yacht with steam room

The 101-year-old classic yacht that runs on steam

The SS Delphine is an iconic yacht that reached a major milestone in April 2021: celebrate its 100th birthday . Now, a year older, the yacht has been renovated on the inside but still uses steam to move around. 

“She is the only superyacht in the world still operating today with her quadruple expansion steam engines,” -Emmanuel R Buetss, SS Delphine’s Manager.

SS Delphine’s origins

Although it was built for Horace Dodge , American automobile manufacturer pioneer, the 78-metre yacht has hosted heads of states while they planned peace treaties . SS Delphine was launched in 1921 at Great Lakes Engineering Works . At that time, she had the largest gross tonnage of any yacht in America. 

Originally it was equipped with Babcock & Wilcoz boilers. These supplied power for her two 1,500-horsepower steam engines. However, the engine room was updated in 2003 during a refit. Now, two modern water-tube boilers that power the original engines. 

In 1926 the SS Delphine was almost destroyed after catching fire and sinking in New York. However, she was miraculously salvaged and restored. 

Christened as the USS Dauntless

In 1942 SS Delphine was requisitioned by the US Navy and christened the USS Dauntless. During this time, she served as the flagship for naval commander Admiral Ernest King during WWII. 

Once the war was over, she hosted US president Franklin D Roosevelt, vice president Harry S Truman, UK prime minister Winston Churchill and Russian diplomat Vyacheslav Molotov . This was when they prepared for the Yalta Conference, the event that determined how Europe would be reorganised after the war.

“The privileged status of having been Admiral Ernest King’s ship certainly helped her avoid the unfortunate fate of other steamships that did not survive the war, allowing her to delight us today with her original splendor.” -Buetss

Times of changes

Once WWII was over, she returned to the Dodge family. However, over the next 50 years she changed of owners on several occasions. As a result, by 1997 her condition had worsened, so although the owner paid a low price for the vessel he had to pay €45 million to restore the iconic yacht to its former glory. 

During the five-year restoration, her original Tiffany décor layout and design was kept as possible.

“That is indeed why sailing on board the SS Delphine is not only a maritime journey, but above all a journey through time that takes us back to the Belle Époque of the 1920s in the decorations, carvings, wall patterns and carpets that are exact replicas of the 1921 plans,” -Buetss

Current times

In 2003 the yacht changed names once again, this time by HSH Princess Stephanie de Monaco. Now, the current owners offer exclusive events aboard the yacht and charters in the Mediterranean. 

You might find interesting: How expensive is it to charter a luxury yacht? 

“Sailing on SS Delphine is not only a visual pleasure but also the opportunity to enjoy a steam engine which, beyond its timeless aesthetics, also offers a unique noiseless and vibration-free comfort forgotten by the hectic modern machines,” -Buetss

The SS Delphine can receive up to 26 guests to sleep onboard and up to 150 guests for day events . Moreover, she is now equipped with modern comforts expected from a charter yacht: she has a sauna, jacuzzi, hammam, gym, swimming pool and a dressing room. This together with her Tiffany décor in her dining rooms, lounges and suites make her a unique vessel.

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Professional BoatBuilder Magazine

Delphine ii, the last big steam-powered yacht.

By Gérald Guétat , Sep 1, 2016

Original blueprint of the SS Delphine II .

 At the origins of the Dodge industrial empire were two inseparable brothers, Horace and John, natives of a small Michigan town. The family was poor and the Dodge boys went to school barefooted. John preferred to look after horses, while his younger brother admired the passing boats on the nearby river. They had a younger sister, named Delphine. Horace loved above all to tinker, to invent small machines, and to play the piano, and his brother never seemed to raise his nose from reading books. At the turn of the 1900s, the Dodge brothers opened a little bicycle factory before operating a machine tool workshop. Horace had a genius for assembling high-precision parts. Soon, growing firms like Oldsmobile and Cadillac could not do without their subcontractor, the Dodge Brothers Company. Henry Ford also needed their services to manufacture some essential components for his first cars. As money to pay his bills was short, Ford offered to pay the two brothers in shares of his company. The Dodges’ fortune was made.

