Few possessions in the world whisper power quite like a yacht. Not the sort chartered for a weekend escape, but the kind built over years, often behind closed doors, with design houses, shipyards, and artisans working in quiet precision. Inside these floating symbols of status, features like helipads, concert halls, meteorite walls, and gold-plated fixtures are becoming almost the norm. expected. The world’s most expensive yachts continue to push boundaries, reflecting the bold ambitions of their owners and the craftsmanship of their designers. Below is a list of the most costly and ambitious yachts ever made.
History Supreme – $4.8 Billion
Regarded as the most expensive yacht ever built, History Supreme is estimated to cost $4.8 billion. Measuring 100 feet in length, the vessel is said to be clad in over 100,000 kilograms of gold and platinum, with design elements that push the concept of luxury into the surreal. These include walls reportedly formed from meteorite rock and a sculpted feature crafted from genuine dinosaur bone. The design is attributed to British luxury specialist Stuart Hughes, who is believed to have based its silhouette loosely on the Italian Baia 100, though significantly elevated in detail and materials. The yacht’s ownership remains unconfirmed, with Malaysian businessman Robert Kuok frequently mentioned in unverified reports. Rarely seen and widely debated, History Supreme continues to occupy a curious place in the world of superyachts, part status symbol, part legend.
Eclipse – $1.5 Billion
Eclipse, owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, remains one of the most recognisable vessels on the water. Measuring 533 feet, it was built by Germany’s Blohm+Voss and delivered in 2010. At the time, it held the title of the world’s largest private yacht and is estimated to be worth around $1.5 billion. Its reputation is built as much on its security features as its scale, with reported systems including missile defence, bulletproof glass, and an infrared anti-paparazzi shield. Interiors by Terence Disdale offer a mix of luxury and innovation, including two helipads, a swimming pool that transforms into a dance floor, and a private submarine stored within the hull.
Streets of Monaco – $1 Billion
Ever come across a yacht designed to replicate an entire country? The Streets of Monaco is one of the most ambitious superyacht concepts to date, valued at approximately $1 billion. At 155 metres in length, it was conceived as a floating interpretation of the principality, complete with scaled-down versions of the Monte Carlo Casino, the Hôtel de Paris, and a fully functioning go-kart circuit inspired by the Monaco Grand Prix. Plans also include multiple swimming pools, a spa, gym, and a selection of cafés, effectively transforming the vessel into a private resort at sea. Designed by Yacht Island Design in collaboration with BMT Nigel Gee, the project remains unrealised. Its scale, detail and cost continue to place it firmly in the realm of maritime fantasy for now.
Dilbar – $735 Million
At 156 metres, Dilbar ranks among the most significant yachts ever built. Commissioned by Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov and launched by Lürssen in 2016, it is widely recognised as the world’s largest yacht by internal volume. The interior, designed by Winch Design, includes expansive guest areas and the largest indoor swimming pool ever installed on a yacht. Exterior styling by Espen Øino presents a classic ivory and bronze profile, concealing advanced engineering and space for a substantial crew and guest list. Among its features are twin helipads, multiple salons, and a full suite of leisure facilities. As of 2022, Dilbar remains impounded in Germany following international sanctions, leaving one of the world’s most lavish private vessels idle.
Scheherazade – $700 Million
Launched by Lürssen in 2020, Scheherazade spans 140 metres and is estimated to be worth around $700 million. The yacht takes its name from the legendary queen of One Thousand and One Nights, and the interiors reportedly live up to the reference. Features are said to include a Turkish bath, cryotherapy suite, hydromassage spa, and gold-plated bathroom fixtures. Two helipads and multiple swimming pools further underscore its scale and ambition. Despite its technical and aesthetic achievements, Scheherazade has drawn attention for other reasons. The vessel was seized by Italian authorities in 2022 under international sanctions, and the identity of its true owner remains unverified.
