Inside John Caudwell’s superyacht Titania: Five things to know about the "Inside the World’s Most Luxurious Yachts" star

Phones 4u founder John Caudwell has never hidden his love of life on the water – and his 73-metre Lürssen, Titania, is one of the world’s most recognisable charter yachts. Fresh from an appearance in Channel 4’s documentary Inside the World’s Most Luxurious Yachts, BOAT rounds up the key facts behind the British billionaire’s headline-making superyacht, from a record-breaking auction buy to a starring role in The Crown.

1. Titania is one of the stars of Channel 4’s Inside the World’s Most Luxurious Yachts

Titania’s latest moment in the spotlight comes courtesy of Channel 4’s Inside the World’s Most Luxurious Yachts, which dives into the details of the charter fleet’s most in-demand boats. The series explores how Titania became a standout success, from her twin owner’s suites to a wellness-focused layout and an expansive beach club that doubles as an entertainment hub. As one of the industry’s most prolific charter performers, she is a natural fit for a show celebrating the world’s top superyachts for charter.

2. She’s the real yacht behind The Crown’s royal cruise scenes

Titania may be known for her charter pedigree, but she has also enjoyed a brush with Hollywood. Acting as the 63.8-metre Codecasa known as Jonikal (later Bash, now Isabell Princess of the Seas), Titania was used in production for key scenes in season six of the Netflix drama. Jonikal once belonged to Mohamed Al-Fayed, whose son Dodi Al-Fayed had a heavily documented romance with Princess Diana. Titania's extended stern, beach club and refitted decks are visible throughout the series. Caudwell himself teased the cameo, joking that he "cannot confirm or deny" filming secrets but urging fans to keep an eye out in the final episodes.

3. Caudwell bought Titania at auction for roughly half her value

Titania began life as Apoise, delivered by Lürssen in 2006 for owner Dave Ritchie. After a world cruise, Ritchie placed the yacht into a rare no-reserve public auction in 2010. Caudwell, who had only recently endured a difficult first yacht purchase, investigated the listing and decided to take a chance. Bidding opened at €20 million and climbed into the 30s before slowing. Caudwell ultimately bought the yacht for around €34 million – approximately half her estimated value at the time. He later admitted he felt “really sad” about getting such a bargain, having grown fond of the Ritchie family through the process.

4. A transformative Lürssen refit made Titania a charter powerhouse

After living with the yacht for a season, Caudwell commissioned an extensive 2012 refit back at Lürssen. The works were ambitious: a 3.8-metre stern extension to create today’s beach club; a full-beam second owner’s suite on the upper deck; a new enclosed sundeck gym; and a bright, Mediterranean-inspired interior refresh. The upgrades also included a wellness spa, dayhead and sauna, a new arrangement for al fresco dining and the installation of the yacht’s signature waterslide and floating waterpark. The result was a dramatically improved lifestyle offering that helped cement Titania as a leading yacht for charter, commanding rates in excess of $600,000 per week.

5. Caudwell continues to use Titania for philanthropy – including a donated charter

Titania’s profile isn’t driven by glamour alone. In early 2024, Caudwell donated a week-long Caribbean charter to raise money for Caudwell Children, the charity he founded to support disabled children and families. The auction carried a €250,000 reserve, with all proceeds funding therapies and equipment not provided by the NHS. This isn’t unusual for Caudwell, who has long paired yachting with philanthropy – and often gives up his own time on board Titania when a charter yacht enquiry comes in, ensuring the yacht continues its charitable and commercial work throughout the year.