Why wouldn't superyachts flock to Venice? Famed for its winding waterways and romantic, Renaissance architecture, the city is a perennial favourite with visitors – especially during the iconic Venice Carnival. Now, with global attention focused on the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sànchez, the spotlight has shifted to the high-profile superyachts converging on the area. According to BOATPro, there’s been a noticeable spike in arrivals. BOAT takes a closer look, beginning with an iconic World Superyacht Awards winner...
What's happening in Venice?
Billionaire businessman Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sànchez are scheduled to be married in Venice by the end of the month. While his yacht has not been confirmed for the festivities, the 125.8-metre Koru is currently cruising in the Croatian islands, fewer than 100 nautical miles from the water-bound city.
Kismet
Length: 122m
Builder: Lürssen
Year: 2024
What are her standout features?
Where to begin? Kismet continues to be one of the world's most talked-about superyachts well over a year after delivery. Her award-winning features include a Balinese-inspired spa, a partially underwater, Art Deco cinema and a main saloon inspired by Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, with the World Superyacht Awards judges emphasising her "exceptional design and craftsmanship" and "extraordinarily detailed interiors" by British studio Reymond Langton. Her eye-catching exterior design – including the iconic Jaguar bowsprit – is the work of Italian designer Nuvolari Lenard.
Read More/On board Lürssen's 122m Kismet, the Motor Yacht of the Year 2025Arience
Length: 60m
Builder: Abeking & Rasmussen
Year: 2012
What are her standout features?
Another Reymond Langton design, Arience is best known for her unconventional interiors – including an asymmetrical saloon with crocodile tabletops and a dramatic foyer complete with gleaming glass lift. Befitting a custom build, this superyacht also comes with several impressive leisure spaces, including a dedicated cinema, waterfront gym, oversized beach club and a full owner's deck. The latter is dominated by a generous curved cabin that overlooks the deck (and its Jacuzzi).
Were Dreams
Length: 52.3m
Builder: Amels
Year: 2008
What are her standout features?
The first Amels 171 model, Were Dreams set the standard for the Heywood-designed series with a brilliantly custom sundeck, featuring a Jacuzzi surrounded by sunpads, a sit-up bar and gym equipment aft. Though Were Dreams has always been used privately, the superyacht is charter-friendly with generous accommodation across six cabins, including an additional single cabin on the main deck which can be used for extra guests of staff. According to BOATPro, six more Amels 171 units were ordered from the Dutch yard following the commission of this superyacht.
Eleni
Length: 49.9m
Builder: CBI-Navi
Year: 2005
What are her standout features?
The flagship of Italian yard CBI-Navi, Eleni has generous exterior decks and 663GT of interiors to play with. Her panoramic sundeck is worth mentioning – adorned with half-moon sunpads, an extendable table for 12 guests and a cocktail bar – as is her accommodation, with both the owner's suite and two VIP cabins featuring Jacuzzi baths. A high-profile charter yacht, Eleni once hosted reality star and model Kendall Jenner in Sardinia, Italy. She was co-designed by Italian studios Paolo Scanu and Luca Dini.
Lori
Length: 40.4m
Builder: Ocean King
Year: 2024
What are her standout features?
A rugged-looking explorer, Lori surprises on the inside with soft, contemporary interiors designed by Rome-based studio BURDISSOCAPPONI. Plush modular furniture and a warm, cream colour scheme prevail, with the large saloon benefitting from floor-to-ceiling windows and access to an outdoor lounge and dining area. Accommodation is for 10 guests, including a master cabin forward on the main deck arranged with an en suite bathroom and private study. She is one of two DOGE 400 GT models, with the second unit currently under construction, according to BOATPro.
Read More/Tying the knot: romantic weddings, receptions and honeymoons at sea