Sea Worthy: 10 of the World’s Most Expensive Mega-Yachts

By Joe Wertz

Luxury Yachts - The world's wealthiest sea-goers travel in the ultimate luxury.  Their huge luxury yachts feature helipads, multiple swimming pools, a full staff and the latest in nautical technology.  They don't come cheap-- as the ten yachts on this list are worth a combined 1.6 billion dollars.  Want to see how the rich hit the deep blue sea?  Grab your swim trunks, your flippie floppies and your nautical-themed pashmina afghan-- and see how the world's wealthiest do it on a boat.

10. $90 million – Le Grand Bleu

From one Russian billionaire to another, the 370-foot Le Grand Bleu was reportedly gifted to Eugene Shvidler from its previous owner, Roman Abramovich — a name that sails on further down the list. Built in Germany’s Vulkan yard and launched in 2000, Le Grand Blue is grand indeed, setting out with a pair of 3,600-horsepower Wärtsilä engines, a crew of 50 and an onboard 74-foot sailboat and 67-foot speedboat. [pic via]

9. $100 million – Tatoosh

The 301-foot Tatoosh is owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, a secretive kind of guy, who is said to bar reporters from coming aboard. The mega-yacht supposedly has its own theater, swimming pool and lobster tank and obviously has landing pads for two helicopters. [pic via]

8. $103 million – Annaliesse

Three dozen guests can spread out in the 280-foot Annaliesse’s 15 staterooms, a mega-yacht that treats cruisers with marble columns, its own “full-service” spa, salon, library, children’s play area and movie theater with a 100-inch screen. The master stateroom has a king-size bed and remote-controlled panoramic windows. [pic via]

7. $116 million – Alysia

The 280-foot sister ship of the Annaliesse, the Alysia is the slightly prettier of the pair. The ship’s 1,300 square-foot master stateroom comes with its own private deck, jacuzzi, marble decked bathroom and California king-size bed. Elevators whisk guest through five decks, which include a sundeck with barbecue, a bar, an 8-person hot tub, spa, gym, salon and a 500-bottle wine cellar. Can’t stand the wine, pampering, massages and endless tanning? — make an underwater escape with a pair of “scuba scooters.” [pic via]

6. $129 million – Ecstasea

Another toy of Chelsea Football Club-owning Roman Abramovich, the 250-foot long Ecstasea was built with an Asian-inspired interior theme, complete with bamboo furniture. The ship’s walls are paneled with carved cherry and guests pad around on marble flooring. Onboard, a disco, sauna and Turkish bath greet guests, who can arrive or depart from either retractable helipad. [pic via]

5. $130 million – Pelorus

Oh, Roman... how can thee outdo thine self? Pool — check. Helipads — a pair. Staff? — 40, including a few from Britian’s SAS. Mini-submarine — aye-aye. Missile detection system? — why not! [pic via]

4. $200 million – Octopus

Another Paul Allen project, the Octopus is a 416-foot sea beast tamed only by a crew of 40, some of which are said to be ex-Navy Seals. The ship hosts seven smaller boats, two helicopters, a 10-person submarine and like a luxurious Kraken, the Octopus lashes out at the sea with a robotic submersible, which scours the ocean floor. [pic via]

3. $200 – Rising Sun

A yacht so beloved, it comes with its own fan site! The 453-foot Rising Sun is co-owned by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and famed producer David Geffen. The five-story boat has 82 rooms and more than 24,000 square-feet of living space. Highlights include onyx countertops, 9,900 square-feet of teak-layered decking, a movie theater and a basketball court/helipad. [pic via]

2. $210 million – Lady Moura

At 354-feet long, the Lady Moura is a big woman built in 1991 by “order” of Saudi Saudi Prince Nasser al-Rashid. So large it has trouble entering the harbor of Monte Carlo, the mega-yacht reportedly has a crew of 60, a pool with a retractable roof and its very own mock beachfront complete with sand. The yacht made its biggest wave in 2007 when it ran aground at that year’s Cannes Film Festival. [pic via]

1. $350 Million – Dubai

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, the 531-foot Dubai has interiors designed by Philippe Starck, space for 115 guests and 88 crew members, six guest suites and five VIP suites — all with open balconies. Interior spaces are channeled towards a “massive” foyer and atrium that connects each of the mega-yacht’s eight deck. Outside, the ship hosts a large pool, squash court, helipad and a small aircraft hanger. [pic via]