pool and lounge area), beauty salon, and a sizable helicopter deck, though it’s unclear if this deck has room for more choppers than the Eclipse, despite its additional five feet of overall length.

3. Azzam (597 ft)

Azzam holds the title of largest privately owned superyacht, a position it has maintained since it was completed at a cost of $600 million by Lürssen Yachts in Lemwerder, Germany, ten years ago. Designed by Nauta of Milan with interiors by French decorator Christophe Leoni, the ship is reportedly owned by a member of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayah. Prominent features include Empire-style furnishings and interiors, and a pair of massive diesel engines coupled with a pair of gas turbines, allowing high-speed travel and an immense range between refuelings. The Sheikh must be somewhat paranoid—or have good reason to fear attack—because the yacht also includes a high tech security system including a missile system and bulletproof master suite.

2. REV Ocean (600 ft)

The acronym in this giant yacht’s title stands for Research and Expedition Vessel, and this $350 million ship is outfitted to do just that. Groups that charter it head out to sea and use its state of the art scientific equipment to dive into trenches in its transparent-domed submersibles, arrange whale pod viewings in its helicopters, conduct seabed mapping and coring with its sonar and drilling systems, view documentaries in its 35-person theater, and even listen in on or record the conversations of ocean mammals with its underwater hydrophone. Funded by the Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Røkke, designed in Norway by Espen Øino, and built by Norwegian constructor Vard, it is slated to be completed in 2024. Over 100 groups applied for the maiden voyage, with preference given for scientific research and conservation missions—54 scientists can be accommodated onboard. Though it seems that private charters with the proper scientific supervision may also be allowed. Any profits made by chartering are returned to the funder’s One Healthy Ocean initiative.

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1. Somnio (728ft)

Referred to as the world’s first yacht liner, this floating giant—the name is Latin for dream—combines features of a superyacht, a cruise ship, and a condominium. Under construction by the Norwegian ship-building company Vard, with an expected completion date in the middle of 2024, the $600 million project will feature 39 private residences designed by Winch and Tilberg, both of Sweden. Each will include bespoke features including a gym, kitchen, library, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Of course, apartments, which start in the eight-figure range, are available by invite only. Both the owners list and the planned route at sea are closely guarded secrets.

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Azzam: World's largest superyacht sails into the record books

The superyacht azzam is the biggest vessel of its kind. the owner is still a mystery, but the name, which is arabic for 'determined', suggests it will be heading for the middle east..

Azzam, the world’s largest superyacht, during its construction at the Lurssen Yachts yard in Bremen, Germany. Photos by Claus Schafe / TheYachtPhoto.com

The residents of Bremen, north Germany, are used to seeing some incredible sights emerging from the gigantic yellow Lürssen Yachts dry dock on the bank of the Weser river. But no one had seen anything quite like the massive vessel that was slowly tugged out into public view for the first time on the overcast morning of April 5.

This was Azzam, not only the latest superyacht to grace the water but at 180 metres long also the largest, leaving the previous title-holder - Roman Abramovich's 162.5m Eclipse - trailing in its wake.

It was not the first glimpse of the new queen of the oceans. In May last year, speculation about the latest Lürssen project flared when, minus her bow section, she was moved quietly to the covered dock from her construction shed - for the simple reason that, at 170m long, the shed was too short to accommodate the full length of what would soon be the world's largest superyacht.

Speculation about the identity of Azzam's owner has been rife for much of the three years it has taken to build her. Initially, it was assumed that she had been ordered by a member of the Saudi royal family - the name of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the richest people in the world and a known super-yacht enthusiast, was suggested.

Other rumours have placed the home port of Azzam - which is Arabic for "determined" and also the name chosen for Team Abu Dhabi's entry in the Volvo Ocean Race - in the Arabian Gulf.

This month's launch, conveniently in time for the 2013 Mediterranean superyachting season that begins at the end of May with the Monaco Grand Prix , has caused waves in an industry not easily impressed.

Quite apart from her world-beating size, the yacht was built in a record three years. Powered by four engines - two diesel and two gas turbines pushing out 94,000 horsepower - she is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 knots (55kph), more usually associated with fast military-patrol vessels.

This means that if the owner desires, Azzam could cover the 4,000 nautical miles from the Mediterranean to Martinique, for the start of the Caribbean season in November, in a little more than five days.

Not that most owners would make such a voyage, instead choosing instead to fly to meet their yacht when it relocates to a distant destination.

In fact, most owners of the very largest yachts do not spend a huge amount of time on them, says Don Hoyt Gorman, the business editor of TheSuperyacht Report.

"They tend to be very busy individuals who are running a series of corporations," he says.

But when they and their often extensive families are on board "they are really away from the public eye, which is one of the main reasons owners of large yachts want them. And they are also obviously fantastic as well for entertaining clients and business partners".

Size, he says, is not merely a product of billionaire one-upmanship, but there is no doubt that super-yachts, like tall buildings, are growing larger. In the 1980s, a 25m yacht would have been considered large, but now there are about 30 superyachts afloat that are more than 100m long.

For the sake of scale, even Aristotle Onassis's famous Christina O - which was converted in 1954 from a former Canadian navy Second World War convoy escort, and in its heyday the definitive superyacht - falls relatively short at 99m, a little more than half the length of Azzam.

"There was plenty of speculation about 10 years ago, when yachts that were about 120m were being produced, that they were going to be the exception to the rule and there wouldn't be any need to go any larger," says Gorman. "But then there was a significant series of orders placed for very large yachts."