Horace Dodge could give free rein to his childhood love of boats. In 1903, when he was 35 years old, he bought his first 40 ‘ (12.2m) launch. The long, slender hulls of those touring launches were powered by steam engines designed and built by their owner. In 1910, he commissioned architect Henry John Gielow to design the 183 ‘ (56m) Nokomis , the family’s first large cruising yacht, powered, not surprisingly, by two Dodge steam engines. Following the 243 ‘ (74m) Nokomis II , in 1918, the automaker had Gielow design an even more prestigious yacht. The Great Lakes Engineering Works of River Rouge, Michigan, was in charge of constructing the largest steam yacht ever built in the U.S. Its length had to be limited to 262 ‘ (80m) to fit the locks of the Welland Canal and the Saint Lawrence River.

The main stateroom with piano and bar was restored, including the sliding windows with levers. On the bar is a thermos bottle in the shape of a coastal light, a gift from the Dodge family to Bruynooghe, recognizing Delphine II ’s renaissance.

This private ocean liner, built of 12mm-thick steel, was christened Delphine II in homage to Horace’s sister and to his young daughter. Onboard saloons, smoking rooms, a great staircase, apartments with fireplaces and bathrooms, all paneled with precious woods, could host about 18 guests and a crew of 52. Horace Dodge decided he would personally design the engineroom with two quadruple-expansion engines of 1,500 hp (1,125 kW) each. Horace Dodge died of pneumonia three months before the launching of his masterpiece. His brother John followed him a few weeks later, struck by the same illness. On April 2, 1921, Horace’s daughter swung the traditional bottle of champagne on Delphine II ’s hull.

The two 1,500-hp (1,125-kW) quadruple-expansion steam engines were designed by Horace Dodge, who died just three months before the launching.

In 1925, Anna Dodge, Horace’s widow, and her sister-in-law made a fortune by selling their shares in the family business. Anna Dodge fitted the yacht for long-range cruising. The great steamer then voyaged around the Great Lakes and along the East Coast. During a stopover in New York, a fire sank the boat. The owner, who fortunately was not on board, had it raised and completely repaired by Brooklyn Shipyard.

Soon after the United States entered World War II, Anna Dodge received a requisition order from the U.S. Navy. In May 1942, the steam yacht was convoyed by a military crew from Detroit to Washington, where the Navy armed her with guns, painted her green and gray, and renamed her USS Dauntless . She was then assigned to the command of the chief of naval operations as the flagship of Admiral Ernest King. The USS Dauntless voyaged little during the war years but served as a residence and remote meeting place reserved for high-ranking officials. After the Japanese surrender, Delphine II was returned to her private owner, who refit her at great expense.

During World War II, the 262′ (80m) Delphine II was conscripted by the U.S. Navy, armed, painted camouflage colors, and renamed USS Dauntless .

Even Jacques Bruynooghe’s impeccable restoration wasn’t able to make the chartering enterprise a success.

But times had changed and steam yachts definitely belonged to a bygone era. The aging ship, no longer of interest to the family, was entrusted in 1968 to a merchant marine academy. In 1989, a Singapore-based company bought the old vessel and sent it from America to Asia with a long stopover in Malta. Next, a French business group moved her to Marseille, where she was later abandoned. In 1997, Jacques Bruynooghe, a Belgian textile industrialist, came to the rescue, planning a huge restoration project and a charter business. The restoration took about six years. The steam engines underwent a fascinating reconstruction.

In 2003, Delphine II was relaunched as the last and only large steam yacht in the world, but Bruynooghe’s charter business was not successful. He put her up for sale in 2004 for € 46 million, reduced 12 years later to € 16 million. Today, this rare witness to a glorious era lies in Monaco awaiting a new owner. It’s listed for € 19.75 million on www.jamesedition.fr.

[A longer version of this article was published in Classic Superyacht magazine in January 2012 . ]

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Top 10 charter yachts with classic interior

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Written by Rachael Steele

The term ‘classic’ has come to mean anything antique or ageless, and when discussing luxury charter yacht interiors it can certainly span the centuries to satisfy a variety of preferences. Dive into the world of luxury, experience the best of cruising around the world and refer to this list of top 10 incredible classic interiors aboard both motor and sailing charter yachts to consider for your next holiday.

