A colossal gigayacht is under construction, and acquiring a residence aboard will require a significant investment.
Earlier this year, travel aficionados around the globe were thrilled about the launch of the world’s largest cruise ship.
The Icon of the Seas, a massive vessel weighing 248,663 tons, made its maiden voyage from Miami on January 27, accommodating over 7,000 passengers.
Royal Caribbean’s innovative ship measures just under 1,200 feet in length. However, a new gigayacht, the Ulyssia, is on the horizon, measuring only 100 feet shorter.
Though it rivals the cruise ship in size, the Ulyssia Gigayacht will offer just 133 residences and 22 guest suites for visitors.
These accommodations will range from family suites to luxurious penthouses, offering an experience distinct from conventional cruise ship travel.
Swiss billionaire Frank Binder is behind the construction of this luxury vessel, with an estimated cost of $1.5 billion.
Staying on the Ulyssia Gigayacht will start at a staggering $10.5 million, with the company suggesting an average price tag of around $19 million, according to Forbes.
The most extravagant residences will be priced at approximately $25.8 million, while the opulent penthouses, ranging in size from 1,787 square feet to over 15,100 square feet, will be priced at a hefty $60 million.
Construction of the gigayacht is expected to commence between now and September 2025, aiming for delivery between October 2028 and October 2029 at the latest.
Discussing the yacht’s design, Binder, heir to the Merck pharmaceuticals fortune, told The Times: “My first thought was to make it look like a yacht, not a cruise ship.”
“Floor-to-ceiling glass walls to create a great connection to the sea and environment. State-of-the-art technology to have as little ecological impact as possible. I want to do that from the start, to do something that is sustainable.”
The news outlet reports that the 1,063-foot giant ‘will be powered by a hybrid propulsion system, utilizing fuels like green methanol and other biofuels when feasible, alongside solar-powered batteries’.
The yacht’s interiors will be crafted by Francesca Muzio, a designer with experience on over 100 yachts and superyachts.