Ulyssia advances plans for 323-meter residential yacht
The proposed 122-residence vessel is linked to a potential shipbuilding agreement valued at up to $1.5 billion, though no final contract has been signed.
Ulyssia Residences has outlined plans for a 323-meter residential yacht with 122 residences and 22 guest suites. Proposed amenities include a marina, two helicopters, a submarine, a dive center, fitness facilities, a spa and restaurants.
The company was reported to have signed a letter of intent with China Merchants’ cruise shipbuilding division for a possible contract worth as much as $1.5 billion. A definitive construction agreement has not been completed. Ulyssia previously indicated that the vessel could launch in 2031.
The proposal follows an earlier residential-ship plan that did not move forward. In 2021, Ocean Residences Development was reported to have awarded Meyer Werft a contract for Njord, an 84,800-gross-ton ship with 117 apartments and a targeted 2025 debut. Meyer Werft has since filled its large construction hall through 2030 and mothballed its smaller hall.
The World, launched in 2002 with 165 residences, is described in the report as the only purpose-built residential cruise ship. Other operators have pursued conversions. Villa Vie Residences transformed the former Braemar into Villa Vie Odyssey, reported to be 85% sold as it approaches two years of its first three-and-a-half-year cruise. Villa Vie also plans to launch converted ship Legacy in early 2029.
Separately, Avora Residences holds a nine-year charter for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Seven Seas Navigator, with purchase options. Handover is due in late 2027, followed by a planned January 2028 relaunch as Avora Lumina.