One of the key drivers of the new trend has been the new Passenger Yacht Code, which was introduced in November 2010 by the Red Ensign Group, a collaboration of international shipping registers under whose flag - the British Red Ensign - most superyacht owners choose to sail. It created a separate category of pleasure yachts of any size that carry between 13 and 36 passengers.

It had, said the group, become "increasingly impractical" to apply to pleasure yachts the rules and regulations of the International Maritime Organisation, which had been developed chiefly for cargo ships and passenger vessels.

"Until that code was passed, private yachts were only allowed to have 12 guests aboard, no matter how large the vessel," says Gorman. "And it has allowed much larger yachts."

Any vessel carrying more than 36 passengers would need to be classified as a cruise ship and all the cruise-ship regulations would then apply, such as those dictating the width of the staircases, the fire retardant materials used and, indeed, the design of the vessel itself.

The result, Gorman says, would restrict how designers could work and how superyachts could operate commercially - "and you'd end up with vessels that looked like cruise ships".

So does that mean Azzam's record is safe? Probably not, says Gorman. According to the industry rumour mill, nothing is being built at the moment that comes close to it.

"But there's really no question, I think, that someone will come along and decide to build something larger, just because they can, and there are a number of yards that can build to that size," he adds.

How much Azzam cost to build remains confidential, although media estimates of the cost of Abramovich's smaller Eclipse, built by Blohm + Voss in Hamburg, Germany, and launched in 2010, have ranged from US$500 million (Dh1.8 billion) to $1bn.

Whatever the cost, says Gorman, running the ship will put a further - and continuing - dent in any billionaire's finances.

"There's a rough rule of thumb we use, that it's about 10 per cent of the cost of the original build to operate and maintain a vessel every year," he says. "It's a significant cost. But of course, we are dealing with people for whom, if they are going to be buying a yacht in the first place, these costs are within their ability to manage."

Besides, he adds, a superyacht is a good investment. "A vessel that is well maintained will keep its value for ever - there have been no yachts that have been scrapped," he says.

The industry, Gorman says, is determined to grow, by tempting more billionaires to sample life on the ocean wave.

"You'd be surprised," he says. "But a very small proportion of people who can afford yachts actually own them." The reason is straightforward. "Just think about your group of friends - how many people would be seasick? The thought of going on a boat isn't necessarily appealing to everybody."

What many people do not realise, he says, is that modern superyachts "are incredibly stable".

"The technology that goes into keeping them flat on the water, even when there are waves and swell all around, is amazing."

The industry's goal is to encourage more people to think about purchasing a yacht by getting them to charter, says Gorman. "Charter is really the first step to see whether you enjoy excellent service, all the privacy you can imagine, a really adventurous lifestyle, a fantastic holiday," he says.

One of the main charter portals is SuperYachtsMonaco - whose website, tellingly, is available in only three languages: English, Arabic and Russian.

Most of us, of course, are unlikely ever to sample the high life on board an Azzam or an Eclipse - but that does not mean we do not stand to benefit from the very existence of these maritime monsters, according to the superyacht industry.

High-profile vessels such as Azzam are seen as flag-bearers for an industry keen to broaden its appeal and to demonstrate that it is a key economic driver.

"There are thousands of people involved in the construction of such a yacht," says Peter Lürssen, Lürssen's managing partner, after Azzam's launch. "A thousand at our group and many more thousands in the industry supporting us."

As part of the industry's drive to win recognition of its role as a generator of wealth and employment, Superyacht Intelligence last year published the first comprehensive economic analysis of the super-yacht industry.

It found that superyachts - vessels defined by the Superyacht Intelligence Agency as more than 30m in length - contributed no less than $31.5bn to the global economy in 2010, creating 33,000 crew jobs, and supporting more than 6,000 companies employing as many as 150,000 people.

The country that benefited most was the US, where suppliers and manufacturers accounted for more than half of the near $6bn generated in national revenue, and in excess of 28,000 jobs depended on superyachts.

But the UAE - where Abu Dhabi is developing yards and related services, including ADM Shipyard, which in 2011 launched the 141m superyacht Yas - also featured in the report, with almost 1,000 jobs and revenue of $220m linked to the superyacht industry.

The analysis, concluded the authors, "should clearly demonstrate that the economic impact of superyachts is, undefinably, vast and should not be underestimated. Countries the world over gain economic contribution from superyachts, and as an industry it must be seen as a source of jobs and positive impacts".

Should you find yourself wondering whether the high life on the high seas is for you, why not charter before you buy? It is, of course, now only the second largest superyacht in the world but, unlike Azzam, Eclipse is at least available to rent - yours for $2m a week through SuperYachtsMonaco.

Enjoy the Grand Prix.

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Building a Private Titanic

Engineers are struggling to keep up with demands from the megarich for ever-bigger megayachts., authored by, article body copy.

When the RMS Titanic first launched from Belfast on May 31, 1911, it was easily the largest ship on the water . Measuring a staggering 269 meters from bow to stern, the Titanic was at once a vision of maritime luxury and, it was thought, an indomitable piece of nautical engineering.

Skip forward a century and the mighty Titanic —iceberg disaster aside—wouldn’t even stand out. Today, private megayachts owned by the world’s wealthiest people have not only eclipsed the Titanic ’s comparatively drab sense of luxury, they’re even encroaching on its mammoth size.

