Few vessels represent luxury and comfort on the oceans more than yachts. An even more exclusive category of yachts, often called superyachts, includes the largest recreational vessels on the planet. These extraordinary structures are custom-designed and outfitted with cutting-edge technologies and luxurious design features inside and out.
While there is no industry standard definition of a superyacht, most exceed 40 meters in length, far longer than a more traditionally sized yacht. As of August 2024, the world’s 50 largest yachts currently in operation are all more than 100 meters long, distinguishing them as elite among all superyachts.
Take a closer look at these seven naval masterpieces and discover what makes them stand out in the yachting world.
On April 5, 2013, world-renowned German shipbuilder Lürssen Yachts launched Azzam, Arabic for “determined.” Measuring 180.6 meters in length, she made history as the world's largest yacht, far surpassing any vessel built before her.
While Azzam will be overtaken in size by the upcoming 222-meter Somnio, set to launch later in 2024, she remains an exceptional superyacht. An engineering and technical marvel, Azzam was completed in a record-breaking three years. Despite her size, she is also among the world’s fastest yachts. Her four turbodiesel engines generate more than 47,000 horsepower, allowing for top speeds of 30 knots.
Custom-designed in 2016 by Italian shipbuilding company Mariotti Yachts, Fulk Al Salamah is the largest vessel of the Oman Royal Yacht Squadron. Originally called project Saffron, the superyacht took on her current name—meaning “Ship of Peace” in Arabic—after her official unveiling and delivery.
At exactly 164 meters long, Fulk Al Salamah is currently the second-largest yacht in the world and the largest government-owned yacht. As a property of the Omani royal family, Fulk Al Salamah’s port of residence is Muscat, Oman. She is a part of the Oman Royal Yacht Squadron, which supports Al Said, the Sultan’s primary vessel and another of the world’s largest yachts.
At her unveiling, Eclipse once held the world’s largest yacht title. Although the Fulk Al Salamah and the Azzam have since displaced her to third place, she remains an exceptional craft.
Built by the Hamburg-based Blohm + Voss shipyard, Eclipse’s construction remained a secret until her official unveiling in 2010. Her owner is Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire and former owner of Chelsea Football Club. Eclipse features 18 cabins capable of supporting up to 36 guests in exquisite interior décor by Terence Disdale Design.
Eclipse is believed to have an extensive collection of lavish and unusual features on board, including a submarine, two swimming pools, space for three helicopters, and even a missile defense system.
Dubai is an Emirati vessel and another former world’s largest superyacht. Commissioned in 1995 and completed in 2006, she is a joint project by Blohm + Voss and Lürssen, featuring an elegant exterior design by Andrew Winch.
Dubai’s original intended owner, then-Prince of Brunei Jefri Bolkiah, famously canceled the purchase contract, halting the vessel’s construction just one year after commissioning. After several years of inactivity, it resumed in 2001 when her current owner and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, purchased the hull.
Dubai is well-known for its striking seven-deck structure and a lavish central glass staircase connecting most of the vessel’s interior segments. She can accommodate up to 72 guests for round-the-world trips, and her four MTU diesel engines allow for an impressive top speed of 26 knots.
Blue is one of the newest superyachts on the list, completed in February 2022 and delivered in 2023. As one of Lürssen’s latest secret projects, little is known about her or her owner.
In addition to being one of the world’s 10 largest superyachts, the shipbuilder claims Blue is one of the most eco-friendly vessels of her size ever designed. She is fitted with a unique diesel-hybrid propulsion system with enough power to reach up to 20 knots.
Other eco-friendly technologies include an advanced exhaust treatment system, a 100% electric propulsion mode, and a “drinking water quality” wastewater filtering membrane.
While she was never the largest superyacht by length, Dilbar is a favorite among yacht spotters for its many other exceptional attributes. This Lürssen creation is one of the world’s widest and heaviest yachts, with a gross tonnage weight of 15,917 tons. The classic, bronze-accented, ivory-white hull is a signature design by Espen Øino and one of his most famous yacht projects.
Dilbar is well-known for her 25-meter swimming pool, two helipads, and lavish interior quarters. When fitted for special occasions, she can accommodate up to 120 people, including up to 96 crew members.
Al Said is one of the world’s most famous superyachts, mainly known for being the primary vessel of the Sultan of Oman. Since her completion in 2007 and delivery in 2008, she has been the subject of extensive press coverage due to her size, exterior styling, interior design, and guest capacity.
As an Omani royal vessel and the Sultan’s primary yacht, Al Said is the crown jewel of the Oman Royal Yacht Squadron. At the time of completion, it was the largest craft owned by the Oman royal family until they acquired the 164-meter Fulk Al Salamah in 2016. Like other Omani royal yachts, Al Said’s port of residence is Muscat, Oman.
Al Said was created by some of the finest names in the yachting industry. Built by renowned shipbuilder Lürssen, she is one of the most iconic of Espen Øino’s designs. The vessel’s interior is signed by British designer RWD, formerly Redman Whiteley Dixon. It offers enough space to host up to 70 guests in royal luxury.
When the 145-meter El Mahrousa was delivered in 1865 to Sir Oliver Lang, it was the world’s first superyacht. She became the world’s longest yacht and held the title for more than 100 years.
Today, the world’s top shipmakers regularly design ever-greater concepts that make El Mahrousa seem small. Every year, new superyacht designs come out, challenging the limits of technology and pushing the heights of luxury and design on the ocean. The current record-holder, Azzam, is already projected to lose her title this year with the expected unveiling of Somnio. Only time will tell how long Vard’s upcoming creation will hold the record.
Corentin’s passion for the boating and yachting industry was ignited early on, fueled by the prestigious Salon Nautique International de Paris and the Cannes Yachting Festival. Now a seasoned writer, he channels his expertise into every piece, whether he’s showcasing the latest in luxury yachts or breaking down marine tech innovations. While boating and yachting are a primary focus, Corentin’s versatility is reflected in his work on automotive trends, home improvement, personal finance, and cutting-edge technology.