Luxury on the Waves: The Largest Yachts in the World

Vast suites, gyms, pools, discos, helipads, ballrooms and even state-of-the-art science laboratories. No, we’re not talking about the world’s biggest hotels, we’re talking about the largest yachts in the world. These water-bound wonders, furnished in the finest décor, and studded with every conceivable amenity that an ultra-luxury lifestyle demands, push the boundaries of physical possibility and encapsulate the true meaning of extravagance.

The contenders for the title of world’s largest yacht is a journey through meticulously curated interiors, awe-inspiring exteriors, and groundbreaking technology that not only breaks the waves but also the norms of luxury. So, prepare to dive into an ocean of extravagance where indulgence knows no bounds.

Read on to find out which is the biggest yacht in the world by length.

Length: 96.5 metres | Tonnage: 2,991

Launched in 2016, Faith was built in the Netherlands by Feadship and is powered by twin 3,100 hp diesel engines with a top speed of 31 km/h. It’s believed the superyacht cost somewhere in the region of $200 million. It may not be the biggest yacht in the world but it’s one of the most opulent, with teak laid decks, a grand piano, beach club, underwater lights, cinema, beauty salon and a lift.

Length: 127 metres | Tonnage: 3,300

Koru, the Māori word for ‘new beginnings’, is believed to be the world’s biggest sailing yacht. Costing a reported $500 million, the schooner-rigged sailing yacht was built in the Netherlands and will be followed by a 75-metre support vessel carrying relief supplies, a helicopter and crew accommodation.

Length: 138 metres | Tonnage: 7,841

Rising Sun was built at a reported cost of $290 million in 2004 by German shipyard Lürssen. It was later extended by eighteen metres to ensure it was longer than Octopus, another of the world’s largest yachts. The 8,000m2 superyacht’s 82 rooms include a beauty salon, gym, sauna, wine cellar and basketball court.

Length: 147 metres | Tonnage: 8,233

Built by Danish shipbuilder Helsingør Værft in 1984, the Prince Abdulaziz was, when it was launched, the longest and tallest yacht in the world. Almost four decades on, it remains one of the largest yachts in the world. The interior was designed by David Nightingale Hicks and it’s believed that the main lobby is a replica of the reception area of the Titanic. It cost a reported $184 million and includes a hospital and cinema.

Length: 162 metres | Tonnage: 13,470

Costing around $400 million, the Andrew Winch-designed superyacht was once the biggest yacht in the world before being eclipsed by Eclipse. With a capacity for 115 guests and 88 crew, Dubai has 1.2 million litre diesel tanks, a range of 15,700 kilometres and is home to a disco, cinema, squash court and a lobster tank.

Length: 162.5 metres | Tonnage: 13,000

Designed by award-winning superyacht designer Terence Disdale, Eclipse was built in Germany by renowned shipyard Blohm + Voss. When it was delivered in 2009, it was the biggest yacht in the world. It’s believed to have seventeen staterooms and what has been described as a ‘palatial master suite’, as well as one of the largest swimming pools ever built on a private yacht. At a reported cost of $500 million, Eclipse is equipped with a submarine, three landing boats and two helipads.

Length: 180 metres | Tonnage: 13,136

The world’s largest yacht was built by Lürssen in 2013. Costing a reported $600 million, Azzam’s luxurious interior, which includes a 29-metre long main salon, was designed by Christophe Leoni to evoke the Empire style of the nineteenth century and it can accommodate 36 guests and a crew of 80.

The magic of these yachts lies not only in their extraordinary dimensions, but also in the exceptional attention to detail, bespoke design, and unparalleled luxury they offer. From private cinemas to onboard hospitals, these vessels encapsulate an almost surreal level of opulence that truly redefines the concept of marine luxury. These floating palaces have changed the landscape of wealth and grandeur, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Whether it’s the Empire style glory of Azzam, the remarkable expansiveness of the Eclipse, or the exquisite allure of Faith, each one of these yachts embodies a world of unbounded luxury that floats on the rhythm of the waves. But beyond the extravagant indulgence, these vessels are also a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess.

The largest yachts in the world are more than just symbols of superfluous wealth — they are epic engineering projects that encapsulate the zenith of design, technology, and nautical mechanics, all while riding the crest of the boundless ocean.