Built in 2013, the M/Y Azzam is the world’s largest private yacht. At 180 meters , the $605-million Azzam is two-thirds the length of the Titanic . Yet where the “unsinkable” ship was designed to carry 3,300 people, megayachts like the Azzam are meant for a few dozen passengers and crew.

The M/Y Azzam docked in Spain. Photo by epa/Jaume Sellart/Corbis

Over the past decade the private megayacht industry has exploded. As structural engineer Andrea Ivaldi wrote in a recent study , shipyards built nearly as many large private yachts (100 meters or longer) between 2000 to 2009 as they did during the entire 20th century. In the first half of this decade, that number has already been surpassed.

There are , of course, ships larger than the Titanic. Modern cruise ships dwarf the 20th-century steamer, and cargo containers and supertankers put both to shame. But megayachts are not like other ships. Whereas cruise ships are built like apartment buildings, megayachts are floating cathedrals—all opulence and open spaces.

Megayacht owners are pushing for bigger and more extravagant ships. Combined with the competition that comes with such an obvious display of wealth, this rapid expansion is stretching the skills of nautical engineers.

“Until some years ago,” says Ivaldi by email, “yacht building was [one] business and shipbuilding was a different one.” Yachts and other ships were designed differently, out of different materials, and they followed different regulations.

Small yachts are more art than architecture, and yacht designers are not always nautical engineers. Yet as yachts have grown, designers have struggled to maintain the grandiose aesthetic while abiding by new laws and the scientific challenges that come with bigger ships. “The challenge of the shipyard is to bring those two needs together, respecting the construction schedule and—possibly—the budget,” says Ivaldi.

Yachts on display at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2014. Photo by Sebastien Nogier/epa/Corbis

Once a yacht is designed to carry more than 12 people it’s considered a passenger ship under maritime law . Some yacht builders who’ve expanded into megayacht construction are aware of the newly relevant laws—for example, around the required number of lifeboats or the use of fireproof materials—while “some others don’t care,” says Ivaldi.

Famously, White Star Line was so confident in the Titanic ’s ability to weather the sea that they stocked the decks with only enough lifeboats for a third of the people on board .

Some megayacht owners put a similar emphasis on form over function, says Ivaldi. The megarich don’t want unsightly things like lifeboats and structural beams blocking the beauty. At that point, it’s up to the engineers to find a solution that complies with safety regulations while appeasing the owners’ requests. Yet with some customers’ budgets exceeding that of a small country ( literally ), a market has emerged to build the boats of the 0.01 percent’s dreams—ships that are as sturdy as they are stunning, yet that hopefully won’t share in the Titanic ’s fate.

As the head of the hull structural department at Fincantieri Yachts in Italy, Ivaldi has some insight into megayacht construction. Here, Ivaldi agreed to answer some of our more prying questions about the lavish desires of the super rich. (The interview has been lightly edited for clarity.)

Hakai Magazine : What special features do megayacht owners request and how does that affect the design of the ship?

Andrea Ivaldi: A megayacht is basically a dream. The task of the builder is to bring this dream into reality, matching the most advanced technology with the highest level of luxury available on the market.

Modern megayachts have plenty of technologically advanced features, like shell doors that give direct access to the water for swimming or for using water toys. Each one of these shell doors can weigh 10 tonnes, be 12 meters wide, open in 30 seconds, and be connected to a crane to let a small submarine down into the water. There can be 10 to 12 of these doors on a 140-meter ship. This is a major challenge for the structural engineer who must ensure the longitudinal strength of the vessel, as well as for the builder who has to ensure a complete and flush integration with the finishing when the door is open or closed.

Yachts can also have helicopter hangars or flight decks and floodable docks to access the ship with a tender. They have the most modern propulsion plants. They feature the lowest possible noise and vibration levels—so low that while sailing at full speed you often don’t have the feeling of being on a ship.

Of course all that cannot be realized without a careful and advanced design. We call it “technology of beauty,” and express the fact that nowadays the beauty cannot be possible if not supported by the most advanced state-of-the-art technology.

Hakai : What is a particularly lavish or difficult request you’ve received from a yacht owner?

AI: A common problem is when an owner expresses the desire to change something in an area that is critical for structural integrity. For instance, one owner wanted a glass bottom on their yacht. Sometimes it’s a problem to match the dream and what is technologically feasible.

Hakai : Were you able to build what they asked? What did it take to overcome this challenge?

AI: Today this [glass-bottomed] room exists, and is a dream place. Nevertheless, it took almost one year to complete all the calculations, strength verifications, and to obtain the necessary certifications to install glass in a luxury-furnished room that is reachable with a lift directly from the owner’s cabin in a place that is normally reserved for fuel oil tanks or void space .

This is, however, a good example of how the design of a yacht can be the “leading edge” of a technology. At that time there was no existing regulation to certify such an arrangement. This means that even if the design of the window clearly showed that its realization was possible, no regulatory body was able to certify it. We worked closely with the classification society to “translate” a norm applicable to submergible vessels into something that could be used on a surface ship.

Hakai : What is a particularly clever engineering solution you’ve used on other megayachts?

AI: We have delivered a yacht with a raising pool bottom. After emptying the pool, the bottom can be raised until it is flush with the surrounding deck. Then it can be used as a dance floor or even as a landing area for a helicopter.

