With the increasing availability of affordable new composite materials and the advance of innovative shipbuilding methods, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of vessels exceeding 100 metres (328 feet) in length and earning the name ‘mega yacht’ or ‘giga yacht’.
Mega yacht cruises fill a crucial gap in the cruising market, allowing individual, couple and group travellers to book a vessel where 50-80 passengers are the maximum and a high crew complement ensures that no guest is left wanting for anything throughout their stay.
Famous private mega yachts
There has been a surge in the construction of mega yachts for private owners in recent years, with Italian shipyard Benetti recently grabbing media attention with the launch of three mega yachts for their ‘Giga Yacht Season’ over late 2018 – early 2019 with hull numbers FB277, FB272 and FB275, the last fitted with a cinema, Jacuzzi, sauna and a fold-down balcony.
Here are some of the famous luxury mega yachts that have been spotted cruising the Mediterranean and upcoming designs:
M/Y Azzam – Lurssen – 180.6m/592.5ft (2013)
M/Y Eclipse – Blohm + Voss – 162.5m/533ft (2010)
M/Y Dubai – Platinum Yachts – 162m/531ft (2006)
M/Y Dilbar – Lurssen – 156m/511ft (2016)
M/Y Project Redwood – Lurssen – 142m/465.8ft (2019)
M/Y Project Lightning – Lurssen – 140m/459ft (2019)
S/Y Dream Symphony – Dream Ship Victory – 141m/462.7ft (2019)
S/Y A – Nobiskrug – 142.8m/468.5ft (2017)
What are the advantages of a mega yacht cruise?
- Mega yachts have shallower drafts than cruise ships
This enables mega yacht to access the ports and marinas that otherwise would not be included in a cruise ship itinerary. As a result, your cruise will include charming towns and villages off the well-beaten path that most tourists take.
- Less frantic itinerary – more time ashore
One of the major differences between cruise ship and a mega yacht itineraries is that with fewer guests on board, the more chance there is to provide a tailored experience both in terms of on board entertainments as well as itineraries. With more berths as an option, there is more time that can be spent at port and therefore more time for guests to immerse themselves in the destination and the surrounding beaches.
- Greater crew-to-guest ratio
Compared to the massive cruise ships where there are thousands of passengers on board, a mega yacht offers a far more personalised service, whether relaxing on deck, ordering a cocktail, savouring a personalised meal or preparing for a shore excursion.
- Informal and friendly atmosphere
Another benefit of low guest numbers and a large crew is a more informal and friendly atmosphere on board, as everyone get to know each other during the cruise and out on excursions.
- Solo travel in style
Solo travellers can often disappear into the crowd on larger vessels, where entertainment might also be arranged for groups and families. On a mega yacht cruise, individuals receive just as much attention without compromising on luxury.
Example mega yacht itineraries
Myths and Marvels in an Ancient Grecian Paradise
An Adriatic Odyssey Cruise will take you through ancient history and among some of the Eastern Mediterranean’s best beaches and lagoons:
Athens – Palaia Epidaurus – Nafplion – Gythion – Pylos – Katakolon – Itea – Marina Zea and Athens
Along the way, you will be able to stop off at some of the magnificent snorkel sites in the clear cobalt blue water of the Aegean Sea, then rest and recharge on the powdery white beaches common along the coast. Optional excursions allow you to choose how to spend your time, ranging in length from a couple of hours to eight hours away from your mega yacht.
Day 1 – Athens & Marina Zea
Arrive in Athens and head to Marina Zea, where cocktails and dinner await before cruising for Palia Epidauros.
Day 2 – Epidauros – Nafplion
Head off on an excursion and visit the amphitheatre, a highlight of your visit to Epidauros and is one of Greece’s best preserved ancient sites. Used as a healing sanctuary, the sick and injured would come from all over the region in the hopes of finding a cure.
Return for lunch aboard your charter yacht before cruising on to Nafplion.
Day 3 – Nafplion – Gythion
Take in the details of Old Nafplion during a morning stroll, then prepare for an excursion to the exceptional city of Mycenae, which was the epitome of Grecian luxury when the ancient civilisation was at the height of its power, from 1650 BC until 1100 BC. Uncover the lives and history of the area through stories and artefacts, then dine on board and sail through the night to Gythion.
