Inside Ulyssia €100 million Floating Luxury Homes

ULYSSIA has reached a landmark milestone with the official ordering of the vessel and the securing of the build with China Merchants Cruise Shipbuilding (CMCS). This first-of-its-kind collaboration brings together the innovation, advanced technology and scale of a leading Chinese shipyard with European design expertise and craftsmanship.

As one of the world's most advanced shipyards, CMCS, along with its subsidiary Deltamarin, brings exceptional expertise, innovation and next-generation technologies that will further elevate the vessel and the resident experience. The partnership delivers a significant upgrade across finish, outfitting and onboard technologies, including advancements in battery and solar capabilities. It also strengthens ULYSSIA's long-term sustainability ambitions by providing access to some of the most advanced engineering, manufacturing and energy technologies available today.

Importantly, ULYSSIA's world-class selection of partners remains unchanged. From leading naval architect Espen Øino and interior designer FM Architettura to Chenot, EYOS Expeditions, Triton Submarines, VistaJet and Blacklane, the team behind ULYSSIA comprises some of the most respected names in their fields. As the world's most exclusive residential yacht community moves closer to her maiden voyage from Monaco in 2031, this milestone marks an important and exciting step forward.
Why CMCS?

The decision rests on two fundamental factors: the quality and the capabilities of the shipyard.
"It comes down to two things: the quality and the capabilities of the shipyard. It was a big step that we evaluated very carefully, and since then it has been proven to be the right decision," says Frank Binder, Founder & Chairman of ULYSSIA.
A decisive advantage is CMCS's unique infrastructure. "They offer something very few other shipyards can: we can finish the exterior fairing and the interior outfitting within a climate-controlled facility. A climate-controlled shed of this size does not exist anywhere else in the world," Binder explains.

Naval architect Espen Øino was equally impressed after visiting the yard: "We were all very impressed by what we saw: the engineering resources they have in-house, the infrastructure and the people."
The build will still rely on the highest European standards of craftsmanship. "We'll be building with the best European companies in China. Our outfitters from Germany, Austria and Italy are excited to work with the shipyard to finish the interiors to yacht standard," Binder adds.

Design and Life on Board

Espen Øino's exterior design carefully manages the yacht's monumental scale. "It's a massive yacht, and we've tried to make it look as small as possible. Every second deck has a dark line, so what looks like one deck from a distance is, in reality, two."
The concept is deliberately residential rather than itinerary-driven. "The idea is to have a floating, travelling home. It'll be different spots in the world, and you go on board when it's there," Binder notes.
Privacy and neighbourhood feel are prioritised throughout. "Every apartment is reached through its own private lobby. There are no hundreds of metres of corridor, just your own neighbourhood."
The pace of life is equally intentional: "We take our time. We'll stay in one place for a while, rather than rushing from one sight to the next."

A Life of Discovery

ULYSSIA brings together a community of like-minded individuals united by a shared curiosity about the world. Life on board is shaped by meaningful experiences and extraordinary encounters. Residents have the opportunity to engage with leading experts across fields including science, conservation, history, geopolitics, business and the arts, while exploring some of the world's most remarkable destinations.
Through its partnership with EYOS Expeditions, residents enjoy access to immersive experiences in some of the world's most remote and extraordinary locations-from polar regions and untouched wildernesses to culturally significant destinations rarely experienced by others.

Equally important is the opportunity to prioritise wellbeing. In partnership with Chenot, residents have access to world-leading health, wellness and longevity programmes that combine advanced diagnostics, preventative care and personalised treatments designed to optimise health and performance at every stage of life.
Through extended stays, carefully curated programming and shared experiences, residents can immerse themselves more deeply in the places they visit, gain new perspectives and form meaningful connections along the way.