Recently, we have presented project Skyback, developed in collaboration with the Dutch designer Cor D. Rover. Skyback is a yacht with a glass covering that can slide out from the superstructure and cover the external deck area. This lets the owner enjoy the external pool even when sailing in the Arctic.

What To Know About The Azzam - The Largest Superyacht In The World

The Azzam is said to be the largest superyacht in the world and she is a floating palace.

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The azzam: the largest superyacht in the world, the azzam's many features, mystery of ownership and buying a superyacht.

Ever wanted to have one's very own superyacht? While the vast majority of people will never be able to afford a superyacht, a few may be able to rent one for very special occasions. Groups can charter superyachts for a few hundred thousand dollars for a week. But how big can they get? The largest private motorized yacht in the world is thought to be the massive Azzam yacht - she is as big as this opulent part of the market gets.

It is many people's dream to travel around the world by superyacht . But while that may be the exclusive domain of the super-rich, it is still possible for many people to travel around the world by cruise ship or by sailing around the world. There is something magical about the freedom of being on a ship on the high seas or exploring the stunning islands of the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

The largest superyacht in this world is really big. The Azzam is a whopping 180 meters or 590 feet long with a beam of 20.8 meters or 68 feet. To put that in perspective, no one agrees on how big a yacht needs to be until it's considered a superyacht, but it's generally about 40 meters or 130 feet in length.

• Length: 180 Meters or 590 Feet
• Beam: 20.8 Meters or 68 Feet
• Longest: Private Motor Yacht In The World
• Built: In 2013 By German Shipyard Lürssen Yachts
• Name: Means Resolute In English

She was delivered by Lürssen Yachts in Bremen in Germany in 2013. It is also known she was refitted in 2021.

The Azzam has a shallow draft and the ability to travel at high speed in shallow waters. She has a top speed of over 32 knots (37 mph) and carries 1 million liters of fuel. Her range is not known, but it is likely thousands of nautical miles.

It is believed to have cost over $600 million - around $100 million more than the famous superyacht - the Eclipse.

• Cost: Over $600 Million
• Tonnage: 13,136 Gross Tons
• Number of Decks: 5 Decks
• Cabins: 18 Guest Cabins

One thing is for sure, she is large enough for any sized party one would like to have.

Related: Everything You Need To Know Before Sailing From Greece To Croatia

Just as the Azzam is exceptional on the outside, so too is it on the inside. Its main salon has a length of 29 meters or 95 feet with an open plan and no pillars.

Her exteriors were designed by Nauta Yachts S.r.l. and her interiors by Creation Line Decoration.

While many superyachts only have accommodation for up to 12 guests (besides crew), the Azzam has accommodation for up to 36 guests - besides her 60 crew members.

Accommodation:

• Guests: 36 Guests
• Crew: 60 Crew Members

Undoubtedly she will have all the comforts and features of other superyachts. In general, superyachts come with a gym, swimming pool, theater, disco, ballroom, massage room, treatment rooms, sauna, a helicopter landing pad, and other features. They also normally have a full range of water toys including jet skis, scuba diving gear, tenders, kayaks, wakeboards, waterskis, and more.

Related: 25 Things We'd Rather Not Know About Taking A Cruise In The Bermuda Triangle

The owner of the Azzam is a bit of a mystery and a little complicated (as it often is in the superyacht world). Her ower is shown in SYT iQ but that information is exclusively available to subscribers. But it seems she was sold in 2009 - according to Superyachttimes.com she was one of the 295 yachts sold in that year.

• Sold: She Was Sold In 2009

If one would like to buy her, as of the time of writing (June 2022) she is not for sale. However, there are over 2000 other yachts for sale around the world with some costing as much as $180 million. There are also older and smaller yachts for "only" the low millions of dollars.

Anyone with enough money can buy a superyacht - although buying the yacht is only the first expense. The next is paying for the enormous upkeep costs.

Go to renowned ports in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and one will see plenty of the world's superyachts in the ports - especially in the microstate of Monaco.

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SOMNIO Yacht – World’s Largest Yacht Will Launch in 2024

SOMNIO yacht is the name of an exclusive new yacht project that will measure 222 meters (728 ft) and will become the new largest yacht in the world, both by weight and length.

This $600 million project has been described as a residential cruise ship designed to take its exclusive passengers around the world to the most sought-after destinations in remote places.

The interior of the SOMNIO yacht will be made up of 39 individual apartments, which are to be sold separately, giving this mega yacht more than one owner.

The yacht is currently being built by VARD in Norway and is expected to set sail sometime in 2024.

SOMNIO yacht interior

While the exterior of the SOMNIO yacht is being constructed by a shipyard specialized in cruise ships, the interior is unmistakably that of a superyacht.

The London-based design house Winch will collaborate with Tillberg of Sweden, both of which have extensive experience in the world of yacht design.

This will elevate the interior of SOMNIO and set it apart from other residential vessels like, for example, THE WORLD, which appeals to a far more budget-conscious target audience.

By combining the upscale amenities and design of a super yacht with the capabilities and facilities of a luxury cruise liner, SOMNIO is meant to cater to those who want to explore remote corners of the world from the comfort of their own home on the water. 

The SOMNIO yacht will have 39 apartments available for purchase which can be customized with additional rooms or private facilities. 

While a large portion of the yacht will be shared by all residents, SOMNIO also prioritizes the privacy that a private yacht might provide.

Buyers are encouraged to add a kitchen to their apartments to make themselves self-sufficient and able to cook for themselves on longer journeys.