Day 4 – Gythion – Pylos
From Gythion, explore the surrounding Mani Peninsular, the Dirou Caves and Cape Tenaro. Savour the ouzo from the local cafes and take in the picturesque streets of Gythion, once a Spartan naval base during the Peloponnesian wars. Take dinner on board then relax and watch the stars appear in the night sky as you sail for Pylos.
Day 5 – Pylos
Although Pylos is now nothing more than a sleepy seaside resort, it was once the backdrop to the Battle of Navarino, where British, French and Russian forces faced off against the Ottoman Empire on the waves to liberate Greece. A stroll through the town will take visitors to the fortress and the grandiose church nestled between the orange-tiled, white-washed houses ascending the surrounding hills.
Day 6 – Katakolon and Olympia
Sail through the night to Katakolon and start off early for the legendary site of Olympia, where the original Olympic Games were held. Take lunch in town and then head to the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity, where you can run on the original track and explore the area, where ancient columns still stand and the nearby bar has a fantastic variety of cocktails to keep you refreshed.
At the end of the day, continue cruising to Itea and the Gulf of Corinth.
Day 7 – Itea and Delphi
At Itea, spend the day at the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi, where ancient civilisations would consult the oracle before making crucial decisions. Immerse yourself in the stories of the ruins and tour the area before lunch and a cruise down the Corinth Canal, an amazing feat of engineering in the 1880s that cut through solid rock to join with the Aegean Sea.
Day 8 – Marina Zea
Arrive in Marina Zea for transit to the airport, or choose to stay on and explore the treasures that Athens possesses.
Whales, Waterfalls and Icelandic Wonder
There is the option to explore the geysers and ice floes of the Icelandic wonderland:
Akureyri – Husavik – Siglufjordur – Isafjordur – Akranes – Reykjavik
Day 1 – UK – Akureyri (Iceland)
Acquaint yourselves with the on board facilities and crew, and consider the optional afternoon excursion of a walking tour of the town.
Day 2 – Akureyri – Husavik
The seas around Husavik on Iceland’s north coast are excellent for whale watching and photographers will want to have their cameras at the ready. The town also has some impressive sights to capture on camera, including the Husavikurkirkja wooden church and the Godafoss Waterfall along the Ring Road outside of town. Spend overnight in port.
Day 3 – Siglufjordur
As you have breakfast you will cruise to Iceland’s northernmost town: Siglufjordur. Visit the Herring Era Museum, sample chocolates from the indulgent local cafes and, depending on how you time your visit, be entertained with the annual Folk Music Festival. Spend the evening on board your charter yacht and make use of the on board facilities.
Day 4 – Isafjordur
Situated just below the Arctic Circle, you’ll be treated to dramatic seascapes along the Westfjords and colourful night skies when the Northern Lights are visible. Isafjordur has a Maritime Museum and myriad cafes for an ambient day watching the snowfall with a loved one. Spend overnight in port for more time to immerse yourself in your destination.
Day 5 – Isafjordur
On your second day in Isafjordur, take the optional tour to the Westfjords region and the magnificent Dynjandi Waterfalls east of Bildudadur, a village with the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum that has over 4,000 accounts of sightings in the beautiful Arnarfjordur
Day 6 – Akranes
An optional excursion will take you to Europe’s largest hot spring at Deildartunguhver and the tumbling white waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss over dark river stone. A night at the port will give you plenty of opportunity to explore the town as well, which has a comprehensive Folk Museum and the old lighthouse against the dramatic coast.
Day 7 – Reykjavik
The last destination of your week-long cruise, Reykjavik has a stunning assortment of volcanic features that you can experience on an excursion, taking in the geothermal fields at Krysuvik, Vikingaheimar and the Reykjanes Peninsula. Stay at the port overnight and party the night away with newly-made friends.
Day 8 – Reykjavik – UK
Say goodbye to your expert crew and catch your flight from the airport in Reykjavik.