Aboard Croce Del Sud

CROCE DEL SUD

42m/137ft sailing yacht CROCE DEL SUD was built in Istria in 1933 and underwent a three-year refit from 2008 to 2011 to maintain this elegant three-masted schooner at her finest. This graceful vessel looks impressive under sail and while at anchor guests can bask in the sunshine on the traditional seating and sun beds. The gorgeous interiors surround guests in traditional wooden panelling and overstuffed leather in cerise or plush white, depending if the upper or lower lounge. The five guest cabins to sleep up to 10 guests are painted white with accents in gold, and air conditioning throughout is one of the few modern additions for convenience and comfort.

Classic sail yacht CROCE DEL SUD – Exterior

10 Guests | 5 Crew | From EUR€ 75,000 /wk – ENQUIRE

SILVER SPRAY

33.5m/110ft Dutch schooner SILVER SPRAY is even older – launched in 1919, she is now a century old. The accommodation sleeps up to eight guests over four en-suite cabins. The indoor and outdoor dining areas offer plenty of options for intimate family meals with friends and family, and the spacious foredeck has room for sunbeds as well as yoga mats for exercise in the early morning sunshine.

Classic SY SILVER SPRAY – Exterior

8 Guests | 4 Crew | From EUR€ 28,000 /wk – ENQUIRE

Luxury yacht CLAIRE from Trinity Yachts has contemporary classic interiors with elements of art deco in her fixtures and fittings, such as the spiral staircase and frames around the artwork and mirrors. By contrast, her onboard amenities are entirely modern, among them a cinema, alfresco wet bars with widescreen TVs, a sundeck Jacuzzi and a large selection of water toys. Up to 11 are accommodated in her five en-suite guest cabins, where guests can unwind and end the day in complete opulence.

Motor yacht Claire – Exterior

11 Guests | 8 Crew | From EUR€ 139,500 /wk – ENQUIRE

Bridging the gap between traditional and modern is 50m/165ft superyacht MALAHNE. Built in 1937, she has hosted parties for the rich and famous of her era and was put to use during World War II. Guy Oliver of Oliver Laws Ltd painstakingly recreated her interiors using authentic furniture as part of a 30-month refit at the Pendennis shipyard in 2015, resulting in grand formal dining areas separate to the lounge and library, and accommodation for up to 10 guests in six beautifully appointed en-suite cabins. The only modern touch is the array of water toys available: Laser sailing dinghies, windsurfers and paddleboards are just a part of the exhaustive collection for fun-filled afternoons along the Croatian coast or the volcanic coast of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands .

Malahne – Exterior

10 Guests | 11 Crew | From EUR€ 145,000 /wk – ENQUIRE

Luxury yacht ST DAVID has travelled the world, visiting the iconic paradise of the Maldives and Seychelles , the rich cultural hub of the Mediterranean and the vibrant, ever-lively Caribbean & Bahamas . The globe at the foot of her eye-catching spiral staircase is an affirmation of her desire to travel the world with 12 guests accommodated in her six stately cabins. Warm wooden panelling and neo-classical styling surround guests as the enjoy amenities such as her large wet bar with a display of cut glass goblets. As desirable as the interiors are, the exteriors might be even more enticing, with ample space for socialising and basking in the sunshine on the numerous sunbeds or in the Jacuzzi.

ST DAVID – Exterior

12 Guests | 14 Crew | From EUR€ 325,000 /wk – ENQUIRE

36.9m/121ft Benetti superyacht NAMASTE was launched in 2013 and has a composite hull and superstructure for a shallow draft of 2.1m/7ft for navigating the shallow waters of the Caribbean & Bahamas yacht charter grounds. American Cherry wood paneling and Italian marble furnish the modern classic interiors. The volume on board is comparable with a larger luxury yacht, with a full-beam main deck Master suite among the five en-suite cabins for 10 guests. She is great for couples as well as families and conceals a large selection of water toys while proudly displaying large sunbeds, a wet bar and a Jacuzzi beneath a retractable shade.