However, an onboard restaurant with room service is available to cater to the needs of residents should they want a more luxurious experience. 

Apartments onboard the SOMNIO yacht range from just one-bedroom suites to four-bedroom residences, which can be customized to include a library, massage room, private gym or office space.

Sizes will start at 182m2, which includes 148m2 interior space and a 34m2 terrace. The largest apartment available is the 963m2 penthouse which spans across the entire top deck.

With 602m2 interior space and a spacious 361m2 deck, this property is guaranteed to attract high-profile buyers. 

The interior design is entirely customizable, and buyers are invited to submit their ideas and requirements to the team at Winch.

The idea is for each resident to customize their living space to their own lifestyle, which might include extended stays onboard or several shorter trips.

Some might plan to work onboard while others will spend time with their families, which might require more space. 

In addition to a large swimming pool, multiple jacuzzis, and several in-house restaurants, SOMNIO yacht offers a 10,000-bottle wine cellar, a large beach club with water sports equipment, and a panorama lounge to its residents. 

Specifications

SOMNIO will become the new largest yacht in the world, measuring 222 meters (728 ft) and taking the title from AZZAM.

At a total weight of 33,500 tons, this massive yacht is often compared to a small cruise ship that caters to the richest and wealthiest. 

However, instead of joining the never-ending race of building new super yachts, SOMNIO is set to create an entirely new niche, combining yachts and cruise ships into the so-called yacht liner. 

According to Jim Dixon, the creative director of yachts at Winch Design, a large part of the building process of the SOMNIO yacht will be similar to that of a cruise ship.

VARD, where the SOMNIO yacht is being constructed, has extensive experience in this field which is why the shipyard was chosen for this project. 

Erik Bredhe is just one prominent name behind this high-profile project. The former Captain of the residential cruise ship THE WORLD is part of a steering committee that will be in charge of selecting residents for SOMNIO and inviting them to purchase apartments.

With this, he hopes to create a “community of like-minded individuals” on board the mega yacht. 

Even though the launch of SOMNIO still lies at least two years in the future, there is already considerable interest in this new yacht, according to Jim Dixon.

Since the onboard apartments are highly customizable, there is even the possibility of one owner purchasing more than one residence aboard the yacht.

This unique new yacht project will feature six decks, a large swimming pool aft of the vessel as well as a full beach club.

The 39 apartments will be spread across the decks and only the largest of which will occupy the entire top deck.

This penthouse suite will be the most exclusive onboard the SOMNIO yacht and is expected to sell for far more than the estimated $20 million for smaller apartments.

Digital renders of the mega yacht portray it with a metallic blue exterior with white elements and a large aluminum superstructure. The decks will be made of light teak with white or cream deck furniture.

The front of SOMNIO will have space for a spacious helipad which allows even large aircraft to land comfortably.

The SOMNIO yacht will follow an itinerary all around the world, prioritizing less-visited locations to be able to provide unique experiences to its residents.

The highly-experienced crew is prepared to cater to every need of its guests and adjust the route according to the wishes of the residents. ‘

Day trips and land excursions are, of course, available on request, as well as special events and celebrations. 

SOMNIO is a luxury project , and as to be expected, the price tag of this mega yacht is sizable. The project is estimated to cost between $500 and $600 million, although an exact figure is not publicly available.

The 39 luxury apartments will be available for $20 million each, although sales are expected to be by invite only.

Each apartment will be customizable and can be adapted to the needs and lifestyle of each resident. 

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Azzam, the Biggest Yacht

''There are long waiting lists for megayachts in the big European shipyards. The demand is strong because the extremely rich are getting richer in recession.''

In the current yacht top 100 leaders are the Middle East owners, 31, then Russians -19, and 17 are American owned.

The biggest yacht in the world is the private megayacht Azzam. In 2013 she knocked the three-year reign of the billionaire Roman Abramovich Eclipse .

Previously the owner of the biggest yacht in the world was unknown. It was revealed in Yachts France annual megayacht league table. Azzam belongs to the President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhab, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan .

Still in secret is the cost of the megayacht. Yachts France estimates building price between $400 million and $600 million.

Azzam Details

Building  azzam.

''Ever since the first sketches, we could sense that we were on the right track. The design had strength of character and sense of purpose, yet also had timeless elegance, even while incorporating elements of visionary contemporary modern design.''

The owner of the ultra-sophisticated project wanted '' innovative and a timeless design which would be able to travel at high speed and in shallow waters while providing luxurious and sophisticated accommodation to its guests''

The leading engineer of the project was Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi , designers were Christophe Leoni and Nauta Yachts .

The project of the biggest yacht took a year in engineering and three years in building. Superyacht Times defines this as a record building time.

Azzam is ''surprisingly slender'' with turn-of-the-century Empire style decor.

The main saloon of the megayacht is 29 m, the beam 18 m with no pillars and an open plan. She has approximately 50 suits onboard.

The decks are six and the spaces are mostly covered which makes her non-typical yacht and the sun-worshipping  will not be her only purpose.

The name, Azzam, means ''determination'' in Arabic.

The biggest yacht was delivered to his owner on 9 September 2013 and what Azzam will be used for is still to come.

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World’s new largest private yacht that is bigger than a cruise ship

Buoy, that’s a big boat.

World’s new largest private yacht that is bigger than a cruise ship and cost £800m is built for one very rich owner.

