Ready to discover the ultimate in nautical eye candy?

We've rounded up the floating palaces and extravagant vessels that made the headlines over the past 12 months. While it's unclear if all of them took to the water (superyacht owners are notoriously prickly when it comes to privacy), each made waves nonetheless.

Jump aboard to discover some truly staggering new superyachts, from state-of-the-art explorers to a record-breaking model that's expected to cost a staggering $600 million (£470m). 

All dollar amounts in US dollars.

Ushering in a new generation of high-end eco explorers, this expedition vessel from Damen Yachting in the Netherlands boasts a hybrid propulsion system for zero-emission cruising. For the uninitiated, a hybrid propulsion system uses two or more forms of propulsion, such as a biofuel or diesel engine combined with an electric machine.

As buyers become increasingly aware of environmental concerns, naval architects and yachtbuilders are devising green-leaning vessels that don't compromise on style, luxury, or performance. Damen is among the firms leading the way.

Designed by innovative London studio Michael Leach Design and engineered in-house, the 247-foot (75.2m) Custom YS 75 Hybrid has cutting-edge features, including a touch-and-go helipad and a crane for deploying tenders.

It can accommodate 24 crew members and up to 12 guests across six staterooms and boasts plush entertaining areas.

The innovative vessel will also be the first private superyacht equipped with commercial-grade cultivation pods to grow vegetables, further adding to its eco credentials. As for the price tag? Damen is keeping it firmly under wraps...

Admiral Yachts, owned by The Italian Sea Group, was due to deliver two sensational superyachts in 2024, according to Boat International: the 256-foot (78m) Custom 78 and 253-foot (77m) Blue Marlin (pictured).

Sleek and elegant, Blue Marlin's exterior and interior are both the handiwork of prestigious Dutch studio Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design.

The superyacht accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms and offers them a wealth of amenities, including a 19-foot (6m) swimming pool, a private spa, and a helipad. Its more sustainable credentials include a lower-emission diesel-electric propulsion system.

Precious little is known about Admiral's super-secretive Custom 78 project, as noted by Boat International.

It's known that the superyacht's exterior has been designed by Igor Lobanov, the Barcelona-based Russian nautical designer who's renowned for his futuristic, mega-streamlined creations. (An example of his work is shown here.)

Admiral has yet to disclose the price of either Custom 78 or Blue Marlin.

Türkiye's Turquoise Yachts is behind the 259-foot (79m) Project Toro. It was initially supposed to be delivered in 2023, although it was spotted close to completion in August of 2024, so it's likely already set sail.

With the exterior and interiors designed by British studio Harrison Eidsgaard – which is behind some of the world's most luxurious private jets, in addition to its portfolio of yachts – the end result will undoubtedly be a feast for the eyes.

Project Toro's neoclassical exterior is a real head-turner, while its interiors – which apparently include "a huge Neptune Lounge", to quote Super Yacht Times – have been described by the design team as "the definition of serenity and calm".

The fully customised beauty, which was sold in 2021 for an undisclosed sum, can comfortably fit 14 guests in its seven staterooms, as well as providing space for 21 crew members. Amenities onboard include a beauty salon, gym, and swimming pool.

Formally known as Silence, Al Reem received its finishing touches at the Bilgin shipyard in Türkiye's capital, Istanbul and launched in December 2024.

Spanning 263 feet (80m), the superyacht showcases Bilgin's signature style – think razor-sharp exterior lines and a super-slender profile – with naval architecture by Turkish studio Unique Yacht Design. It's the third unit of Bilgin's 263 Series and the most advanced of the trio.

Silent by name, silent by nature: the superyacht was sold to a mystery owner in 2022 and the selling price hasn't been revealed. But it won't have come cheap, that's for sure.

Dreamed up by London's H2 Yacht Design, the modern interiors of the boat whisper quiet luxury. The eight suites (including three VIP cabins) can collectively accommodate up to 12 guests, and there's space for 18 crew members. Al Reem's amenities are top-notch too, with the beach club, gym, and cinema just some of the standout features.