Namaste – exterior

12 Guests | 14 Crew

Built at prestigious shipyard Lurssen to the design by Espen Oeino , the 106m/349.5ft mega yacht AMADEA is not just another vessel that features classic interior design. She is a floating masterpiece with head-spinning design elements throughout. Some of the opulent elements in her decor include rich woods, crystals, silk, and mosaic. Among her notable features are the winter garden, massive swimming pool, wellness centre with spa and a beach club with a bar. The atmosphere of real opulence onboard is present at all times, while the crew of 36 looks after everything and charter guest relax and entertain in style.

AMADEA – Exterior (© Imperial Yachts)

12 Guests | 14 Crew | ENQUIRE for pricing

Lurssen luxury yacht SOLANDGE measures 85.1m/279.2ft and spans five decks, all of it dedicated to leisure. The beautiful interiors are a combination of honey onyx stone, back-lit amethyst wall panels, rose quartz in the chandeliers and gold leaf on the ceiling, and a Bechstein piano awaits in the main salon. The Tree of Life lighted sculpture in the foyer spans all interior decks and it the centerpiece for the entire yacht. Eight stately en-suite cabins sleep up to 12 guests, who will wake up to a beach club with an on board spa zone replete with sauna, hammam, chromotherapy and spa massage room, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and enough indoor and outdoor seating and dining areas for large quayside events.

Yacht Solandge – Exterior

12 Guests | 29 Crew | From EUR€ 1,000,000 /wk – ENQUIRE

ILLUSION V (58m/190.3ft) from Italian shipyard Benetti have timeless interiors from the shipyard’s in-house team: black and white create stark contrasts in glass and matte textures. She has a distinctive flower motif found throughout, from the welcoming beach club up to the sky lounge bar, with a karaoke system and DJ decks available for the ultimate party on board. Accommodation onboard is provided across six lavish cabins, including a master suite, a VIP cabin, 3 double guest cabins and one twin.

Illusion V – exterior

12 Guests | 13 Crew |

Built in 2014, motor yacht LIONESS V measure 63.5m/208.3ft. Her interior was created by Argent Design with soft creamy tones contrasting against luxurious dark woods. LIONESS V features a dream-like white staircase ascending among dark wooden panelling, an atmospheric cinema, a steam room and a gym, plus luscious outdoor lounging and dining areas serviced by a wet bar and shaded by large sun umbrellas.

Lioness V – exterior

12 Guests | 13 Crew | From EUR€ 425,000/wk –  ENQUIRE

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Top 10 charter yachts with classic interior".

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"SS Delphine" – A 257-foot Steam Yacht

By: rick casali.

One of the largest private yachts ever built and sailed on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River is the 257-foot steam yacht Delphine . She was built in 1921 for Horace Dodge Sr., co-founder of the Dodge Brothers Automobile Company. The massive yacht was built near Detroit in River Rouge, MI, by the Great Lakes Engineering Co., at a cost of over $2 million.

Delphine is powered by twin quadruple-expansion steam engines that produce 1,500 horsepower each. Mr. Dodge designed these large engines, which still operate the yacht today. They turn only about 150 revolutions per minute, which is awfully slow compared to modern marine engines. And they are said to be quite easy on fuel oil. Delphine cruises at 9 knots and she has a range of about 2,500 nautical miles. She was reported to have a top speed of 15 knots. The yacht carries over 200,000 gallons of fuel oil, as well as over 300,000 gallons of fresh water.

Horace and John Dodge were hugely successful in the automotive business. Initially, they supplied axles, engines, and other components to Henry Ford and other manufacturers.  Eventually, they made the decision to build their own motorcars under the Dodge name, and were known for durable and dependable automobiles, sold at a competitive price. Having accumulated millions of dollars in wealth, they built large mansions in Grosse Pointe, MI, as well as motor yachts – all of which were the result of their ingenuity and driven business habits.