The world’s largest yacht, measuring 222m, is due to be completed by 2018. It will eclipse the President of UAE’s boat Azzam by a whopping 40 metres. Record breaking yacht will boast seven decks, two pools and cost £788m. The massive boat is the latest salvo in megarich’s game of one-upmanship. Owners hope the boat will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to beat.

Boasting seven decks, two pools, multiple hot tubs and a 275 square metre master suite, a new record-breaking superyacht is set to redefine the limits of luxury boat building. Costing £788million to build and measuring 222 metres in length, when completed Triple Deuce will be the most expensive and largest superyacht ever constructed. The luxury boat will surpass the remarkable standards set by Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich’s 163m Eclipse, and the current record-holding 182 metres-long yacht owned by the President of the United Arab Emirates.

Expected to require between $20 and $30million a year in operating costs alone, the build costs more than the annual GDP of Western Sahara, the British Virgin Islands and Micronesia, CNN reported.

Although the identity of its owner remains a mystery, it is due to be completed in 2018 and is being purposely made 40m larger than the current record-holder in order to be difficult to beaten in size.

Reports suggest that despite its size, the luxury private yacht will only carry 36 guests with a crew of around 50 – 70 people. The owner’s suite will cover two stories across 275 metres-squared and offer unparalleled views, along with a private gym, office and dining room, according to Asian Pacific Boating.

It will also have two staterooms, an exclusive elevator drive in dock and private access to a helipad. Guests will be entitled to use the yacht’s outdoor and indoor pool, numerous hot tubs, spa facilities as well as a full time masseuse and hairdresser.

Triple Deuce’s top speed will be over 30 knots (35mph) and will be powered by triple gas turbine engines with over 100,000 horsepower. The vessel also has no rudders and will instead use electric podded propulsion units to manoeuvre.

However, Abramovich’s reign as the owner of the world’s largest superyacht was short lived – in 2013, the Emirati royal family knocked it off its perch with Azzam, which exceeded it in length by 16.5m. At the time it was predicted – quite accurately – that this would trigger a new round of one-upmanship among the world’s super rich. Longer than 12 double-decker buses, not only is Azzam the biggest superyacht, it is also one of the fastest. The 94,000 horsepower vessel can reach speeds of more than 30 knots, or 35mph. To view the video, go to The Daily Mail

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Yacht Charter vs Cruise Ship

Yacht Charters vs. Cruises: What’s the Difference?

A vacation at sea seems like the ultimate escape. Guests get to explore beautiful coastal destinations aboard a sailing yacht, catamaran or cruise ship and enjoy the open ocean.

When it comes to a seafaring holiday, travelers have two options: A cruise ship vs. a yacht charter.

Although these types of vacations share some similarities, they couldn’t be more different. Whereas cruises have set itineraries and serve groups of more than 3,000 guests, luxury yacht charters offer a more intimate and personalized experience. Yacht charter guests, for example, receive unparalleled service, amazing chef-prepared cuisine, they can plan completely customizable itineraries, and they have access to more exclusive ports in the world’s top luxury destinations.

Bottom line: If you want to explore beaches, islands and port towns around the world, consider a private yacht charter and enjoy an experience you won’t soon forget.

Here are some of the key differences between cruises and yacht charters:

• Explore More

Due to their size, cruise ships must stop in larger and deeper ports. For example, in the Virgin Islands , cruise ships can only access the largest ports like Charlotte Amalie (USVI) and Tortola (BVI). Therefore, cruise guests miss out on the smaller, more exclusive islands and destinations in those areas like Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda.

Private charter yachts, though, don’t require such large ports, and therefore, yacht charters can go to smaller islands, hidden beaches, secluded anchorages, and dive spots away from the cruise ship crowds. Not to mention, larger charter yachts typically have a tender onboard, and therefore, guests can motor up to virtually any beach or cove.

• Enjoy the Ultimate in Privacy

The majority of cruise ships accommodate more than 3,000 passengers. These guests all share the same amenities and dining room spaces, and as such, a cruise tends to feel crowded.

Yacht charters, though, are much more intimate. Just you and your guests are sharing the yacht (along with your dedicated crew). Therefore, you can spread out and relax, and avoid the crowds and lines you’d likely experience on a cruise.

Due to the crowds and shared activity and dining spaces, cruise ships are notorious for spreading germs and viruses. That’s a real concern for travelers, especially with the world’s new COVID-19 realities. Not to mention, social distancing is all but impossible on a cruise.

Charter yachts offer a much safer experience. For example, charter yachts are cleaned and disinfected before and during each charter, helping to limit the spread of disease. You can plan your vacation to be fully social-distanced – i.e. arriving on a private flight, avoiding crowded restaurants and ports, etc. And because you control the guest list, you know your fellow passengers won’t be spreading disease.

• Itinerary Flexibility & Customization

On a cruise ship, the itinerary and your onboard activities are typically set in stone. As such, you might have to miss out an activity or port of call that you had wanted to experience.

Yacht charter guests have much more freedom. Guests can control virtually any aspect of a yacht charter, including:

• Itineraries – Pick what you see and where you stay
• Menus – Help your chef plan the menu to your tastes
• Shore Excursions – Explore the places you’d like when in port
• Daily Schedule – Design your days to best suit your tastes, e.g. meal times, activities, etc.
• Exceptional Service

Yacht charters deliver a truly 5-star experience. Aboard a yacht, you’ll be served by a dedicated crew. In fact, most crewed yachts have a crew-to-guest ratio of one-to-one. That means you’ll always have a stewardess to top off your drinks, help you plan shoreside excursions, and provide top-notch meal service.

