When the world’s A-listers want to disappear, they don’t check into hotels — they set sail.
From the Amalfi Coast to the Caribbean, celebrities are trading red carpets for teak decks, indulging in the ultimate status symbol: a private yacht. These floating sanctuaries aren’t just about luxury — they’re about freedom, privacy, and escapism. Here’s how the rich and famous cruise in style.
Beyonce and Jay Z’s Mediterranean Sojourns
Beyonce and Jay Z have often been captured by the lenses of paparazzi aboard the gargantuan Flying Fox in the Mediterranean which is one of the world’s largest chartered megayachts. Built in 2019, The 136m/446’2″ ‘Flying Fox’ motor yacht built by the German shipyard Lurssen is available for charter for up to 22 guests in 11 cabins. This multi-award winning yacht features interior styling by British designer Mark Berryman Design and is rumoured to be owned by Jeff Bezos. Beyonce and Jay Z’s love for the sea doesn’t stop there; they’ve also been seen on Lana, an award-winning Italian masterpiece of a charter yacht while exploring the enchanting coasts of Croatia. Chartering the yacht for a week will set you back €1,800,000, approximately $2,100,000.
D-Wave and Gabrielle Union’s recent trip to Europe, which they called the “Wade World Tour” starting in Mallorca, Spain. Last year, the power couple also took a few weeks off to visit the South of Europe and enjoy the best things it has to offer, visiting Italy, France, and Monaco, chartering The Wellesley, a 56m luxury motor super yacht originally built in the Netherlands by Oceanco in 1993 and has completed in 2016 a comprehensive refit by Sunrise Yachts. Interior designer Dennis Irvine, of Dennis Irvine Studios, was responsible for the 1920s glamour that styles the yacht like a swish yet traditional private members club.
Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos have also been seen on Lana. At 107 metres, Lana is one of the biggest superyachts ever to be launched by Italian shipyard Benetti and is currently hitting the headlines as the charter yacht of choice of Bill Gates to cruise the west coast of the Turkey. The charter for was carried out by the Monaco based Imperial Yachts, whom have been accredited with some of the biggest charters over recent years after securing the management of some of the most prestigious yachts built in recent years. In January 2023, ownership changed hands, with the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi reportedly purchasing Lana, now managed by the same company responsible for the Lurssen BLUE. Jeff Bezos joined Bill Gates on Lana as they chartered the boat for Gate’s 66th birthday.
Kendall Jenner’s Sardinian Getaway
Kendall Jenner, the supermodel and trendsetter, has been spotted yachting around the chic island of Sardinia, a favorite among celebrities like Adele and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Kardashian-Jenner clan, no strangers to luxury, have a well-documented affection for seafaring escapades.
Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Justine Skye and Lori Harvey, daughter of comedian Steve Harvey have been seen living it up on the coast of Mexico on an unnamed yacht to celebrate Justine Skye’s birthday
Rihanna’s Luxurious Sea Escapes
Rihanna’s comeback to music aligns with her penchant for yachting, a passion that began with vacations around Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. Her preference for luxurious boats has taken her to glamorous locales like Monaco and St. Barts as has tweeted pictures of herself on The 52-metre five-star Benetti Yacht named Latitude which has everything you and your 11 guests could possibly want or need, from frolicking in the sparkling blue waters, to popping to chic hotspots on the Sardinian, Amalfi and Capri coasts.
Heidi Klum’s Capri Romance
Heidi Klum not only tied the knot on a yacht off the idyllic island of Capri in on one of the world’s most historic luxury yachts, the Christina O. Once chartered by Princess Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for their own wedding reception. Heidi also recently offered her Instagram followers a dazzling glimpse into her sun-drenched French getaway on another luxury yacht.
Sofia Vergara recently shared a post on Instagram enjoying herself alongside her “America’s Got Talent” castmates Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Terry Crewes, as they all enjoyed the sunset aboard a yacht.
Royal Regattas with William and Kate
Prince William and Princess Kate have shown their sportier side, engaging in yacht races in the Bahamas and the the inaugural King’s Cup Regatta on the Isle of Wight to raise money and awareness for eight of the charities they patronize. Their maritime interests date back to their university days and have since become a cherished activity for the entire family.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop at Sea
Gwyneth Paltrow, the wellness guru, has taken her brand goop to the high seas, offering luxury cruises from Barcelona that mix sightseeing with wellness activities.
Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas: A Love Affair with the Ocean
From their honeymoon on the waters of Italy to pre-wedding celebrations in Paris, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner have found joy and privacy on the waves in 34.5m yacht Princess Iluka. Built in 1979, she had a complete refit in 2009 and now boasts beautiful Australian timbers and handcrafted furniture throughout
David Beckham’s Miami Ventures
The Beckhams, synonymous with style and sport, have recently invested in a £5million yacht named ‘Seven‘ (after the former England skipper’s shirt number along with being the middle name of his ten-year-old daughter Harper) and has been seen cruising the coasts of Miami and embracing the city where their football and family ties run deep. The father of four, 46, splashed out on the 93.5ft yacht following a visit to the Ferretti shipyard in Forli. You can rent it for a mere 74,000 euros a week.
Giorgio Armani’s Porto Cervo Regattas
Fashion icon Giorgio Armani is not just a yachting enthusiast but a superyacht owner. His passion for the lifestyle has led to the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta in Sardinia, marrying the worlds of high fashion and high seas. Organised since 2008 by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda the regatta is open to superyachts with a minimum length of 90 feet and multihulls of at least 50 feet. The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta opens the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda sporting season and the superyacht racing season in the Mediterranean. The four day coastal race is set against the unique backdrop of the La Maddalena Archipelago and accompanied by glamorous social occasions ashore. The event also includes the Southern Wind Rendevouz and Trophy, gathering together boats from the shipyard to sail in company in the waters of northern Sardinia.
Jennifer Lopez’s Extravagance on the High Seas
Jennifer Lopez was seen enjoying the splendor of St. Tropez aboard the yacht Quite Essential. Built for Valentin Zavadnikov of the Beluga Group, this vessel represents the pinnacle of luxury yachting. With a sale price in 2021 of €25,000,000, Quite Essential embodies affluence and indulgence, much like the celebrities who charter it. She also previously celebrated her birthday on the 85m yacht Valerie, which Espen Oino and Raymond Langton worked on to turn into the epitome of luxury and has previously chartered Bad Girl to cruise around the Domincan Republic
Katy Perry’s Sydney Harbour Soirees
Katy Perry’s taste for the nautical life was on display as she was spotted on the yacht Oscar II in Sydney. Owned by Mario and Bill Gravanis of the Oscars Hotels group, this yacht was once in the news as a Sydney gang member was shot on board and the police found 18 bullet holes in the yachts hull. But it seems that drama does not bother uber-celeb Katy Perry and the coastline offers a stunning backdrop for Perry’s maritime escapes.
Star-Studded Gatherings on Destination Fox Harb’r Too (now, Mustang Sally)
Jason Statham, Orlando Bloom, and Miranda Kerr were seen aboard the superyacht Destination Fox Harb’r Too, now known as Mustang Sally. With an impressive history and a valuation of around $18 million, this yacht has been the venue for many a starry gathering. The yacht, previously owned by Harvey Weinstein, has since been a floating paradise for celebrities looking to escape the limelight and enjoy some privacy in luxury.
Rafael Nadal
The tennis star has been known for his interest in yachts, including Sunseeker. Having enjoyed yachting since childhood and previously chartered a Sunreef catamaran the professional tennis player recently commissioned the build of the Sunreef 80 Power yacht after meeting the founder of Sunreef at the 2018 Cannes Yachting Festival. He took delivery of his new Sunreef 80 Power Yacht Catamaran called “Great White” in 2020 -It features a flybridge with a bar and barbecue, a stern garage for a jet ski, and an elegant interior in cream and coffee tones, providing 360 square meters of living space. It’s equipped for long-range cruising, powered by twin 1,200-hp engines.
Yachting remains a testament to the luxury and privacy that celebrities often seek, providing them with an escape from the public eye and an opportunity to indulge in the serenity of the sea.
From Sophie Turner’s Italian escapes to royal retreats in the Bahamas, these celebrity voyages aren’t just holidays — they’re statements. If the idea of sun-drenched decks, hidden coves, and five-star service at sea stirs something in you, it might be time to chart your own course and sail the same waters as the stars.
Useful info on manufacturers
Benetti Yachts is a luxury yacht builder based in Viareggio, Italy. The company was founded in 1873 and is one of the oldest yacht builders in the world. Benetti specializes in building custom-made motor yachts, with sizes ranging from 34 to over 100 meters in length. They are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail and use of advanced technology. Notable projects include James Packer’s yacht IJE, Luminosity, and Lionheart.