Unfortunately, Horace Dodge and his brother John never got to enjoy or sail on Delphine as they both died of influenza in 1920, after attending the National Automobile Show in New York City. At the time of their deaths, they were only about 55 years of age. Horace’s wife Anna took over control of Delphine, and the Dodge family cruised her through the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, and on the East Coast. While at anchor on the Hudson River in 1926, Delphin e caught fire, and partially sank.  Under Anna’s direction, she was re-floated and restored. In 1940, Delphine struck a rock off Manitoulin Island, ON, in Lake Huron, and again went through some restoration and repairs.

During WW II, the Dodge yacht was requisitioned by the US Navy and was re-named the USS Dauntless.  She became the flagship of Admiral Ernest King, who was Commander-in-Chief of the US Atlantic Fleet. It also reported that during WW II, US President Franklin Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Russian Ambassador Molotov had a secret meeting to discuss war strategy, in the smoking room of the large yacht. Following the war, she was used as a training vessel for steam yachts by the Lundenberg Maryland School of Seamanship. She went through a series of owners over the following 18 years. At one point, she was considered being sold for scrap metal.

Delphine , which was named for Horace and Anna Dodge’s daughter, was ultimately restored, and sold for $22 million.  Another massive five-year restoration from stem to stern was finished in 2003, and was reported to cost 45 million Euros. She was owned by the Tunisian Ineke Brunynooghe – who apparently does not like to fly. Upon completion of the restoration, Princess Stephanie of Monaco re-christened the vessel. Today, she flies the flag of Portugal, and is available for charter.

Delphine has 11 staterooms, which can accommodate 24 guests.  The guest staterooms are 14 by 14 feet, each with a private bath. The owners’ stateroom is 25 by 25 feet. Delphine has a swimming pool, massage suite and spa, a gourmet galley, a small hospital, and about 3,000 square feet of deck space. She has five decks, and originally had a crew of 54. Today, a crew of 32 is the norm. The living spaces in the interior were designed by Tiffany’s. One of her features was the installation of a $60,000 organ. Today, the organ has been replaced by a Steinway grand piano.

In terms of support vessels, Delphine originally had two 20-foot launches for the captain and crew; a 30 foot launch; and a 35-foot express launch for owners and guests that was capable of doing 40 miles per hour. The 1,700-ton vessel has a beam of 36 feet and draws an amazing 14 feet.

Today, Delphine is available for charter in the Mediterranean Sea, and frequents ports in France, Monaco, Italy, and Greece.  This luxury yacht has all the water toys and modern comforts that wealthy charter clients expect. Many Grand Prix drivers have visited Delphine , as she is frequently anchored in Monaco for the famous auto race.

During her history of cruising US waters, it is evident that Delphine transited the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands a number of times. Her 14-foot draft would have limited where she could find a berth in the Islands. Mrs. Dodge had good friends in Cape Vincent, and visited them on the Delphine . Alexander and Lucy Rutherford, who owned the Windy Bank estate, entertained Mrs. Dodge on more than one occasion. The property, at the northwest corner of Broadway and Real Streets, and is now owned by David and Sharon Wiley. It is also reported that Mrs. Dodge enjoyed having dinner at the Carleton Hotel, while in the Cape Vincent area aboard the Delphine . The Rutherfords were also entertained by Mrs. Dodge aboard Delphin e on numerous occasions. Her last visit to Cape Vincent was in June, 1955. Mrs. Dodge passed away at her home in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, on June 2, 1970 at the age of 103.  Thus far, I have not been able to uncover any photos of ports-of-call that Delphine made while in the Thousand Islands or Lake Ontario.

Some say that her design length of 257 feet was limited by the capacity of the Welland canal and locks. In the 1920’s, Delphine was the largest private yacht to pass through the locks. The tragic story of owner Horace Dodge, not ever able to enjoy his nautical dream, reminds me of the story of George Boldt and Boldt Castle. It is ironic how health can change the future, despite incredible wealth.

