The commissioning of luxury yachts has experienced a surge over
recent years with the world’s wealthiest constantly striving to own the
biggest and best. In their battle to do so, what started out as a
relatively simple vessel with basic accommodation, has rapidly evolved
into unrivalled extravagance redefining the concept of luxury as
demonstrated with the world’s top 5 most expensive luxury yachts.
5. Dubai – $350 million
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The Dubai, owned by His Highness Sheik Mohammed Rashid al-Maktoum (ruler of Dubai), comprises the world’s 5th most expensive luxury yacht.
It was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei around
10 years prior to its launch in 2006 and was purchased by Platinum
Yachts, responsible for the Dubai’s decadent interior. On board
this luxury liner are several Jacuzzis, sunbathing areas and a swimming
pool boasting beautiful handmade tiling.
Similarly, handmade mosaics adorn the stunning interior whilst a
beautiful circular staircase, boasting glass steps, changes colour with
the light entering from the top deck. A split-level owner’s deck can
also be found, as well as a lounge and large social area, and numerous
guest and VIP suites with bold colours featuring throughout. Finally, on
board the Dubai is a helipad which can accommodate a helicopter of up to 9.5 tons.
4. Azzam – $650 million
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi, is fortunate owner of the Azzam, worth a staggering $650 million. Measuring in at 590 feet long, not only does this luxury liner boast the world’s 4th
most expensive luxury yacht, but also the world’s largest and is
expected to reach speeds exceeding 30 knots, or 35mph making it one of
the fastest. Finally, little else is known about the Azzam aside
from the fact that French interior decorator Christophe Leoni designed
the extravagant interior which has been described as “”sophisticated and
luxurious in a turn of the century Empire style”.
3. Streets of Monaco – $1.1 billion
The Streets of Monaco was designed by Yacht Island Design of Derbyshire County in England. Comprising the world’s 3rd most expensive luxury yacht,
it features a floating replica of the city of Monaco or, to be more
precise, a scaled-down version of a section of Monte Carlo. Similarly to
the real thing, the Streets of Monaco boasts smaller
reproductions of the city’s most famous landmarks including Café de
Paris, Hotel de Paris, the famous Monte Carlo Casino and racetrack, and
La Rascasse, etc.
Swimming pools and tennis courts can also be found on board the Streets of Monaco.
However, the most outstanding feature of this luxury liner is, without a
doubt, the Atrium which houses seven guest suites accommodating up to
16 people. These sumptuous living quarters, modelled on some of the
finest hotels in Monaco, each come with their own bathrooms, dressing
rooms, balconies and reception rooms. Similarly, a luxury penthouse
divided over three floors and extending over 4,800 square feet, has been
reserved for the fortunate owner.
Finally, BBQ facilities, a café bar, mini waterfall, helicopters and submarines feature on board the Streets of Monaco.
2. Eclipse – $1.5 billion
The world’s second most expensive luxury yacht comprises the Eclipse belonging
to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. He was rumoured to have paid
from $800,000 to $1.5 billion for this luxury liner that also boasts the
second largest in the world at 536 feet long.
So, to what does the Eclipse owe its huge price tag? Well, its
generous size allows for an abundance of on board luxuries including
several hot tubs, two swimming pools, 24 guest cabins and a disco hall.
Three launch boats, two helicopter pads and a mini-submarine, capable of
submerging up to 50 metres underwater, also feature.
Finally, the Eclipse famously boasts intruder detection and missile defence systems for maximum security. The master bedroom and bridge of the Eclipse
have been fitted with armour plating and bullet proof windows whilst an
anti-paparazzi shield featuring lasers sweeps the surrounding areas.
If a lurking photographer is detected, a light is shone directly upon
the camera thus making all attempts to take a picture impossible.
1. History Supreme – $4.5 billion
Finally, blowing all previous records out of the water is the History Supreme.
It was recently delivered to an anonymous Malaysian businessman for a
staggering $4.5 billion earning this floating extravagance title of the world’s top most expensive luxury yacht.
The History Supreme was designed by UK luxury designer Stuart
Hughes and took 3 years to complete with the hefty price tag on this
luxury liner owing to the 100,000 kg of solid gold and platinum used to
adorn it. The base of the superyacht boasts a thin layer of solid gold
whilst the entirety of the vessel including the deck, rails, staircases,
dining area and even the ship’s anchor, all feature these precious
metals.
A $45 million liquor bottle, boasting an extremely rare 18.5 carat
diamond, also features amongst the on board luxuries whilst an iPhone
wrapped in 500 cut diamonds has helped to nudge up the price of this
incredible vessel.
Finally, the most unique feature of the History Supreme is
undoubtedly the master bedroom. A 68 kg 24-carat gold Aquavista
Panoramic Wall Aquarium graces the master suite which also boasts a
statue made from genuine Tyrannosaurus Rex bones and a wall feature
adorned with meteorite rock.
By Maria Allen, www.luxuryseekersonline.com
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