Yachts are seen as the epitome of luxury, extravagance, and wealth, and have fascinated people for centuries. These floating masterpieces of engineering and design are also a reflection of the lifestyles and aspirations of their owners, showcasing the latest technology, design, and luxury. The largest yachts in the world represent the ultimate in size, luxury, and innovation, owned by some of the wealthiest individuals in the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ten largest yachts in the world, exploring their impressive features, state-of-the-art amenities, and the fascinating individuals behind them.
10. OPERA
Starting us off at number 10 is OPERA, which revealed itself to the world in September 2022, measuring 146.35 meters in length, with a gross tonnage of 11999.0 GT and a 20.0 m beam. This latest behemoth, created by Lürssen, has a Teak deck, Steel hull, and Aluminium superstructure.
9. PRINCE ABDULAZIZ
Prince Abdulaziz is one of the world's most iconic and legendary superyachts, commissioned by the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia in 1984. The yacht, named after the king's son, Prince Abdulaziz, was the largest yacht in the world at the time of its launch until being outstripped in 2006. Measuring 147 meters in length, the vessel also boasts an elegant and luxurious interior designed by the renowned English designer David Hicks. It holds the title of the world’s largest yacht ever built in the 20th century and has been refitted three times since its launch.
8. A+
Formerly known as Topaz, A+ was built by Lürssen in Germany and launched in 2012. With a length of 147.25 meters, a tonnage of 8223, and a beam of over 18.3 meters, it can accommodate approximately 140 people, including 62 guests and 78 crew members. Owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, A+ is particularly noteworthy for its impressive cruising speed of 19.5 knots, with a maximum speed of 22 knots, which is rare for a vessel of its size.
7. AL SAID
Al Said is a magnificent yacht owned by the Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said of Oman, designed by the international design firm Espen Øino Naval Architects. It serves as the flagship of the Oman Royal Yacht Squadron, measuring 155 meters long, with a beam of 24 meters and a gross tonnage of 15,850. Launched in 2008, it has 39 luxurious cabins that accommodate up to 70 guests and a crew of 154. Designed by American yacht architect Jonathan Quinn Barnett, it features several amenities, including a cinema, a helipad, and a concert hall that can host a 50-piece orchestra. It also has cutting-edge technology, such as a state-of-the-art navigation system and an advanced security system.
6. DILBAR
Designed by Espen Øino and built by Lürssen in 2016, DILBAR is a luxury yacht that measures 156 meters long and has a beam of 24 meters, with a gross tonnage of 15,917. It features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure and is powered by two diesel engines. Owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, the yacht can accommodate up to 40 guests in 20 staterooms and has a crew of 80. Designed by Axel Massmann, DILBAR has all the amenities expected on a yacht and an expansive garden with grass specifically designed to tolerate sea air. It also features a unique diesel-electric power plant, which is highly fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, making it one of the most technologically advanced yachts in the world.
5. BLUE
CODENAME Project BLUE, still under construction in Bremen by Lürssen, is a highly anticipated yacht with very little known about it. What is known is that it measures 160 meters in length, making it the fifth largest yacht in the world. Despite not yet gracing the open seas with its hull, it has already garnered much attention and interest.
4. DUBAI
Dubai is a stunning luxury yacht owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE and the Emir of Dubai. Launched in 2006, the yacht measures an impressive 162 meters in length, making it one of the largest yachts in the world. It boasts eight decks and 9 VIP suites, accommodating up to 115 guests and 88 crew members. The interior, designed by Platinum Yachts, blends traditional Arabic design with modern luxurious finishes. The standout features of Dubai include a large swimming pool, a helipad, and a beautiful circular staircase that spirals through the center of the vessel. With incredible size, abundant amenities, and stunning design, Dubai is a true engineering masterpiece of luxury.
3. ECLIPSE
Completed at the end of 2010 by the Blohm + Voss Hamburg shipyard, the Eclipse is a motor yacht and the world's third-largest superyacht at over 162.5 meters. It was constructed with unprecedented secrecy, leading to much speculation from the international press and superyacht enthusiasts. The yacht's interiors were designed by Terence Disdale Design, a renowned London-based team. The Eclipse is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and can accommodate 36 guests and 70 crew members in 18 cabins. Equipped with numerous luxurious amenities, including a three-person leisure submarine, two swimming pools (one of which can be converted into a dance floor), an exterior fireplace, and six tenders, the Eclipse is a true masterpiece of engineering and luxury.
2. FULK AL SALAMAH
Constructed by Mariotti Yachts at their shipyard in Genoa, Italy, in 2016, the Fulk Al Salamah is the second-longest superyacht in the world, measuring 164 meters in length. Its deck is made of aluminum and teak, while its hull and superstructure are constructed from steel and aluminum. The yacht boasts a range of luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, a helipad, and a spa, and can accommodate up to 40 guests and 60 crew members in 20 cabins. With its impressive size and luxurious features, the Fulk Al Salamah is a true icon of the superyacht world.
1. AZZAM
Measuring an impressive 180 meters in length, Azzam takes its place as the largest superyacht in the world. Launched in 2013 by Lürssen, the leading shipyard for luxury yacht building, the vessel was developed under the guidance of engineer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi and a world-class team. The goal was to create a luxurious yacht with a timeless and innovative design that could travel at high speeds even in warm and shallow waters while providing sophisticated and comfortable accommodations for guests. The exterior design is by Nauta Yachts, and the interior styling is by Christophe Leoni. The end product is a stunning vessel representing a milestone in yachting history. Azzam breaks new ground, boasting cutting-edge technology, unprecedented dimensions, and impressive performance. Equipped with two gas turbines and two diesel engines, it can reach top speeds of over 30 knots. It is a true masterpiece of modern yacht design and a testament to its creators' engineering and design capabilities, maintaining the crown for ten years as there has yet to be a design that can reach the same heights.