By Rick Casali

Rick Casali is a resident of Wellesley Island.  During his youth, his parents had a cottage from 1947 to 1970 named The Orchards on Grindstone Island.  Rick now splits his time between Stuart, Florida and the River.  He worked for Columbia Gas System for 29 years, and ran their Washington, DC office. Then in 2000, he started brokering boats and yachts, and continues as a broker with North Point Yacht Sales.  Rick and his wife Anne cruise the River in a Seaway 24 Seafarer named "Miss Annie" and they live on Tennis Island.

Be sure to see more of Rick Casali's tributes and reviews . He had now written over a dozen and they are not only interesting but provide an important historical review of River life.

Posted in: Volume 18, Issue 12, December 2023 , People , History , Places , Sports

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THROW OFF THE LINES AND STEP ABOARD.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection onboard features have been expertly designed to enlighten, enliven, and excite. Like the slower pace lifestyle of a superyacht, life on board is laid back and casual, with a sense of freedom and flexibility. Spaces are designed to embrace the natural surroundings, with walls of glass that flow seamlessly toward the sea and elegant yet comfortable décor. And thanks to a spectacular space ratio of more than 89 square feet per guest, there’s room to accommodate the luxuries of a boutique resort, including a full-service spa and a generous collection of aquatic recreational activities. Evenings can be enjoyed with cocktails and live music in the Living Room or late-night dancing in the Observation Lounge. A local celebrity may be on board for a specially curated performance. Or some may prefer to head for a club in town to take in the local scene. 

Immerse yourself in a life untethered aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s  luxury all-inclusive cruises . Discover standout luxury yacht features including a lounge, marina-style water sports, and the world-famous Ritz-Carlton onboard spa. Relax, unwind, and unplug among luxury cruise features that beckon guests to live elevated and unencumbered.  

MARINA AND MARINA TERRACE

Sitting right at the water’s edge, the Marina offers sun loungers and a generous choice of water toys. Like a private beach with seamless entry into the sea, it’s the go-to spot while at anchor. Just steps above, the Marina Terrace serves handcrafted cocktails and light bites with stunning views. 

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA®

Exceptional massages, facials, and a variety of locally inspired treatments await you within our serene onboard oasis. Enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment in one of five private rooms, or al fresco, paired with ocean views. Plus, a full-service Beauty Lounge, Gentleman’s Grooming Salon, as well as a sauna, steam room and quiet zones allow you to truly disconnect. Reservations required, additional fee applies.

An infinity oasis of blue is just steps away from The Pool House, where guests can enjoy all-day dining. Frozen treats, whirlpools to soak in, and refreshing water mistings pamper guests on the sun loungers and banquettes. A spacious venue for deck parties and open-air movies. 

THE FITNESS STUDIO

The Fitness Studio is home to a health and wellness program that integrates fitness and spa with lectures and nutrition that can be customized for each guest. From personal training to sunrise yoga and mat Pilates, each voyage has opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

THE LIVING ROOM

Bold shades of blue reflecting the sea provide a vibrant accent to the yacht’s gathering place, with its chic, comfortable furnishings and library with travel guides and best sellers. Diffused lighting transforms the space into a cocktail lounge with piano bar, dancing and live music later on, making The Living Room one of the most popular Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection onboard features.

THE BOUTIQUE

From exclusive sportswear and branded apparel to jewelry and leather goods, leading labels offer enticing options. In select ports, your shopping experience is further enhanced by bespoke collaborations with local artisans who come on board to showcase their offerings.

Entertainment and Enrichment

Like the yacht itself, entertainment and enrichment onboard are an intimate affair. Our in-house classical and jazz musicians will provide highly personal performances across the many venues onboard throughout each voyage. The yacht's leisurely pace offers the freedom and flexibility for our team to arrange fully immersive cultural experiences both onboard and ashore. From partnerships with the local arts and music communities to discussions led by renowned experts and lecturers, each experience is designed to stir the senses in an uncommonly profound way. Our commitment to immersive and enriching entertainment offerings sets our luxury cruise features apart from others.  

