When Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's mega-yacht Eclipse docked in midtown Manhattan last February, it created frenzy among the Big Apple's princes and paupers alike.
They flocked to the far west pier, usually reserved for cruise ships, just to get a glimpse of the 538-foot palace at sea.
At the time, Eclipse was the largest yacht in the world (and it's still the largest available for charter), with 18 luxury cabins for up to 34 guests, two pools, a three-man submarine and three helipads facilitating quick transfers to the mainland. It reportedly cost north of $500 million to build and another $500,000 a week just to keep afloat, making a day at sea in this mega-yacht a mega-fantasy for nearly everybody on the planet.
But a jaunt through the Mediterranean on Eclipse with 33 of your closest friends isn't completely out of reach. Back in 2011 Abramovich made the ship available for charter through the über-exclusive brokers of Super Yachts Monaco for a reported $2 million per week.
If that seems a bit steep, Abramovich's mega-yacht Luna is also available for charter through Super Yachts Monaco for a slightly smaller per-week fee. Consider yourself warned, though—this yacht has only one on-deck pool.
If you have the means and are looking for a completely customized holiday, yacht charters are one way to go. While many mega-yachts remain in private hands, some of the most exquisite vessels in the world are available for charter if you're willing to spend the dough.
Vacation planning starts with the select few brokerages that have access to the finest vessels at sea. “A luxury yacht charter is completely bespoke,” says Molly Browne, a charter broker out of Camper & Nicholsons International's London office. “Even if a client plans an itinerary, once on board there is no need to adhere to it. Everything is flexible, and the broker and crew will do their best to ensure that all your needs are taken care of.”
Camper & Nicholsons would know a little bit about the world's top yachts. The company was founded in 1782 as a premier shipbuilder and today is a global leader in the sale, charter and construction of mega-yachts. Take O'Mega, a 271-foot masterpiece with room for 30 guests and 28 crew that's now available for charter after a multimillion-dollar refit with new interiors and top-notch tech.
Y.CO is another high-end brokerage yacht addicts have come to rely on. “Be it global exploration, large groups, holistic retreats, regatta racing, adrenaline fueling or just the ultimate relaxing experience, we have something for everyone,” says Y.CO marketing director Bianca McNulty. Among the stunners in this portfolio is Serene, a 439-foot boat with an underwater glass room that turns the ocean into your private aquarium and a helicopter hangar—and if you're leaving the chopper at home, the hangar transforms into an indoor pool.
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Eclipse
Sure, it's no longer the largest super-yacht in the world (that honor goes to the privately owned 590-foot Azzam), but at 538 feet Eclipse is the largest, most lavish super-yacht you can charter.
Launched in 2010, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's nine-deck ship of dreams has room for 36 of your best friends to bunk up in 18 luxury cabins, not to mention the crew of 70 required to keep it afloat. Go ahead and skinny-dip, because pool parties (there are two pools, one of which converts into a dance floor) are sure to stay private thanks to an “anti-paparazzi shield” that fires photo-ruining lasers at cameras.
Meanwhile, bulletproof plating and windows ensure that pirates don't stand a chance. If you do want to make a quick escape—or just check out the mainland—there are three helipads and a three-man submarine on board.
Stad Amsterdam
Thanks to this 250-foot clipper, you don't need a DeLorean time machine to experience the thrill of exploring the high seas in an authentic 1800s boat under full sail.
When it launched in 2000, Stad Amsterdam was the first true clipper ship built in more than 130 years. Up top you'll feel as if you've gone back in time as the crew hoists and sets the sails exactly as they would have back in the 1800s to reach speeds of 17 knots (about 20 miles per hour). A mahogany staircase descends into the Long Room, a magnificent teak cabin with copper finishes and a library that serves as a main gathering space and dining room.
It's powered by the wind but loaded with modern technology and amenities after a 2009 refit, sleeping 28 guests in 14 identical cabins. Two captains and two gourmet chefs are among the expert crew of 25.
O'Mega
Go island hopping around Greece in O'Mega, a 271-foot floating palace that was recently refitted with luxurious new interiors and top-notch technology.
Up to 30 guests can spread out in one master, four VIP, five double and five twin cabins. That still leaves room for 28 crew—a near 1-to-1 ratio.
Relax in the Jacuzzi or in the two elegant saloons, one on the main deck and the other on top of the boat where spectacular views abound. Below deck there's a full movie theater and well-equipped gym; an aft deck extends for easy water access. You'll want to be in the water with all the toys: a speedboat, two wave runners, three kayaks and a slew of towables including water skis, wakeboards and inflatable rafts.
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