Exploring The Extravagant Yachts Of The Biggest Celebrities
For most people, a boat seems like a fun status symbol until you actually buy it and need to maintain it. Not to burst anyone's bubble but there's a reason the saying goes, "The two happiest days of a boat owner's life are the day they buy it and the day they sell it."
However, the struggles of boat ownership don't seem as daunting to celebrities because they have a whole staff watching over it. That's why these celebrities opted for such gargantuan and opulent vessels. Let's have a look at what all that money has granted them!
Roman Abramovich: Eclipse ($700 Million)
Although Roman Abramovich isn't exactly a household name stateside, the Russian oligarch's former ownership of the Chelsea FC soccer organization made him much more well-known in the United Kingdom. Although economic sanctions have prompted him to part with significant assets, Business Insider reported that he still owns his 536-foot superyacht, Eclipse.
Equipped with a mini-submersible, two helipads, bulletproof glass, and a German missile defense system, Eclipse was the largest yacht in the world at the time of its construction and reportedly cost Abramovich $700 million. Eclipse is also staffed with 70 crew members and apparently costs $75 million a year to operate.
David Geffen: The Rising Sun ($590 Million)
According to Business Insider, billionaire music mogul David Geffen bought the 400-foot yacht The Rising Sun from Oracle founder Larry Ellison. Specifically, he bought a half-share of it in 2007 and completed his purchase in 2010. He is reported to have paid about $590 million for the vessel.
However, it seems the craft's value has depreciated somewhat since then, as its value fell to $300 million in 2019. The yacht's top level is Geffen's private quarters, while 18 celebrity guests and 55-strong staff can find room throughout the remainder of The Rising Sun. It also has its own basketball court and movie theater.
Jeff Bezos: Koru ($500 Million)
According to Yahoo! Finance, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has such a massive yacht to his name that even its support vessel is about 250 feet long. Called Abeona, this support ship costs $75 million and features helipads and various fast launches to make transport onto the larger Koru easier.
For its part, Koru is about 400 feet long and is apparently valued at about $500 million. It features three outdoor decks (two of which have swimming pools), a movie theater, and a wide array of lounges and business areas for up to 18 honored guests. Koru also has a crew of 36 people and costs about $25 million a year to maintain.
Mark Zuckerberg: Launchpad ($300 Million)
According to Fox Business, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg treated himself to a $300 million superyacht named Launchpad after his personal net worth eclipsed $200 billion. Although it's unclear what amenities the massive vessel has, its 387-foot length certainly leaves a lot of room for some ambitious ideas.
Launchpad was constructed by the Dutch shipbuilder Feadship and — as one might expect for a ship of its size — it was built with multiple decks. The superyacht is likely to weigh at least 5,000 tons and can reportedly move as fast as 24 knots.
Paul Allen: Octopus ($278 Million)
Although Bill Gates is the more famous co-founder of Microsoft, the opulent superyacht Octopus alone is proof that his former business partner Paul Allen was every bit as rich by the time of his passing in 2018. According to Bloomberg, the 414-foot yacht was sold to an undisclosed buyer for $278 million in 2021.
A year later, Octopus became available for chartering and can accommodate 12 guests and 42 crew members. According to Business Insider, the vessel features multiple bars, a large swimming pools, a library, a gym, a spa, an observation lounge, two helipads, a movie theater, an aquarium with a glass bottom, and its own marina.
Barry Diller And Diane von Furstenberg: Eos ($200 Million)
Eos is co-owned by Barry Diller — the co-owner of the IAC media company — and the fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, who is also married to the mogul. Indeed, that would be obvious to any guests, as the ship is adorned with a figurehead sculpted by Anh Duong with von Furstenberg's likeness.
The Ross-Shire Journal reported that the vessel cost the couple $200 million, while Business Insider noted that Eos is 305 feet long and is known for hosting celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Anderson Cooper, and Jeff Bezos. Indeed, Bezos is suspected to have based Koru's design on Eos.
Steven Spielberg: Seven Seas ($151 Million)
According to Elite Traveler, Steven Spielberg sold his long-owned yacht, Seven Seas, to Canadian billionaire Barry Zekelman for $151 million in 2021. It's known as Man Of Steel now but Spielberg had previously named the yacht with his seven children in mind.
The yacht measures 282 feet and features an expansive spa and beauty salon among its impressive amenities. Since it was owned by one of the most famous directors of all time, it comes as no surprise to learn that the yacht also has a movie theater on board.
