Chartering a luxury yacht is the ultimate indulgence, and the world’s finest charter vessels elevate the experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
The world’s most iconic charter yachts have captured the hearts of yachting enthusiasts, offering incredible experiences at sea.
Here, we take a look at some of the best yachts for charter from leading yacht brokerages, both past, present, and future.
The most iconic charter yachts; past
M/Y CHRISTINA O
CHRISTINA O is a classic 99.15-metre charter yacht built by Canadian Vickers in 1943, originally as a Canadian Navy Frigate, HMS Stormont, playing an active role in World War II. In 1952, she was acquired by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who transformed her into a luxury private vessel, complete with a mosaic swimming pool that transforms into a dance floor. She went on to host a slew of famous names, including John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, and Marilyn Monroe. In 1956, the yacht hosted the wedding reception of Prince Rainier II and Grace Kelly. On the death of Onassis, the yacht was gifted to the Greek government and fell into a state of disrepair. In 1999, she underwent a significant refit by her new owner, John Paul Papanicolaou.
Her timeless charm and refined onboard amenities have rightly secured her position as one of the world’s most iconic charter yachts. CHRISTINA O was fully refurbished and restored to her former glory in 2001 and now offers sensational features coupled with the elegance of a classic yacht, including a beauty salon, dancefloor, gym, and swimming pool. Her distinctive clipper bow, long sheer line, and dazzling white topside all ensure CHRISTINA O is recognised wherever she cruises.
S/Y DUNIA BARU
DUNIA BARU is an exquisite wooden sailing yacht available for charter in Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Built from ulin ironwood and teak, the 51-metre two-masted Indonesian Phinisi yacht was built by Konjo Boat Builder. She is the epitome of Indonesian sailing heritage, boasting exquisite craftsmanship and luxury onboard amenities. Highlights include an owner’s suite with a private deck, and an open kitchen with alfresco dining and deck, and a stunning selection of superyacht toys, including an inflatable slide, sea kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis.
The most iconic charter yachts; present
M/Y BOLD
Motor yacht BOLD is considered one of the most luxurious charter yachts on the market. Currently on a round-the-world voyage, this incredible 85.3-metre Silver Yachts vessel is designed for adventure on the water, with a vast aft main deck encompassing an approved helideck, a 12-ton crane, and a vast array of tenders and toys. Described by the Silver Yachts shipyard as a “fast world explorer vessel with a genuine, fully fledged superyacht finish,” this exquisite motor yacht offers unparalleled experiences at sea.
M/Y WHISPER
Formerly KISMET, the Lurssen-built WHISPER is a highly sought-after charter vessel for those seeking limitless levels of luxury at sea. The 95.2-metre vessel offers uncompromising perfection, from its Reymond Langton interiors to its sleek Espen Oeino-designed exteriors. WHISPER’s build brief was to be the world’s most iconic charter yacht with premier entertainment options. Her many amenities include a stunning mosaic-tiled pool with an inset Jacuzzi, helipad, basketball court, fire pit, large sports bar, cinema room, spa, and an exhaustive list of tenders and water toys guaranteeing endless days of fun.
S/Y BLACK PEARL
The 106.7-metre sailing yacht BLACK PEARL turns heads wherever she cruises with her three towering sailing masts and sleek black hull. A World Superyacht Awards winner, BLACK PEARL is a game-changing charter vessel. She is considered one of the world’s most ecological sailing yachts, and, at the time of her build, was the world’s largest sailing vessel. Built by Oceanco in 2018, BLACK PEARL boasts a raft of modern amenities, including a movie theatre, beach club, dancefloor, sauna, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fully equipped gym, and a superb selection of water toys and tenders.
M/Y OCTOPUS
Luxury motor yacht OCTOPUS is a formidable 126-metre expedition yacht and one of the world’s most iconic charter yachts. A proven world explorer, superyacht OCTOPUS ensures no part of the world is off-limits, thanks to her ice-class hull and range of over 12,000 nautical miles. Built by Lürssen in 2003, and previously owned by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, this exquisite adventure yacht is loaded with superyacht amenities, including a vast swimming pool, a gym, a wellness area, a cinema, a library, a glass-bottomed aquarium, an observation lounge, fully equipped dive centre with a hyperbaric chamber, two helipads, and an unbeatable list of tenders and toys.
“This yacht has so much history that there is an instant feeling of stepping on board a very special vessel,” explains Lisa Christensen, a charter broker with brokerage Moravia Yachting, who enjoyed a five-day familiarisation trip in Panama aboard OCTOPUS. “The crew were outstanding and showcased incredible attention to detail. For example, one evening they organised a magical beach dinner on a remote island. Without electricity, they set up a kitchen area for the chefs to serve fresh paella against a tropical background illuminated by tiki torches and candles.”
S/Y MALTESE FALCON
The 88-metre sailing yacht MALTESE FALCON is one of the most recognised charter yachts in the world. Built in 2006 by Perini Navi, and fully refitted in 2023, this exceptional vessel was named the Finest Superyacht Ever by Superyacht World magazine, and it’s easy to see why. She boasts a unique three-deck sky-lit atrium, the largest outdoor cinema on any yacht, superb wellness facilities, a Japanese-style dining room, and 2,400 square metres of sail that can be set in just six minutes.
The most iconic charter yachts; future
The most iconic charter yachts of the future will likely be bigger and even more luxurious.
Onboard technology, including artificial intelligence, will likely be integrated into the very fabric of the vessel, with fully automated systems providing a seamless onboard experience.
Charter yachts will also likely include green propulsion systems as the yachting industry continues its transition to a more sustainable future. Hydrogen fuel cells and fully electric propulsion systems will be the norm, offering not only a more eco-friendly cruising solution but also a better onboard experience, free from the vibrations and smells of more traditional diesel engines.
Finally, yachting enthusiasts can look forward to ever more striking vessels that push the boundaries of traditional yacht design, with more flexible, open-plan layouts that blur the boundaries between a vessel’s interior and exterior.