When Princess unveiled the X95 in 2020, it was a radical departure from the shipyard’s classically styled models, offering a contemporary profile and, crucially, a lot of space. “When we launched the X95, it was quite a bold statement,” says Simon Clare, executive director of marketing and brand at Princess Yachts. “It was a single helm within an enclosed flybridge, which was quite revolutionary. This meant that the whole of the main deck was open to whatever guest space the client wants, adding approximately 30 per cent more interior and exterior volume.”

With 28 units delivered and 29 sold globally, the X95 has struck a chord with a younger, more modern clientele, many of whom are new to the brand entirely. “It was also bringing in a new and often younger audience,” says Clare. “Although you're on a 95-foot yacht, it gives you the volume of a 32–33-metre, but without the need for the additional regulations of a larger yacht.”

What sets the X95 apart is its enclosed, climate-controlled flybridge, a feature Princess aptly calls the ‘Super Fly’. Inside, a central helm is flanked by a U-shaped sofa to port, while a sumptuous lounge area behind opens out onto the aft deck through sliding doors. It is essentially a skylounge, creating the feel of a tri-deck.

Launched two years later, the Y95 offers an alternative for clients drawn to a more traditional silhouette. With 10 hulls delivered and 12 sold, this asymmetric open flybridge design offers a more traditional layout, with a flybridge helm station in addition to a raised pilothouse. The rest of the flybridge accommodates L-shaped seating to port and a large aft area for free-standing furniture and al fresco dining, appealing to owners who value outdoor living.

The design and ultimate success of both models have helped Princess earn accolades worldwide. The X95 won Robb Report’s Best of the Best in 2021 and Boat of the Year at the Japan International Boat Show 2023, while the Y95 took home Best Yachts Layout by Brand 2024 from Robb Report Thailand.

The X Class, in particular, has won many plaudits and Princess has extended the range of the X models to include a smaller X80. By removing the helm from the main deck on these models, Princess has unlocked significantly more usable space, allowing for a layout that feels expansive and uninterrupted. The superstructure has been pushed forward and widened across the full beam, so the main deck now stretches almost the entire length of the yacht, creating long sightlines, generous volume and a sense of openness.

Whether X or Y, both 95 models feature floor-to-ceiling glazing on both sides, which creates an indoor-outdoor connection, flooding the interiors with natural light and offering panoramic views throughout. With a wave-piercing hull, developed in collaboration with Olesinski, and a range of 2,000 nautical miles at 10 knots coming from twin MAN engines, these are capable yachts designed for long-range cruising and extended stays on board.

With generous exterior spaces, including al fresco dining on the main and upper decks, and additional lounge seating on the foredecks, both layouts have proven popular with buyers on both sides of the Atlantic. “The success of both models has been unprecedented,” says Clare. “With the 95, we have really opened up our market and are selling to many non-Princess owners. Normally, our 95 yachts would be for clients who already had an 80 or a 70 and were working through the range. This is bringing new people into the brand.”