You’ll also have access to a deck crew that can help you plan and set up water sports, tender excursions, and beach picnics.

• Amazing Food & Drink

Charter guests are served by an onboard chef, who will design menus to meet your exacting preferences. In fact, prior to embarking, guests provide the chef with their food and beverage preferences. The chef then uses this information to develop menus that meet the guests’ preferences to a T. Available food and drink options include: tasting menus, pairings, themed dinners, birthday celebrations and more.

• More Activities and Water Sports

On cruises, the shore excursions are limited. One reason is time. You might only have a few hours in port, before you’re required to be back onboard. Another reason is the size the cruise ship. You won’t have access to the water, like you do onboard a charter yacht.

Charters provide guests with an amazing list of activities to enjoy. In fact, most charter yachts have an array of water sports toys and equipment for guests to enjoy, including jet skis, tenders, snorkel and scuba gear, and water slides. Another benefit: Charter guests have much more freedom to plan shoreside activities.

Ready to Plan Your Luxury Yacht Charter Vacation?

When it comes to vacations at sea, a yacht charter offers the best in privacy, customization, and service. Considering a yacht charter? Contact a broker with Worldwide Boat.

We provide yacht charters of all types in some of the world’s top yachting destinations including the Caribbean, the West Mediterranean, New England, and Greece. Let us help you plan a luxury yacht charter today.

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Yacht vs Cruise Ship (4 Basic Differences)

Are you wondering what the difference is between a yacht and a cruise ship? Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences between these two types of vessels.

In simple words, Yachts are smaller , privately owned vessels. Cruise ships are large, publicly owned vessels.

Yachts typically have a small crew and can accommodate a limited number of passengers. Cruise ships have a large crews and can carry thousands of passengers.

Yachts are used for pleasure cruising, racing, or chartering. Cruise ships are used for passenger transportation, vacationing, or business purposes.

Further reading the article will give you detailed answers to your queries.

Table of Contents

Yacht vs Cruise Ship

For starters, yachts are generally much smaller than cruise ships. Yachts also tend to be more luxurious, and they often have a more intimate atmosphere onboard.

Cruise ships, on the other hand, are typically large vessels that can accommodate hundreds or even thousands of passengers.

They also tend to be more budget-friendly, and they offer a wide variety of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy.

When it comes to size, yachts definitely have the upper hand. The average yacht is around 100 feet long, while the average cruise ship is roughly three times that size.

This means that yachts are much more maneuverable than cruise ships, and they can often dock in places that larger vessels simply cannot.

Yachts also tend to be more luxurious than cruise ships. They usually have fewer passengers onboard, so there is more space for each guest to enjoy.

Yachts also often have nicer staterooms and suites, and they may offer more upscale amenities like private balconies and butler service.

Cruise ships, on the other hand, are typically more budget-friendly than yachts. They can accommodate more passengers, so they can spread the cost of the voyage over a larger number of people.

Cruise ships also often have a wider variety of activities and amenities available for guests to enjoy.

When it comes to privacy, yacht vs cruise ship, there are some important considerations to take into account. First and foremost, cruises tend to be much more crowded than yachts.

This means that you’ll likely have less privacy on a cruise ship than you would on a yacht. Additionally, cruises typically offer fewer amenities and activities than yachts.

This means that you’ll likely have to spend more time in your cabin or suite on a cruise ship than you would on a yacht.

Finally, cruises typically have stricter rules and regulations than yachts. This means that you’ll need to be more mindful of your behavior and actions on a cruise ship than you would on a yacht.

The debate between yacht and cruise ship safety is one that has been around for years. Both have their pros and cons, but which one is really the safest?

Let’s start with yachts. Yachts are typically much smaller than cruise ships, so they have less surface area for waves to hit.

They also have a lower center of gravity, which makes them less likely to tip over in high winds. And because they’re not as tall, they’re less likely to be damaged by large waves.

However, yachts do have some safety concerns. They’re not as stable as cruise ships, so they can roll more easily in rough seas.

And because they’re smaller, they can be more easily capsized by large waves. Now let’s look at cruise ships.

Cruise ships are much larger than yachts, so they have more surface area for waves to hit. They also have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more likely to tip over in high winds.

And because they’re taller, they’re more likely to be damaged by large waves. However, cruise ships also have some safety concerns.

They’re not as maneuverable as yachts, so they can’t avoid waves as easily. And because they’re so big, they can take longer to stop in an emergency situation.

It all comes down to the specific situation. If you’re concerned about rolling in rough seas, then a yacht is probably the better choice.

But if you’re worried about being capsized by a large wave, then a cruise ship is probably the safer option.

Of course, the best way to stay safe on the water is to be prepared for both scenarios. Make sure you know how to swim, and always wear a life jacket.

And be sure to check the weather forecast before you set sail . That way, you can be sure to avoid any dangerous conditions.

Itinerary Flexibility & Customization

One of the key advantages that a yacht has over a cruise ship is itinerary flexibility and customization. Yacht charters offer a much more personalized vacation experience.

Allowing you to tailor your trip to suit your specific needs and interests. You can choose to explore secluded coves and anchorages, visit remote islands, or sail to popular tourist destinations.

There is no set itinerary, so you are free to go at your own pace and spend as much or as little time in each location as you wish.

