Choices include charter newcomers like 414-foot “Octopus” and just-launched 279-foot “Victorious.” The Med is this year’s playground of choice.
Summer yacht charters have had consecutive rocky seasons. First, there was the summer of Covid in 2020, when most charters in the Med were called off because of travel restrictions. The following summer became a makeup season when many of 2020’s cancellations were rescheduled. This summer, the market is righting itself, with the Med returning as the most popular cruising destination. The good news for the procrastinators is the large number of A-list superyachts still available for charter. The itineraries range from this weekend’s Monte Carlo Grand Prix (better hurry if you want a waterside seat) to weeks-long adventures in remote areas like Turkey, Greece and Norway.
Photo : Courtesy Camper & NIcholsons
‘Octopus’ (414 Feet)
Commissioned by the late Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder, the 414-foot Octopus is an iconic explorer that can bring you to the ends of the Earth this summer. The ice-classed boat is renowned for its 65-foot submarine, glass-bottomed aquarium, huge swimming pool, two helipads and its central role in oceanographic research. Live LED ceilings, an onboard hospital and seven tenders catapult Octopus to world-class status. Welcoming 12 guests in 13 cabins, including a master suite with private elevator and observation deck and two VIP apartments, Octopus is available to charter for the first time since its delivery. Fresh from a 2021 refit, the explorer embarked on a two-year round-the-world tour in January 2022 and is the perfect fit for those looking for an adventure less ordinary this summer. Starting at $2.2 million per week via Camper & Nicholsons
Photo : Courtesy Edmiston
‘Phoenix 2’ (296 Feet)
One Steinway, two cinemas—including one under the stars—and three pools make Phoenix 2 the ultimate yacht on which to view the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend. The 296-foot Art-Deco-inspired boat boasts a coveted berth at Port Hercules amid the burning Formula 1 rubber. Drink in the views from the aft deck lounge with sliding glass doors between inside and out, take to the split-level master suite for an undisturbed soak in the private terrace Jacuzzi, or ascend to the bridge deck for a yoga session on the helipad. Hopping about the Med has never been so decadent. From Edmiston, starting at about $1.04 million per week
Photo : Courtesy SuperYachtsMonaco
‘Khalilah’ (160 Feet)
If a rapid gold superyacht appeals to your outrageous sense of style, then Khalilah is the boat for you. The 160-foot Palmer Johnson will be whipping guests up into a frenzy in Italy and France this summer, turning heads wherever she cruises. A Bond-like exterior is paired with an eclectic interior and fiercely sporty performance. Both the master and VIP enjoy spa-like ensuites. The large aft deck is the ideal party space, while a spa pool, beach club and packed toy box round off the fun. A matching 23-foot mini-me gold tender makes Khalilah the golden girl of the charter scene. From SuperYachtsMonaco, starting at about $265,800 per week
Photo : Courtesy Imperial Yachts
‘RoMEA’ (268 Feet)
This 268-foot superyacht by Abeking & Rasmussen will make an exceptional charter in the Med this summer. The high-end interior, which accommodates 12 guests, is supplemented by a bespoke entertainment center that includes satellite television, a comprehensive music and video library plus a cinema on its main deck. RoMEA’s onboard spa, with its massage room and Finnish sauna, also has its own therapist. Water activities include scuba, kayaking, jet bikes and windsurfers. Its tenders also serve as towboats. The Terence Disdale design features exceptional outdoor areas across its four decks and beach-club swim platform. From Imperial, starting at about $1.03 million per week
Photo : Courtesy IYC
‘EIV’ (164 Feet)
This fast-displacement 164-footer, delivered by Rossinavi last year, packs a whole lot of punch for a charter yacht. Enrico Gobbi’s interior is elegant but informal, with custom decor and fabrics by Hermès, Rubelli and Armani Casa. The yacht’s open-plan interior spaces are dressed in marble, leather, onyx, bronzed brass metal and delicate artworks in Murano glass; they pair nicely with a sporty exterior that features many social areas as well as an oversized swimming pool on the sundeck, with glass sides for added effect. EIV also features a wet bar, many sun pads and, best of all, the ability to see vistas while cruising France, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia from virtually every area on board. From IYC, starting at $245,000 per week
Photo : Courtesy Jeff Brown/Imperial Yachts
‘Lana’ (352 Feet)
This 352-foot Benetti, which will be stationed in the Med this summer, features a cinema room, beach club with folding terraces as well as a hammam and massage room (with professional therapists). A large pool on the top deck and large outdoor salons make it an exceptional experience. Lana offers a full range of water activities, from windsurfing to waterskiing and wakeboarding. Its foredeck can even be used for driving practice with biodegradable golf balls. The yacht’s 33 crew are there to look after 12 very lucky guests. From Imperial, starting at $1.53 million per week
Photo : Courtesy Vanderwalt Productions via Y.CO
‘Kenshō’ (247 Feet)
Calling all lovers of the great outdoors. The 247-foot Kenshō was built to celebrate the sea wherever you are on board. New to the charter marker for 2022 and cruising the Western Med, the glass-fronted, 20-foot sea-level swimming pool on Kenshō’s swim deck is where you’ll want to spend most days. Or perhaps it’ll be the sun deck with its glass windbreak doors, skylight and glass-fronted Jacuzzi. The marble bathtub and media lounge in the master suite are both alluring for the main guests, though when exploring coves, the 29.5-foot tender with a beach ladder on the foredeck will please everyone. From Y.CO, starting at about $886,000 per week
Photo : Courtesy Guillaume Plisson via SuperYachtsMonaco
Cloudbreak
The master cabin aboard 247-foot Cloudbreak boasts two balconies to drink in the views, though the eagle nest on the observation tower takes wildlife spotting to the next level. Cruising the Indian Ocean this summer, the extreme explorer carries an extensive collection of toys to enjoy, a dedicated gym with ballet barre, kinesis, body bikes and punch ball, and a large sundeck pool in which to cool off. There’s even a helipad and boot room for those wanting to ski. And a spa with massage room and plunge pool to round off the day. In true 2022 style, a charter aboard Cloudbreak can even be booked in cryptocurrency. From SuperYachtsMonaco, starting at $782,400 per week
Photo : Courtesy Fraser Yachts
‘Force Blue’ (229 Feet)
Newly extended to 229-feet, Force Blue enjoys a lengthened bathing platform that creates a huge beach club connected to one of the largest spas on the water, with a steam shower Hammam, mud bath, sauna and hydro massage hot tub. The ideal yacht on which to party in the Med this summer, it has a professional DJ station and disco lighting for endless nights of fun on board, sleeps 12 guests but welcomes 60 seated guests and up to 300 to 350 guests for events on the dock. A walk-in wine cellar and large cinema complete the pamper package. From Fraser, starting at $344,100 per week
Photo : Courtesy Burgess
‘Victorious’ (279 Feet)
Launched in 2021, the 278.8-foot Victorious is an entertainment-packed explorer with a lengthy list of standout features. Cruising the Med this summer, the boat introduces the idea of a gentleman’s sundeck, equipped with cigar room, open fireplaces and glass-fronted wine cellar for cozying up on cooler nights. For water babies, the 2,153-square-foot beach club and wellness center on the lower deck combines fold-down sea terraces with a gym and spa. One pool, two Jacuzzis and four tenders bring all the fun, while the helipad, cinema and onboard hospital add an extra layer of superyacht convenience. From Burgess, starting at $1.3 million per week
