The concept of living permanently at sea has taken a revolutionary leap with the unveiling of the Ulyssia residential yacht, a groundbreaking project that promises to transform luxury travel and residential living. This 320-metre superyacht, designed by Espen Øino and constructed by Meyer Werft, represents the world’s most exclusive residential yacht community, offering an unprecedented opportunity for residents to explore the globe from the comfort of their own homes.
Frank Binder, founder and chairman of Ulyssia, conceived this ambitious project over 20 years ago with a simple yet extraordinary vision: designing a yacht around his residence. Unlike traditional cruise ships, the Ulyssia residential yacht operates as a continuously travelling vessel under a Swiss flag, with itineraries designed entirely by its owners through a shared freehold ownership model.
Exceptional residences aboard the Ulyssia residential yacht
The magnificent vessel will accommodate 133 exceptional residences and 22 guest suites, each offering unparalleled luxury and customisation options. Homes range from 110 to 953 square metres, available in one to six-bedroom configurations, complete with reception rooms, open-plan kitchens, and private terraces. The luxury residential experience extends to fully customisable interiors designed by FM Architettura, with contributions from renowned designers including Reémi Tessier, Lenny Kravitz, and Jean Michel Gathy.
Guest cabins are available for extended family use, ensuring that residents can maintain their connections while exploring the world. The Ulyssia residential yacht’s design philosophy centres on creating individual homes rather than standardised accommodations, with each apartment reflecting the owner’s personal style and preferences.
World-class amenities for global exploration
The vessel’s amenities rival those of the world’s finest resorts and private clubs. Swiss-based Chenot will manage comprehensive health and wellness facilities, including a spa, sports and fitness centre, and dental care. A state-of-the-art medical facility equipped with X-rays, MRI, CT scanners, endoscopy, and ultrasound equipment ensures residents have access to premium healthcare services throughout their journeys.
Educational facilities feature destination experts from EYOS Expeditions and homeschooling facilities for children, enabling entire families to live aboard the Ulyssia residential yacht. Triton submersibles and two resident helicopters facilitate extraordinary adventures and exploration opportunities.
Culinary excellence and recreational pursuits
The Ulyssia residential yacht’s dining experiences centre around a signature wine cellar and multiple restaurants featuring rotating world-renowned guest chefs. These exceptional culinary offerings ensure residents enjoy diverse, high-quality dining throughout their travels.
Recreational amenities include a fully-equipped yacht club and marina, golf club, 600-metre jogging track, and indoor and outdoor padel tennis, pickleball, and multi-use courts. Several indoor and outdoor pools provide relaxation options, while a two-level theatre, extensive library, and conference rooms cater to entertainment and business needs.
Sustainable luxury travel innovation
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The Ulyssia residential yacht demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, aiming to become “the most sustainable yacht ever built at delivery.” This includes a hybrid propulsion system utilising flex fuel options, battery and solar power combinations, and advanced hull design with inertia, heat, and energy recovery systems.
The vessel’s thoughtful design enables access to unique destinations with its relatively shallow beam draft for river cruising, narrow width for Panama Canal passage, and low profile for passing under the Sydney Bridge. This sustainable approach to luxury travel aligns with modern expectations for responsible tourism.
A new era of residential living
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Alain Gruber, CEO of Ulyssia Residences, describes residents as “curious” and “adventurous,” forming sub-groups around shared interests including food, diving, sailing, and art collecting. COO Renato W. Chizzola, who previously managed The World residential cruise ship, explains the vessel’s unique appeal: “It could be the world’s most luxurious hotel, it could be the most remote resort on the planet, it could also be the most exclusive private club… it’s all of this.”
Construction on the Ulyssia residential yacht is expected to commence in September 2025, with launch scheduled for 2029. Demonstrating strong market confidence, approximately half of the residences have already been sold to discerning buyers seeking extraordinary travel experiences.
For residents who possess multiple homes worldwide, this revolutionary vessel provides the unparalleled luxury of waking up to a different, ever-changing view every few days while maintaining the comfort and familiarity of home.