ONBOARD DRESS CODE

The dress code on board the yacht reflects the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton and casual freedom of a yachting vacation. During the day for breakfast and lunch, the dress code is Yacht Casual, wherein shirts, shoes, and bathing suit cover-ups are required when not at the pool. During the evening, for dinner, bathing suits and sleeveless t-shirts are not permitted, and shirts and shoes are required throughout the yacht. When dining in The Evrima Room, Talaat Nam and S.E.A. the dress code is Yacht Sophisticated — meaning collared shirts are not required, but highly recommended. Ball caps, hats, shorts, and flip-flops are not permitted during dinner service. There are no formal nights on board.

THE OBSERVATION LOUNGE

Top-deck views erase the borders between land and sea, an inspired setting for lounging, cocktails or socializing. At twilight, the space is transformed into a venue with cocktails and live entertainment, extending into a late-night hangout. Whether exploring on luxury repositioning cruises, luxury Baltic cruises, US-based cruises, or anything in between, The Observation Lounge is your vantage point for sightseeing anywhere at sea. 

Families exploring the world together are welcome aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. With its own dedicated space on board, Ritz Kids® is an educational and fun-filled program that encourages children to explore the world around them. Enhanced services will be available during holidays and summer months. 

THE HUMIDOR

Cap off your day with a premium cognac in this intimate lounge with its comfortable furnishings. An excellent selection of premium hand-rolled cigars is showcased in the state-of-the-art humidor.

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This Brand-new Ship Has One of the Largest Yacht Clubs in Its Fleet, Endless Adventure, and a Glass-bottomed Bridge

MSC Seascape just set sail — here's what it's like on board.

Christine Burroni

The MSC Seascape may share many similar — or even identical — features with its predecessors, but when it comes to luxury, the fleet’s newest vessel certainly leveled up. The new ship sailed on its inaugural journey with guests from Rome to New York City this past weekend and will go on to sail out of Miami to the Caribbean for future trips.

While the European cruise line has become known for its luxury ship-within-a-ship concept, called Yacht Club , the Seascape boasts one of its largest clubs with 131 suites — with five categories to choose from — taking up 32,000 square feet. Located at the front of the ship, most exclusive Yacht Club spaces, like the private dining area or pool deck, are afforded sweeping ocean views.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

In addition to a private restaurant with a regularly changing menu, and both indoor and outdoor lounge space, passengers who make a Yacht Club reservation are treated to expedited embarkation, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and access to the spa’s Thermal Suite where a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool awaits. Members will also have access to the ship's Top Sail Lounge for coffee, tea, and light bites at any time of day.

Yacht Club guests also enjoy the ship's premium drink package, an unpacking or packing service, a morning newspaper delivery of their choice, and the ability to select a specific pillow for customized comfort.

Sailing the blue water of the Caribbean while tucked in a super-exclusive setting may seem exceptionally relaxing, but the MSC Seascape also offers just the opposite for those looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush — with an extreme thrill ride and virtual reality experiences.

Adrenaline junkies can take a ride on the ship's Robotron , an attraction unique to the ship that will bring riders nearly 175 feet above water and flip upside down, moving in all directions to offer unobstructed 360-degree views. 

Those looking to keep their feet on the ground can still get their adventure fix with a walk across the Bridge of Sighs, a 72-foot-high glass-bottomed bridge.

The MSC Seascape is also home to a variety of virtual reality experiences. Riders can choose from Formula 1 racing, a flight simulator, and motorcycle riding.

“ MSC Seascape is an exciting addition to our fleet of Seaside Class ships with its elevated onboard experiences that will surprise and delight all ages," Ruben Rodriguez, President, MSC Cruises USA exclusively told Travel + Leisure. " From one of the largest and most luxurious Yacht Clubs in our fleet to interactive, high-tech experiences like the first Robotron at sea and immersive VR experiences, MSC Seascape brings unparalleled entertainment and thrills to our guests.”

Elsewhere on board, the ship’s interior is very similar to that of MSC’s other vessels, like the line's one-year-old MSC Seashore, including its Times Square–inspired décor, Swarovski crystal–adorned staircases, and Atrium space where live entertainment takes place.

Fans of the ship's fleet will also recognize its signature restaurants including Butcher's Cut steakhouse, Ocean Cay seafood restaurant, and more. Its lively sports bar is the perfect spot to catch any game around the world — and there are 18 other bars and lounges on board, some of which offer live music.