Another advantage of chartering a yacht is that you can often customize the onboard experience to suit your group’s preferences.

For example, if you are interested in watersports, you can charter a yacht with equipment and staff specifically for this purpose.

Or, if you prefer a more relaxed vacation, you can charter a yacht with a spa and onboard chef. There is no need to compromise on your dream vacation when you charter a yacht.

Finally, chartering a yacht gives you the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious vacation without the crowds and hassles often associated with cruise ships.

You will have your own private vessel to enjoy, complete with everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.

Whether you are looking for an intimate getaway or a grand adventure, a charter yacht vacation is a perfect way to escape the ordinary and experience something truly unforgettable.

If you are interested in exploring the world on your own terms, a yacht charter vacation may be the perfect option for you.

With so many advantages over cruise ships, it is easy to see why this type of vacation is becoming increasingly popular.

Amazing Food & Drink

When it comes to food and drink, there are some big differences between yacht and cruise ship vacations.

On a yacht, you’ll have access to much better food and drink options, as well as the opportunity to dine in more intimate settings.

And of course, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful views from your yacht while you enjoy your meal. On a cruise ship, the food and drink options are more limited.

And you’ll likely be stuck eating in the buffet line with everyone else. Another big difference between yacht and cruise ship vacations is the size of the accommodations.

Yachts tend to be much smaller than cruise ships, so you’ll have a more intimate experience on board. You’ll also have more privacy on a yacht since there are fewer people on board.

And of course, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful views from your yacht while you relax in your cabin. On a cruise ship, the accommodations are typically larger.

So you’ll have less privacy and more noise. And of course, you’ll be stuck on a cruise ship with hundreds or even thousands of other people.

If you want a more intimate and luxurious experience, then a yacht is probably the better option. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly vacation with plenty of activities and amenities, then a cruise ship is probably a better choice.

Disappointing photos show what it's actually like to go on a cruise

• I took a seven-day voyage on one of the largest cruise ships in the world , my first cruise ever. 
• I found the reality of cruising didn't match my expectations from social media and promotional ads.
• I spent much of my time battling crowds, waiting in lines, and sitting on hot tour buses.

I booked my first-ever cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in April 2022. The seven-day Caribbean voyage on a mega-ship took me round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to port stops in Honduras, Mexico, and the Bahamas. I expected breathtaking views of the world between relaxing swimming and sunbathing sessions.

But my experience didn't quite meet my expectations.

Instead, I sunbathed in a loud, crowded pool area when I was lucky enough to find a chair. I spent more time waiting in lines than I had anticipated, and I saw much of the world from behind other people's heads.

Here's an overview of the most disappointing aspects of my cruise, from getting to the port to sailing across the region

The disappointment started before I was even on the cruise.

Since I don't live near my cruise's departure city, my trip began with a flight and a budget hotel room near my departure port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

When I arrived at my port city's airport, I waited 45 minutes for a hotel shuttle to pick me up.

This was the first of many crowded bus rides during my trip. Looking back, I wish I had called a cab — especially since the next morning, I piled into a hot bus with several other cruise guests as I headed to the port.

There was a long line to get inside the cruise terminal, and I should have known by this point that I'd stand in many more lines during my cruise.

Inside the cruise terminal , there was another long line to get through security. While I waited, I chuckled to myself as I read signs that said, "Adventure begins here."

Once aboard the ship, I was excited to view the ocean as we sailed away, but I was blocked by tall, thick glass and couldn't find a place to stand.

My obstructed view of the ship leaving Fort Lauderdale made me feel as frustrated as standing behind tall patrons at a concert. 

The ship was so large that I got lost several times during my stay.

But I found the maps on each floor to be helpful.

As I explored the ship, I was surprised that even a mega-ship could feel overcrowded.

While people seemed to enjoy themselves, many communal decks looked and felt like crowded malls.

The outdoor decks had 19 pools, plunge pools, and whirlpools accessible to guests. These spaces were crowded throughout the day. And even though there were rules against saving chairs with towels, I saw plenty of people doing it, so finding a spot to relax was stressful.

A Royal Caribbean representative told Business Insider crew members might remove items from lounge chairs after 30 minutes. Still, they must also consider families and groups who may be in the pool or going to the restroom when enforcing rules like these and must use their best judgment.

There were crowds and lines virtually everywhere I went.

From the buffet to activities like water slides and mini-golf, I felt like I spent more time waiting in line than enjoying the ship. For example, I waited in line for three hours to play a round of laser tag that was less than 20 minutes long. 

At port stops, I waited in lines to go through security every time I left and returned to the ship. I found this less annoying than the other wait times since it made me feel safer.

The lines continued at each port, crowded with others excited to begin their tours.

I often had to battle through crowds just to find signs for my excursions.

It was exciting to explore new places at each stop, though some of this exploration was from the window of another hot bus.

A Royal Caribbean representative told BI the cruise line worked with local tour operators for its excursions, so air conditioning standards varied.

And when I was finally doing the cool thing I booked, like walking across a suspension bridge amid the treetops, my view was sometimes blocked once more by everyone else who booked the tour, too.

I hoped to capture an empty image of this majestic jungle bridge, but it wasn't possible without losing my tour crew. 

According to a crew member I overheard, roughly 5,000 other people were aboard the ship, so I understand why the cruise felt so crowded.

I think that if I were to book a less crowded cruise next time, I might enjoy it more.

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