Just weeks after Project Toro was sold in 2021, Turquoise Yachts found a buyer for Project Vento. As is the case with Project Toro, the identity of the owner and the price tag have not been divulged.

At 285 feet (87m) long, Project Vento is the largest superyacht ever built by Turquoise, with the company teaming up with long-time collaborator London's H2 Yacht Design to work on the boat's aesthetics. The result? A distinctive two-tone white and blue exterior with soft, flowing lines.

The interiors are just as eye-catching, with the superyacht boasting a wealth of features.

For the billionaire who has everything, there's a helipad that can also be used as an outdoor cinema and basketball court. But the pièce de résistance has to be the incredible 21-foot (6.5m) glass-sided swimming pool on the lowest deck. The superyacht reportedly launched in September 2024.

Spanning 338 feet (103m), Project JASSJ is the third-largest of the show-stopping superyachts German shipbuilder Lürssen was scheduled to deliver in 2024.

Sold in 2021 to an anonymous buyer for an undisclosed price, the superyacht features exterior and interior design by RWD Design. American firm Moran Yacht & Ship is overseeing the build.

Fantastically spacious, Project JASSJ can accommodate 22 guests in 11 staterooms.

Lürssen isn't holding back when it comes to amenities, promising an "industry-leading" beach club, as well as a swimming pool, deck Jacuzzi, top-end gym, and elevator, along with a state-of-the-art helipad and side-opening tender garage.

Hot on the heels of delivering the 367-foot (112m) Renaissance (NB-724), the largest ever yacht crafted in Spain (and shown here in all its glory), Freire's Galician shipyard was due to complete another whopper: Project Incógnita, which comes in at 344 feet (105m). While the hull has been completed, it looks unlikely that the vessel's owner will take delivery in 2024.

Renaissance has been described by Burgess Yachts as a "temple of leisure" and "sanctum of tranquillity". But Project Incógnita is more about adventure than relaxation...

The superyacht may be kitted out with all the classic creature comforts, but as a roving expedition vessel, the emphasis is on performance rather than amenities.

Reflecting other high-end shipbuilders, Freire has chosen to keep the price of the superyacht a secret in the interest of client confidentiality.

Ace 21 is one of four show-stopping superyachts Germany's Lürssen was scheduled to deliver this year.

Extending over 256 feet (78m) end-to-end, the glamorous vessel spans five decks – the superyachts we've covered so far have just four – and has been designed to provide five-star relaxation in the world's most idyllic locations. It can accommodate up to 14 guests and a crew of 24.

Lürssen, which has taken care of the naval architecture, has reportedly designed the superyacht so it can cruise closer to shorelines and dock alongside paradise-style beaches and coves.

Ace 21 is all about relaxation – and its designated wellness zone, complete with an extensive spa, beach club, and deck Jacuzzi, combine to make it the perfect place to kick back, millionaire style.

SuperYachtFan reports the vessel was ordered by an unnamed individual who's said to be a prominent figure in the yachting world. The site pegs Ace 21's price tag at $150 million (£118m) and estimates annual running costs could stretch as high as $15 million (£12m).

On the other hand, the asking price for Feadship's Project 825 has been revealed.

Undergoing sea trials following her launch, the 249-foot (76m) superyacht is currently available for $186 million (£146m) via Burgess Yachts.

Newly-built vessels of this size and calibre are usually custom orders, so it's rare for one to come on the market. The boat is likely to be snapped up by a member of the super-rich elite who doesn't have the patience to wait years for a bespoke job.

The turnkey superyacht, which received its finishing touches at the Feadship Royal Van Lent shipyard in the Netherlands, has a slick two-tone exterior by Feadship's De Voogt Naval Architects. Its chic interiors are courtesy of Parisian design house Gilles & Boissier.

Project 825 has six staterooms with space for 12 guests, who'll have their every whim catered to by 17 crew members. Among its key selling points are an awesome glass-bottomed swimming pool and a private VIP terrace that boasts its own Jacuzzi.

There's also a sauna, deck gym, games room, and touch-and-go helipad, as well as an elevator. 