Azzam – $600 Million
Few private vessels come close to the scale or complexity of Azzam. Measuring 180 metres, it remains the largest yacht in the world by length. Built by Lürssen and launched in 2013 for the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, the yacht is estimated to have cost around $600 million. Its propulsion system combines twin gas turbines with diesel engines, enabling speeds of over 30 knots, which is uncommon for a vessel of this scale. Inside, French designer Christophe Leoni chose a classical Empire style, described as elegant rather than ostentatious. Behind the scenes, Azzam includes a full suite of advanced security measures, such as a missile defence system and a bulletproof master cabin. Technically ambitious and highly private, it remains one of the most discreet symbols of modern maritime power.
Al Said – $600 Million
Gone are the flashy features and bold designs that often define today’s superyachts. Al Said is instead defined by scale, discretion, and royal intent. Commissioned by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman and delivered by Lürssen in 2008, the 155-metre yacht carries an estimated value of $600 million. Named after the ruling family’s dynastic title, it reflects a traditional vision of power. Among its most notable features is a concert hall capable of hosting a 50-piece orchestra, underscoring the Sultan’s cultural sensibilities. While much of the interior remains undisclosed, the yacht is understood to contain formal salons, vast decks, and spaces suited to diplomatic gatherings. Despite its size, Al Said maintains a composed presence at sea, quietly aligned with the dignity of its patron.
Topaz (A+) – $527 Million
The yacht now known as A+ was originally launched as Topaz by Lürssen in 2012. At 147 metres, it ranks among the largest private vessels on the water, with an estimated cost of $527 million. Commissioned for Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, it reflects the scale and discretion often associated with Gulf royalty. The exterior, styled by designer Tim Heywood, is defined by clean, assertive lines, while the interior by Terence Disdale has remained largely out of public view. Known features include a helipad, swimming pool, jacuzzi decks, a gym, and an onboard cinema. Though much of its layout remains private, A+ is widely regarded as a fully appointed vessel designed for extended cruising with no compromise on comfort or capability.
Serene – $500 Million
"It feels like a palace made just for us," is how one guest reportedly described stepping aboard Serene. At 134 metres, the yacht combines Italian craftsmanship with a quietly extravagant layout. Built by Fincantieri and delivered in 2011, the vessel originally cost around $330 million and was first owned by Russian vodka tycoon Yuri Shefler. In 2015, it made headlines when Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acquired it for a reported €500 million after seeing it during a holiday on the Côte d’Azur. Designed by Reymond Langton, the interior accommodates up to 24 guests in exceptional comfort. Facilities include two helipads with a hangar, multiple swimming pools and hot tubs, a cinema, and a gym. Today, Serene is estimated to be worth around $500 million and continues to attract attention not only for its amenities but also for the reputation it has acquired as one of the most admired superyachts of its generation.
The Koru – $500 Million
What does the world’s most influential tech billionaire commission when ambition and success are key elements in life? The result is surely Koru, a 127-metre, three-masted schooner delivered to Jeff Bezos in 2023 by Dutch shipbuilder Oceanco. Reportedly valued at around $500 million, it is currently the largest sailing yacht in the world. Its 230-foot masts rise to the height of Big Ben, giving the vessel both visual dominance and technical complexity. Even before launch, Koru drew attention. Plans to dismantle a historic bridge in Rotterdam to allow its passage sparked public debate, though the yacht was ultimately transported without its masts to avoid disruption. On board, the design balances modern comfort with nautical heritage, featuring multiple decks, jacuzzis, a cinema, wellness areas, and a carved wooden figurehead of Freyja, the Norse goddess associated with love and travel. Every detail in this yacht reflects Jeff Bezos’ preference to enjoy travel and privacy.
Final Take
Ownership of a superyacht at this level is rarely just about travel, even if that is the intended purpose. With features ranging from private sanctuaries to diplomatic spaces and technical feats, these vessels reflect personal priorities as much as global influence. They speak not only to the scale of wealth behind them but also to a desire for enduring design, built to withstand scrutiny, cover distance, and remain relevant over time.
