Photo: Ruben Griffioen for Superyacht Times/ Daily Mail on X (Composite)
No sense in getting one of the largest superyachts in the world if you don't pack it with people close to you in age, interests, or wealth, and head out on a memorable summer vacation. Steven Spielberg knows all about that.
The billionaire film director, now the proud owner of the new and improved Seven Seas megayacht, the fourth largest delivery from luxury shipyard Oceanco that is also among the world's most expensive, is on a European vacation that coincides with the vessel's maiden journey. Seven Seas was delivered in July and, as of late September, continues to sail around Europe.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama is the latest A-lister to join Spielberg and his wife onboard. And they weren't the only A-listers there, either: according to the latest report (and accompanying photos), Spielberg's wife, Kate Capshaw, actor Tom Hanks, and his wife Rita Wilson were also on the vessel. Secret Service officers were probably also present.
The day's activities included a trip out to sea off the coast of Portofino for snorkeling, which offered the chance of fresh photos of one of the yacht's tenders. Also called Seven Seas, the large water limousine features styling similar to the mothership, which is the norm with builds as elaborate and costly as this one.
Photo: Oceanco
The social media post below links to photos of this very select and rather reclusive group of A-listers enjoying themselves onboard and around one of the industry's most talked-about recent launches. If you want to catch a glimpse into the life of the one-percenters, this is it.
The secretive Seven Seas
Film directors, especially men who have been in the industry for as long as Spielberg, don't conduct their business like some of the younger actors do. Put differently, they go to great lengths to keep their personal lives private, which obviously entails not tooting their own horn when they check off another bucket list item like upgrading their personal yacht.
Seven Seas is Spielberg's second boat and the second to bear this name. The previous Seven Seas, which he got in 2010 and was also built by Oceanco, was smaller (86 meters/282 feet) but still very luxurious, with a cost estimate of around $150 million. Spielberg often put it up for charter, and it became a very popular charter platform with celebrities over the years.
Photo: Oceanco
Even before putting the OG Seven Seas on the market, Spielberg had commissioned the replacement with Oceanco, virtually the go-to yard for custom megayachts for the world's billionaires. Referred internally as Project Y720, Seven Seas is 109 meters (357 feet) long and features exteriors by Sinot Yacht Architecture and interiors by Isaksen Design.
It had its technical launch earlier this year and, while on sea trials, got caught in an unexpected legal entanglement when the broker that handled the commission sued the shipyard over unpaid commissions agreed upon verbally. Not much was heard of the lawsuit after the initial piece of news, so we’re guessing the whole thing was eventually settled politely between (billionaire) gentlemen.
With an estimated value of more than $250 million, not much is known about Seven Seas – and not even representatives of trade publications have been allowed onboard as of this writing. After the maiden journey, if it ends up listed for charter, details, and photos of the interior should become public.
Photo: Ruben Griffioen/Superyacht Times
A floating palace with a carbon footprint to match
Until then, we only have the briefest of descriptions and our imagination to rely on in terms of imagining the interiors of this new megayacht.
Oceanco says the interiors are stylish and elegant and "a spectacular example of graceful contemporary design that honors the natural surroundings." Accommodation is for 14 guests and 30 crew members, and the long list of amenities ranges from an oversize beach club and a large pool to a private cinema and a helipad for unexpected or urgent arrivals and departures.
Despite its size, Seven Seas is no slouch. Drawing power from two MTU 20V 4000 M73L diesel engines with 4,813 hp each, it can max out at 20 knots (23 mph/37mph). It also features a marine evacuation system – and is the first Oceanco vessel to do so –and an advanced hull that enhances hydrodynamics, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.
Photo: Ruben Griffioen/Superyacht Times
Seven Seas is also the reason why many people online are screaming at Spielberg now for being a so-called eco-hypocrite.
Considering that reports online claim that Seven Seas burns about 700 liters (185 gallons) of fuel per hour just to run hotel functions, so when it's not moving. The superyacht industry remains a huge polluter, and being the owner of a vessel with such a huge carbon footprint won't help Spielberg in his arguments about how the rest of the world needs to cut back on flying and buying cruise liner tickets.
EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Obama enjoys a snorkeling session with a shirtless Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson in Italy - before climbing aboard Steven Spielberg's $250 MILLION superyacht https://t.co/LIdfp9DlKSpic.twitter.com/EmdQg5Rq07
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News