J.K. Rowling: Samsara ($150 Million)
Although the website Super Yacht Investor identified controversial Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling's yacht as the $23 million Amphitrite, it seems she has since traded up. According to L'Officiel, Samsara was constructed in 2015 and cost Rowling about $150 million to purchase.
For that price, she received ownership of a 290-foot ship that has a 16-foot circular swimming pool, an incredibly sophisticated movie theater, and an unspecified "tranquil beach club." The Halifax Examiner also added that Samsara can house 14 guests and accommodate a crew of 27. Its recent construction also makes it one of the world's newest superyachts.
Steve Jobs And Laurene Powell: Venus ($120 Million)
Although Apple co-founder Steve Jobs commissioned the construction of Venus with his widow, Laurene Powell, Jobs passed away about a year before the vessel was complete. This now makes Powell the $120 million yacht's sole owner. According to L'Officiel, the ship was designed by Phillippe Stark and was intended to resemble an Apple product.
That's not just because of its sleek, white design but also due to the ambitious incorporation of floor-to-ceiling windows along its 250-foot length. It can accommodate 12 guests in six guests and 22 crew members with its additional 14 cabins.
Sergey Brin: Dragonfly ($80 Million)
Although The South China Morning Post noted that Google co-founder Sergey Brin now has three yachts to his name, it's fair to describe Dragonfly as the largest and most expensive. Specifically, The Verge estimated its value at $80 million.
For that price, the Hong Kong newspaper described Brin as gaining a staggering 239-foot superyacht that has the distinction of being the fastest and most fuel-efficient craft of its kind traveling the seas today. It also features a helipad and movie theater, so Brin's jet-setting guests can have fairly easy access to the craft and remain entertained once they arrive.
Sean "Diddy" Combs: The Maraya ($65 Million)
Although rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs' ongoing and incredibly serious legal issues make it unclear what will become of his assets, it's nonetheless true that one of those assets is The Maraya. According to Fox Business, shipbuilder CRN built the 178-foot yacht in 2007, and L'Officiel confirmed that Combs purchased it for $65 million in 2012.
The Maraya can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins and features a full gym, an unspecified wellness area, a sundeck jacuzzi, and a personal chef. These amenities make it a popular ship for other celebrities to rent, which costs $300 thousand per week.
Giorgio Armani: Main ($64 Million)
According to L'Officiel, legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani didn't just pay $64 million dollars for the 213-foot superyacht Main. Instead, he had a personal role in its design when the Italian shipyard Codecasa built the yacht and emphasized the camouflaged exterior inspired by military ships.
The ship features seven cabins, which are supposed to accommodate 12 guests and the ship's crew of 14. It also features both outdoor and indoor gyms, a movie theater, a whirlpool, a large sundeck, and bathrooms with marble walls and floors. It's rare for celebrities to be so personally invested in their yachts' design, but some of Armani's signatures are present in Main.
Jackie Chan: Jinlong 4601 ($46 Million)
According to Prestige Online, Jackie Chan commissioned the Chinese shipyard Jinlong to construct a massive 150-foot yacht for him in October 2017. The result was simply called Jinlong 4601, and L'Officiel reported that it cost the international film star $46 million.
For that price, Chan received a ship with three decks, a helipad, and four cabins to accommodate eight guests. It also features a "wet bar" and dining area on the top sundeck, a movie theater, a gym, a sauna, a hot tub, and a room dedicated entirely to karaoke. It may not be the largest or priciest ship here, but it might be the most fun.
Richard Branson: Necker Belle ($32 Million)
Despite how important the Necker Belle was to Virgin billionaire Richard Branson's brand in the 2010s, The Outlet reported that Branson sold the yacht as far back as 2018. He parted with the 105-foot vessel — now known as the Bella Vista — for the equivalent of $32 million.
In addition to hosting enough luxurious cabins to sleep ten guests, the former Necker Belle also features a deck trampoline, floating islands, sea scooters, various watersports equipment, an underwater Go-Pro camera, a a submersible called the Necker Nymph. The ship also has indoor and outdoor music systems, and an exterior movie projector.
Sir Elton John: Wabi Sabi ($29.1 Million)
Although L'Officiel reported that Sir. Elton John and his husband sold their yacht in 2017; Wabi Sabi was a massive 164-foot ship that the couple had enjoyed for years after paying $29.1 million for it. Indeed, it sounds like the vessel gave them and their guests quite a lot to enjoy.
