If you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious vacation, chartering a yacht may be the perfect choice for you. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a party with friends, renting a yacht allows you to travel in style, comfort, and privacy. Moreover, you’ll get to explore the most beautiful and exotic destinations in the world, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, from the South Pacific to the Indian Ocean.

However, not all yachts are created equal. Some are more opulent, sophisticated, and exclusive than others, featuring state-of-the-art amenities, sumptuous interiors, and impeccable service. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the world’s most expensive and luxurious yachts available for charter, and give you a glimpse of what it’s like to live like a millionaire or billionaire on the high seas.

The Rising Popularity of Luxury Yacht Chartering

Before we dive into the world of lavish yachts for hire, let’s take a look at why more and more people are choosing this type of vacation.

First of all, renting a yacht offers unparalleled flexibility and freedom. You can choose your own itinerary, decide where to anchor or dock, and enjoy your own schedule without worrying about other guests or tourists. This is especially appealing in the current times, when many travelers prefer to avoid crowded places and maintain social distancing.

Secondly, luxury yachts provide a high level of comfort, privacy, and security. You can enjoy your own private cabin or suite, indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared by a personal chef, relax in a Jacuzzi or spa, and access a wide range of water sports and toys, such as jet skis, paddleboards, and diving equipment. Moreover, you’ll be accompanied by a professional and discreet crew, including a captain, a chef, a stewardess, and perhaps even a masseuse or a personal trainer, who will cater to your every need and desire.

Thirdly, yacht chartering allows you to explore multiple destinations in one trip, without the hassle of packing, unpacking, and transferring. You can visit several islands, ports, or beaches, and experience different cultures, landscapes, and activities. This is especially appealing if you’re traveling with a group of friends or family members, as you can share the cost and the experience, and create unforgettable memories together.

Finally, renting a yacht can be a status symbol, a way to show off your wealth, taste, and lifestyle. Many yachts are owned by billionaires, celebrities, or royalty, and are equipped with the latest technology, art pieces, and furnishings. By renting them, you can enter into a rarefied world of luxury and exclusivity, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Most Expensive and Luxurious Yachts for Charter

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of luxury yacht chartering, let’s delve into the world of the most expensive and luxurious yachts available for hire. While there are countless yachts on the market, only a few can claim to be the most extravagant and indulgent. Here are some of the top contenders:

Azzam

At a cost of $650 million, Azzam is the most expensive yacht in the world, and one of the largest, measuring 180 meters (590 feet) in length. Built by Lürssen Yachts in 2013, this superyacht boasts a sleek and modern exterior design by Nauta Yachts and an opulent interior by Christophe Leoni. It can accommodate up to 36 guests in 20 cabins, and has a crew of 60. Azzam features a helipad, a swimming pool, a cinema, a spa, and a discotheque, among other amenities. It’s powered by two gas turbines and two diesel engines, which can propel it to a top speed of 31.5 knots (36 mph) and a range of 7,000 nautical miles (8,055 miles) at a cruising speed of 20 knots (23 mph).

Azzam has been owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, since its launch, and has hosted numerous VIPs and heads of state, including Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait.

Eclipse

Another impressive yacht on the market is Eclipse, which was built by Blohm+Voss in Germany and delivered to its owner, Roman Abramovich, in 2010. The estimated cost of this yacht is $1.5 billion, although the exact price is unknown. Measuring 162.5 meters (533 feet) in length, Eclipse is one of the largest yachts in the world and can accommodate up to 36 guests in 18 cabins. Its interior design, by Terence Disdale, features a combination of classic and modern styles, with marble, leather, and crystal accents.

Eclipse has a range of luxurious amenities, such as a swimming pool with a retractable roof, a cinema, a beauty salon, a gym, and a submarine, which can dive up to 50 meters (164 feet) deep. The yacht also has a sophisticated security system, including a missile detection system and an anti-paparazzi shield that can emit a laser beam to block camera lenses. Eclipse is powered by diesel-electric propulsion and has a top speed of 22 knots (25 mph) and a range of 6,000 nautical miles (6,905 miles) at a cruising speed of 18 knots (20 mph).

