The 1,050-foot residential superyacht Ulyssia, developed by Monaco-based Ulyssia Residences AG, will take shape in the Far East. The Swiss company and acclaimed yacht designer Espen Øino have awarded the construction contract for the 2031-delivery project to China Merchants Cruise Shipbuilding (CMCS). Yes, this floating sanctuary, only a mere 100 feet shy of the world’s largest cruise ship, has been designed exclusively for the world’s ultra-rich, and will be built by the firm known for expedition cruise vessels and for delivering China’s first domestically built polar expedition cruise ship. What is German company Meyer Werft’s loss has become CMCS’s gain, with the Chinese shipbuilder now giving the project a signed build path, backed by engineering support from Deltamarin.
As reported by Boat International, the partnership with CMCS is also expected to support the further development of battery and solar technologies as part of Ulyssia’s long-term sustainability ambitions. “This is without doubt one of the most important moments in Ulyssia’s journey to date,” said founder and chairman Frank Binder. “With CMCS, we have partners capable of matching the scale of our ambition while helping us realise Ulyssia with the precision, innovation and care such a vessel deserves.”
The rest of the team behind superyacht Ulyssia remains unchanged, from interior studio FM Architettura and wellness partner Chenot to expedition specialist EYOS Expeditions, private aviation provider VistaJet, and submersible manufacturer Triton Submarines.
Now comes the second most exciting part, the vessel itself. Gargantuan and gorgeous in equal measure, Ulyssia will be home to a lucky few who will occupy 122 private residences, while their guests will be accommodated in 22 guest suites. Life aboard the behemoth promises beauty, offbeat experiences, and the adventure of a lifetime.
The residences will range from roughly 110 to 953 square meters, with one- to six-bedroom layouts, open kitchens, and terraces. For recreation, there is plenty on offer, including a yacht club, marina, dive center, luxury tenders, and Triton submersibles. Residents will hardly miss life on land, as nearly everything has been accounted for at sea, from multiple restaurants and bars to a gourmet market, wine cellar, theater, library, art studio, and even a nightclub.
Sports lovers, too, will have plenty to enjoy, whether on the sports courts or in the simulators, while business can continue as usual in the onboard business facilities. To make this a truly permanent setup for residents, the superyacht will also feature youth and educational facilities, including homeschooling support, making it more family-friendly than most floating luxury concepts.
Among its standout offerings is a 1,900-square-meter Chenot health, wellness, spa, fitness, and medical facility. It is expected to reassure residents with a staffed medical center designed to go far beyond a standard yacht sick bay, with earlier project material also mentioning imaging and dental capabilities. While prices have not been officially revealed, reports have suggested that entry-level ownership could start at roughly $10 million, while the most lavish residences may reach as high as $90 million.
The yard behind the maritime marvel-
China Merchants Cruise Shipbuilding is based in Jiangsu, a well-established hub with a reputation for high-end cruise building. Its prowess has been evident not only in its push toward larger and more technologically advanced vessels, but also in the delivery of China’s first domestically built polar expedition cruise ship, followed by at least six more expedition-related vessels. For gigayacht Ulyssia, it appears to be just what the doctor ordered. The expertise extends to Deltamarin that made a mark with their work in the 1990s for Residensea, the company behind The World, the residential ship that inspired Frank Binder in the first place.
