The World's Top 10 Mega-Yachts
Missile-detection systems, helipads, pools: Meet the world's Top 10 yachts.
LONDON, June 18, 2009 — -- As the world's largest yacht glided out of Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, last week, crowds of onlookers watched the vessel and, perhaps, dreamed of who was onboard the mega-cruiser.
Reports have surfaced that Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is the proud owner of the 557-foot ship, which Blohm + Voss Industries would not confirm.
"Our company is not allowed to talk about it," a company representative said.
Regardless of the owner, the Eclipse is now in first place on the list of the world's largest yachts. It reportedly features a missile-detection system, two helicopter landing pads, a swimming pool and a submarine that doubles as an escape pod.
It also features an armor-plated master suite, as well as bullet-proof windows to keep its master and commander safe.
According to London's Daily Mail, the Eclipse was designed to overshadow the world's former largest yacht, a 525-foot super-cruiser owned by the Sheikh of Dubai.
Here's a look at the remaining nine of the Top 10 largest yachts in the world.
2. The Dubai, 524 feet long
Named for its country of residence, the Dubai was originally built by Blohm + Voss for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.
It was later sold to the Sheikh of Dubai for an undisclosed amount, although it was considered the most expensive yacht in the world, at an estimated value of $300 million, when it was built in 2006.
The Dubai reportedly features five VIP apartments and six luxury apartments. The yacht has a helicopter pad, small submarine, squash room and spa, according to Yacht Critic.
3. Al Said, 508 feet long
A concert hall large enough for a 50-piece orchestra reportedly resides in this yacht.
Most of the boat's deck space is enclosed and air-conditioned to combat the hot Mideast weather. Its owner is the Sultan Qaboos of Oman. This mega-yacht can house 70 guests and 150 crew, according to the Yacht Report Group.
4. Prince Abdulaziz, 482 feet long
This floating mansion was launched in 1984 as the largest yacht in the world and held the title for more than 10 years until it was bumped from the top spot by the Dubai.
The ship belonged to the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia for decades but was passed to Prince Abdullah (now King Abdullah), his brother, upon his death.
The large lobby on the main deck was reportedly designed after the Titanic with large spaces and classical furniture. The yacht is equipped for 22 guests with 12 staterooms.
5. El Horriya, 475 feet long
This ship is the oldest yacht on the list. It was built in 1865 at the Samuda Brothers shipyard in London. It belongs to the king of Egypt and resides on moorage in Alexandria.
6. Al Salamah, 456 feet long
A member of the Saudi Arabian royal family, Defense Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz owns this crown jewel. This yacht reportedly has more than 80 rooms on eight decks and a crew of 96.
PowerandMotorYacht.com reported that it is often mistaken for a cruise ship. Also on the list of amenities are an indoor swimming pool, library, fully-equipped hospital, gym and spa. CNN reported the estimated cost of the boat is $200 million.
7. Rising Sun, 454 feet long
This yacht is jointly owned by the head of the Oracle Corp., Larry Ellison, and record executive David Geffen.
In the past year, the yacht toured such locations as Venice, the Greek islands, Croatia, Slovenia and the Virgin Islands.
It reportedly features 82 rooms on five stories, a sauna, gym, basketball court and wine cellar and even has its own fan Web site.
8. Al Mirqab, 436 feet long
The coveted Motor Yacht of the Year award went to this ship last year, as well as an award for the interior design by Andrew Winch.
The interior is inspired by the classic architecture and design from the Cote d'Azur and Paris.
It reportedly features a helicopter pad, a Mercedes garage, a swimming pool and a movie theater.
This vessel flies the Cayman Islands flag and is owned by the prime minister of Qatar.
9. Octopus, 413 feet long
The Octopus had a busy 2008.
Its owner, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, took the vessel to such locations as St. Lucia, Tahiti, Venice and southern France and dodged rumors that his ship would host the infamous Brangelina wedding all at the same time. No wonder the ship reportedly needed a paint job by the end of the year.
Indeed, there is a Web site devoted to tracking the Octopus and updating viewers on its condition and whereabouts.
10. Savarona, 408 feet long
75 years after its birth this yacht is still cruising the high seas. It features a movie theater, fitness center and hammam (Turkish bath).
Ocean-farers relax in gilded interiors and can bask in the glow of an ornate stained-glass central ceiling.