Serene

Serene is a 134-meter (439-foot) superyacht built by Fincantieri in Italy and launched in 2011. Its owner, Yuri Shefler, a Russian billionaire, reportedly spent $330 million on its construction. Serene can accommodate up to 24 guests in 12 cabins, and has a crew of 52. Its interior design, by Reymond Langton Design, features a mix of natural and exotic materials, such as rosewood, teak, onyx, and silk.

Serene has an impressive list of amenities, including two helipads, a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a cinema, a gym, and a spa with a sauna and a steam room. The yacht also has a large beach club, which can be converted into a discotheque or a conference room. Serene is powered by diesel-electric propulsion and can reach a top speed of 20 knots (23 mph) and a range of 7,000 nautical miles (8,055 miles) at a cruising speed of 15 knots (17 mph).

Dilbar

Dilbar is a 156-meter (512-foot) superyacht built by Lürssen Yachts and delivered to its owner, Alisher Usmanov, in 2016. The estimated cost of Dilbar is $600 million, making it one of the most expensive yachts in the world. Dilbar can accommodate up to 40 guests in 20 cabins, and has a crew of 80. Its interior design, by Espen Oeino, features a modern and minimalist style, with marble, glass, and stainless steel accents.

Dilbar has a wide range of amenities, including a helipad, an indoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a cinema, a beach club, and a gym with a panoramic view. The yacht also has a large collection of artworks, including pieces by Jeff Koons, Pablo Picasso, and Damien Hirst. Dilbar is powered by diesel-electric propulsion and has a top speed of 22.5 knots (26 mph) and a range of 6,000 nautical miles (6,905 miles) at a cruising speed of 18 knots (20 mph).

Topaz

Topaz is a 147-meter (482-foot) superyacht built by Lürssen Yachts and delivered to its owner, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 2012. The estimated cost of Topaz is $527 million, and it can accommodate up to 62 guests in 26 cabins, with a crew of 79. Its interior design, by Terence Disdale, features a contemporary style, with light-colored woods and neutral tones.

Topaz has a range of luxurious amenities, such as a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a cinema, a beach club, and a gym. The yacht also has a helipad and a large tender garage, which can accommodate several boats and water toys. Topaz is powered by diesel-electric propulsion and has a top speed of 22 knots (25 mph) and a range of 5,500 nautical miles (6,327 miles) at a cruising speed of 20 knots (23 mph).

Rising Sun

Rising Sun is a 138-meter (453-foot) superyacht built by Lürssen Yachts and delivered to its owner, David Geffen, in 2004. The estimated cost of Rising Sun is $200 million, and it can accommodate up to 18 guests in 8 cabins, with a crew of 45. Its interior design, by Jon Bannenberg, features a classic style, with mahogany and marble accents.

Rising sun has a range of amenities, such as a basketball court, a cinema, a Jacuzzi, a gym, and a spa with a sauna and a steam room. The yacht also has a helipad and a large tender garage, which can accommodate several boats and water toys. Rising Sun is powered by diesel-electric propulsion and has a top speed of 28 knots (32 mph) and a range of 6,000 nautical miles (6,905 miles) at a cruising speed of 22 knots (25 mph).

Lady Moura

Lady Moura is a 105-meter (344-foot) superyacht built by Blohm+Voss and delivered to its owner, Nasser Al-Rashid, in 1990. The estimated cost of Lady Moura is $210 million, and it can accommodate up to 30 guests in 15 cabins, with a crew of 60. Its interior design, by Luigi Sturchio, features a mix of classic and contemporary styles, with marble, onyx, and gold accents.

Lady Moura has a range of amenities, such as a swimming pool with a retractable roof, a Jacuzzi, a cinema, a discotheque, and a helipad. The yacht also has a large collection of artworks, including pieces by Auguste Rodin and Sandro Chia. Lady Moura is powered by diesel-electric propulsion and has a top speed of 20 knots (23 mph) and a range of 8,000 nautical miles (9,206 miles) at a cruising speed of 16 knots (18 mph).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of luxury yachts offers a range of extravagant and lavish options for those looking to charter a vessel. From the 180-meter-long Azzam to the classic Lady Moura, each yacht on this list has its unique features and amenities to offer. Whether it’s a helipad, a swimming pool, a cinema, or a gym, these yachts have it all.

Chartering a luxury yacht is not only about indulging in extravagance, but it’s also about exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Whether you want to explore the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or the South Pacific, these yachts can take you there in style and comfort.