Even before the ship's 12 guests could sit down to dinner in Wabi Sabi's formal dining room, they would notice the sundeck and the wet bar, barbecue, and jacuzzi on it. The ship also houses a massage room, a gym, a library, a sophisticated entertainment center, and several private decks.
Tiger Woods: Privacy ($29 Million)
Although Prestige Online reported that golf legend Tiger Woods paid $20 million for the 155-foot superyacht Privacy in 2004, other sources suggest that the boat is actually worth $29 million. Although it can accommodate ten guests in its five cabins, the real reason for the steep price tag concerns the amenities those guests will have.
Privacy features a deck jacuzzi that's big enough to fit eight people, a movie theater, a full bar, a gym, and a decompression chamber for scuba diving. The vessel also hosts jet skis, ocean kayaks, and even has motorized scooters.
Bill Gates: Wayfinder ($25 Million)
Although Autoevolution described Gates as previously unwilling to own a superyacht, the Microsoft billionaire nonetheless commissioned Wayfinder for $25 million. Apparently, this was supposed to serve as a support vessel for a $642 million ship but Gates lost interest and sold both ships off before the ongoing construction on the latter craft finished.
Although Wayfinder measures 224 feet, its purpose would have been to shadow and supply the planned larger yacht. As such, the list of enviable amenities likely would have been reserved for the larger yacht that Gates no longer wants.
David Howell "The Edge" Evans: Cyan ($20 Million)
Considering how successful Irish rock band U2 has been over several decades, it's perhaps not so surprising that guitarist The Edge would be rich enough to afford a $20 million yacht. At least, that's the high end of the estimate Prestige Online provided for the total cost of the 159-foot superyacht when he bought it in 2008.
Famous for its dark hull, Cyan has been on the market since 1997 and now features an almost 10-foot outdoor movie screen with over 1,500 movies available to watch on it. Cyan also has wakeboards, WaveRunners, and a bunch of inflatable water toys on board. Its six cabins can accommodate up to 12 people.
David And Victoria Beckham: Seven ($20 Million)
As The New York Post reported, the Beckham family upgraded from their $6.5 million yacht to the $20 million Seven in March 2024. Named after the middle name of the celebrity couple's daughter Harper, the Italian yacht measures 130 feet and its five cabins can accommodate ten guests.
The ship is air conditioned and WiFi-enabled while also featuring a beach club that provides space for the family to snorkel. The newspaper also reported that Beckham took an active role in the ship's design and was inspired to buy it after spending time on Elton John's yacht.
Johnny Depp: Vajoliroja ($19.2 Million)
Before it was owned by J.K. Rowling and renamed to Amphitrite, this 156-foot superyacht once belonged to movie star Johnny Depp. Before he sold the vessel to Rowling in 2016, Deep had named the yacht Vajoliroja. According to BOAT international, this unusual name was a portmanteau of his ex-wife Vanessa Paradis's name and those of their children, lily Rose and Jack.
Built by Turkish shipyard Turquoise in 2001 and refitted in 2009, Vajoliroja's design was inspired by the ships of the 1930s. It also features five cabins to accommodate ten guests and has a cruising speed of 12.5 knots, as well as a range of 3,200 nautical miles.
Michael Jordan: Catch 23 ($15 Million)
The Daily Mail reported in June 2024 that Michael Jordan replaced his $8-million yacht with Catch 23, a vessel named in a reference to the basketball star's iconic jersey number when he played for the Chicago Bulls. This time, the vessel is 82 feet long and reportedly cost the NBA legend $15 million.
Jordan brought back the "elephant print" design that characterized his previous boat for Catch 23 but there was no list of enviable amenities often seen with other celebrity yachts. That's because Jordan seems to primarily use it for fishing, particularly to enter fishing tournaments.
Eric Clapton: Va Bene ($10 Million)
Although rock legend Eric Clapton owned Va Bene for about 15 years, Metro reported that he sold it at auction for between $7 million and $10 million in 2020. Although the yacht was built in 1992, Clapton had it refurbished in 2008. According to Burgess Yachts, Va Bene was refitted in 2020 and refurbished again in 2022.
The 156-foot long yacht has six staterooms, which offer accommodations for up to 12 guests. Va Bene is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, sun pads, a six-person jacuzzi, and multiple waverunners, two SeaBobs, and a host of other aquatic toys.
Nicole Kidman And Keith Urban: Hokulani ($9.6 Million)
According to YachtWorld, Nicole Kidman was drawn to purchasing Hokulani with her husband Keith Urban because it was a name her parents gave to her after she was born on Hawaii's Oahu island. According to BOAT International, the vessel most recently sold to someone else for $9.6 million.