MSC Seascape journeys set sail from Miami to the Caribbean where passengers can visit the company's private Bahamas island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

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KISMET YACHT CHARTER

122m  /  400'3   lurssen   2024.

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Guest elevator
• Premium beauty and wellness amenities, including spa and beach club
• Brand new for 2024
• Inviting pool

Kismet is spacious and packed with things to do making her fully primed for guests seeking a luxury charter at sea.

The 122m/400'3" motor yacht 'Kismet' offers the unmissable chance to charter a brand new superyacht, having only launched this year. Delivered by the German shipyard Lurssen and featuring interior styling by British designer Reymond Langton Design this award winning yacht can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in 8 cabins.

With an abundance of space and superlative amenities across her luxurious decks, you'll be spoilt for choice on a luxury yacht charter aboard Kismet. Her features include a dancefloor, beauty salon, spa, elevator, underwater lights, beach club and gym.

Guest Accommodation

Built in 2024, Kismet offers guest accommodation for up to 12 guests in 8 suites. A crew of thirty-six, who specialize in creating exceptional charters, are on hand to provide guests with a yacht charter vacation to remember.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Keeping comfortable and entertained on Kismet is easy thanks to the available amenities, notably a dancefloor where you and your guests can celebrate in style. Elsewhere the latest beauty and hair treatments are available in the luxurious beauty room or take a break from a busy itinerary in the steam room. Take the opportunity to be thoroughly pampered and indulged in the spa and in addition revive yourself after an intense workout in the sauna. The swimming pool is perfect for exercising or admiring a romantic sunrise. Head to the beach club and take advantage of indoor-outdoor living and entertaining or elsewhere, a gym with all the latest equipment is available for a good work out. Soak up the bubbles in style in the deck jacuzzi.

Kismet benefits from some excellent features to improve your charter, notably an elevator, making any part of the yacht quickly and easily accessible. Make your evenings more memorable with stunning underwater lights or take advantage of the on board Wi-Fi and stay connected at all times. You can stay comfortable on board whatever the weather, with air conditioning during your charter.

Performance & Range

Built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she offers greater on-board space and is more stable when at anchor thanks to her full-displacement hull. Kismet comfortably cruises at 13 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 19 knots.

Kismet has a good selection of water toys and accessories to entertain you and your guests whilst on charter. Principle among these are submarines allowing you to discover the magical world beneath the waves, a submarine experience will be the most awe-inspiring adventure you could imagine. Take to the sea on the Jet Skis offering you power and control on the water. In addition there are four SEABOBs, that allow you to skim along the surface or steer under the crystal water and experience life swimming with the fish. When it comes to Tenders, Kismet has you covered - with four tenders, including a 11.2m/36'9" Hodgson Limo Tender.

Book your next the Mediterranean luxury yacht charter aboard Kismet this summer. She is also accepting bookings this winter on request.

With its superlative combination of luxurious styling and superb amenities, motor yacht Kismet has everything you could possibly want for unforgettable yacht charter vacations.

TESTIMONIALS

There are currently no testimonials for Kismet, please provide .

Kismet Photos

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Kismet has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Kismet is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 1 x 11.2m  /  36'9 Hodgson Limo Tender
• 1 x 11.8m  /  38'9 Naiad Tender
• 1 x 8.24m  /  27' Riva Tender
• 1 x 6.3m  /  20'8 Fassmer Tender

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

Kismet Awards & Nominations

• Robb Report 2024 Charter Yacht Winner
• World Yachts Trophies 2024 Yacht of the Year Finalist
• + shortlist

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

'Kismet' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

€3,000,000 p/week + expenses Approx $3,334,500

High Season

Cruising Regions

Mediterranean Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Monaco, Montenegro

HOT SPOTS:   Amalfi Coast, Calvi, Corsica, French Riviera, Mykonos, Sardinia

Winter Season

October - April

$3,000,000 p/week + expenses

Please enquire .

Charter Kismet

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker , or we can help you.

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker or

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