Apparently, The World is not enough. The team behind that 644-foot private residential yacht has a larger, more luxurious vessel in the pipeline. Named Ulyssia, the new 1,063-footer offers the best parts of a superyacht, cruise ship, and condominium in one truly epic package.
Penned by renowned yacht designer Espen Øino, Ulyssia showcases a sleek, elegant silhouette even though it will rank as one of the longest vessels on the high seas. (The 593-foot Azzam is the largest superyacht currently on the water, while the 1,198-foot Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise liner.) The behemoth, which will feature a sturdy steel hull and lightweight aluminium superstructure, will be built by historic German shipyard Meyer Werft.
Designed by Italian firm FM Architettura, the interiors will reportedly be finished to a “five-star luxury hotel specification.” Some 132 private residences will be thoughtfully positioned throughout, with homes ranging from approximately 1,216 square feet to more than 10,000 square feet. Ulyssia will also be outfitted with 22 guest suites to accommodate friends, family, or visiting guest speakers.
The private abodes range from breathtaking penthouses to family duplexes. Each pad will offer one to six bedrooms, elegant reception rooms, an open-plan kitchen, private terraces, and uninterrupted ocean views. Owners can choose from one of eight existing designs or appoint their own team to customise the interior.
Residents will have access to a range of amenities, too. Chenot, the Swiss outfit behind several notable spas, will spearhead the health and wellness activities on board. Guests can make use of a spa, fitness centre, or even a medical facility with the latest equipment for X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, etc.
Gourmands will also be catered to. Ulyssia will be outfitted with multiple restaurants that will reportedly be staffed by both “world-renowned” and “up-and-coming” guest chefs. In addition, the “gourmet market” will be stocked with local produce sourced from the areas in which the ship is cruising. The vessel will also have a well-stocked wine cellar that oenophiles can enjoy.
Other interior highlights include a theater, a library, an indoor pool, an art studio, and a resident’s garage for toys. Conversely, the exterior decks are adorned with several lounges, multiple pools, and a helipad with two resident choppers. In addition, the vessel features a yacht club, a marina, a dive center, padel and pickleball courts, and a fleet of speedy electric tenders.
As for grunt, Ulyssia will be equipped with hybrid propulsion systems and will run on methanol and other biofuels when possible to reduce emissions. Batteries and solar are also planned. She will travel everywhere from chic ports to iconic cities to remote destinations. EYOS Expeditions has even come aboard as an “expedition partner” to create exciting excursions for guests.
“The concept behind Ulyssia is, quite simply, traveling the world from the comfort of your home. Every day, you go out and you explore these magnificent destinations all over the globe, but you come home to familiarity, to people who know who you are, who know what your needs are and how to take care of all your preferences,” Ulyssia Residences AG CEO Alain Gruber said in a statement.
Ulyssia isn’t the first residential superyacht concept that has been floated—there’s the 948-foot Njord, the 728-foot Somnio, and the 753-foot Narrative, for instance—but the project does feel more legitimate than others because of the founding team’s experience with The World. They are confident they can create “the world’s most exclusive residential yacht community,” who will work together on environmental conservation and cultural preservation projects to leave a positive impact wherever they go.
As for the fine print, owners will be offered a 50-year transferable and renewable lease, with annual fees expected to be between 3 to 3.5 per cent of the purchase cost. (The company has not provided exact prices of the residences.) The team is looking for people with a passion for exploration and philanthropy. Construction on Ulyssia is planned to start this year, with delivery expected in October 2028. You can contact the Ulyssia team for more information.