Hokulani is a 150-foot superyacht capable of going up to 25 knots. The vessel also features five staterooms to accommodate ten guests and has a crew of eight people. It's also adorned with all of the private entertainment centers, jacuzzis, and personal watercraft that any yachter could ever want.
Tony Parker: Infinity Nine ($9 Million)
Although the US Sun reported that NBA star Tony Parker purchased the Infinity Nine superyacht for $9 million in 2022, BOAT International noted that Parker and his wife only parted with the money after intensely vetting Turkish shipyard AvA Yachts. They also had significant influence over the yacht's interior decor.
From a technical standpoint, Infinity Nine is 114 feet long and features six cabins to accommodate 12 guests. It also has four decks and a crew of six people, who have their separate quarters. It also has a pool, a gym, and a wide assortment of smaller watercraft to play around with.
Tom Brady: Viva la Vida ($7 Million)
Although the NFL legend has since parted with the Wajer 77 that was once known as Viva La Vida — and as since been rechristened TW12VE Angels — Tom Brady used it recently enough before it was put up for sale for $7 million that the SeaBobs (aquatic scooters) included with the ship were also used by him.
According to the Miami New Times, it's a 77-foot ship of Dutch origin and includes four plush cabins with ensuite bathrooms intended to accommodate nine guests. There's a spacious deck with sun pads at the ship's exterior and the interior features a garage, a 16-foot-wide suite, and a fully equipped galley.
Rafael Nadal: Great White ($6.2 Million)
According to Forbes, tennis star Rafael Nadal decided to celebrate his 34th birthday by purchasing a Sunreef 80' Power catamaran, which he named Great White. However, it seems Nadal didn't just drop $6.2 million on the boat and give it a cute name; he was involved in the yacht's interior design.
That custom design encompasses about 4,000 square feet within the 80-foot yacht, which has multiple hulls and a top speed of 24 knots. Although the yacht features four guest cabins, Nadal's personal suite has its own fold-out balcony. The sundeck also has a wet bar, a barbecue, and a relaxation area with sun tan pads. Great White also has jet skis in its garage.
Conor McGregor: Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 ($3.6 Million)
Although famed MMA fighter Conor McGregor can definitely be said to own a fast boat, the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 he purchased in 2021 comes by that name due to its length of 63 feet. The Lamborghini vessel may run like a speed boat but it's the size of a yacht.
Still, the $3.6 million boat is called the "supercar of the sea" for a reason, as it's the fastest boat in its class with a top speed of 60 knots. The name is also a reference to Lamborghini's founding in 1963, which is why only 63 of these boats have ever been made. In a reference to his famous alcohol brand, McGregor received the 12th one.
David Gilmour: Astoria ($2.4 Million)
Although The Telegraph estimated that Pink Floyd bandleader David Gilmour's unique houseboat could be worth as much as $2.4 million, it's hard to get an exact figure on the boat because it's not for sale. Although it isn't as seaworthy as a yacht, it serves a similarly luxurious purpose.
According to BOAT international, Astoria was built for theater producer Fred Karno for the modern equivalent of $641,000 in 1911 and was designed to fit a 90-piece band on its main deck. After buying Astoria in 1986, Gilmour converted the houseboat into a recording studio, which he still uses to this day.
Billy Joel: Vendetta ($1.9 Million)
According to the Broward Palm Beach New Times, legendary musician Billy Joel bought Vendetta in 2005 before putting it on the market for $1.9 million in 2011. Although Robb Report noted that it found a new buyer by 2020, this wasn't just an expensive toy for Joel.
Indeed, it was custom-made for Joel by Derecktor Shipyards as a means for him to get from his Long Island home to Long Island Sound and New York City as quickly as possible. Although it could achieve a top speed of 50 knots, Vendetta has since been converted to a luxury yacht that accommodates 12 guests.
Roberto Cavalli: Freedom ($15 Million)
With a $15 million value estimated by SuperYachtFan, Freedom was one of the crown jewels of the fleet that late fashion designer Roberto Cavalli lent his artistic eye to designing. According to BOAT International, its interiors matched his style well and his love of food was such that Cavalli had shipbuilders plan a galley larger even than the owner's suite.
Although the 88-foot yacht wasn't the largest vessel whose design Cavalli had a hand in, it nonetheless stood out because he envisioned a boat Batman would want as his design paradigm. It was apparently intended for intimate family time, at least when compared to his other yachts.