Feadship is practically churning out superyachts at the moment, and multiple deliveries were scheduled for 2024. The impressive Project 712 launched in March.

The 272-foot (83m) vessel features an exterior design by Feadship's De Voogt Naval Architects. Unlike the aforementioned Project 825, however, the interiors are the work of top Dutch firm Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, not French studio Gilles & Boissier.

Because Feadship is selling Project 825, the price has been revealed – but Project 712's cost is being kept firmly under wraps. Given its larger dimensions, it's likely to be even more expensive than its sister vessel.

The superyacht has space for up to 10 guests across its five cabins, according to YachtCharterFleet, and comes equipped with a wealth of billionaire-worthy amenities, including a beach club, a gym, and a deck Jacuzzi.

The biggest Feadship superyacht due to launch in 2024 – not to mention the largest the Dutch company has ever built – is Project 821, which spans 390 feet (119m).

Feadship is being as secretive about this superyacht as it is with Project 1012, with very few details known about it. 

The exterior design is characterised by soft lines, and there's a capacious beach club to the rear of the superyacht that leads down to a swimming platform. And that's all we know, although the vessel reportedly completed sea trials in November.

Both the buyer and the price of Project 821 are being kept hush-hush, though the superyacht is likely to have cost considerably more than the smaller Project 825, which is on the market for $186 million (£146m).

The second-biggest of Lürssen's four superyachts planned for 2024, Project Deep Blue may not be delivered to its owner until 2025, according to several expert forecasts.

Details about the project are scant. Even the final length of the superyacht is uncertain, but it's believed to measure at least 427 feet (130m).

No doubt the owner is delighted with the sophisticated exterior design, which bears similarities to Lürssen's Ahpo (now named Lady Jorgia). 

SuperYachtFan reports Project Deep Blue is expected to accommodate 24 guests and a crew of 45. It estimates the vessel would cost a staggering $450 million (£353m), with punishing yearly running costs of $45 million (£35m). The website has vaguely identified the owner as an Indian or Chinese billionaire.

The biggest of Lürssen's four show-stopping superyachts for 2024, Project Luminance spans a whopping 475 feet (145m), making it almost as long as three Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The superyacht was delivered earlier this year. A masterpiece of nautical design, Project Luminance wows thanks to its exterior by Monaco-based Espen Øino and equally elegant interiors by French studio Zuretti Interior Design.

Project Luminance is estimated to accommodate as many as 24 guests across 12 opulent staterooms. Amenities are fantastically lavish, with the vessel reportedly boasting two helipads and a massive swimming pool, which comes complete with an adjacent dip pool.

Reported to cost in excess of $500 million (£392m), Project Luminance was commissioned by Rinat Akhmetov, the richest person in Ukraine.

A report in The New York Times in 2022 suggested Akhmetov was considering selling the vessel in light of Russia's invasion of his home country. Still, it appears the billionaire might have decided to keep it for now. And who can blame him?

Putting 2024's other scheduled launches firmly in the shade, Somnio spans a colossal 728 feet (222m), making it the largest superyacht ever built.

The world's first "yacht-liner", this $600 million (£470m) floating palace for the mega-rich is billed as "the most exclusive address in the world" and will cruise the planet's iconic yachting destinations, from Monaco to French Polynesia.

Somnio features 39 luxe private residences and a wealth of "six-star" amenities, including an enormous resort-style swimming pool, premium spa, opulent cinema, gourmet restaurants, 10,000-bottle wine cellar, and a library.

Nearing completion at Norway's Vard shipyard, the six-deck nautical extravaganza is a collaboration between Somnio, Fincantieri, and Vard, while Tillberg Design of Sweden and the UK's Winch Design have looked after the interior design.

The potential occupants of the 39 apartments are being carefully hand-picked. On offer are units with two to four bedrooms, with the option to fully customise them with the likes of a gym, personal kitchen, library, and more.

Those lucky enough to get a Somnio invite can expect to pay from $22 million (£17m) to secure a cabin in the elite vessel, with service charges likely to be sky-high too.

Now take a closer look at the world's most expensive private jets