Floating staircases are an increasingly popular trend for yacht designers, and the stainless steel and glass centrepiece on board the 43.65m Baglietto yacht Pachamama is a fine example. Leading from the guest lobby up to the main saloon, this finely crafted staircase is flanked by warming woodwork and the transparent sides allow plenty of light to permeate the lower deck.

If any superyacht staircase could be considered a work of art, then the elegant spiral masterpiece on the award-winning Feadship superyacht Savannah is it. Cristina Gherardi Benardeau and Marcello Bozzarelli, of CG Design in Paris created Savannah's interiors as part of only their second superyacht project. This 83.5 metre superyacht's ample 12.5 metre beam means that the refined wooden staircase can unwind lazily from the top deck right down to the main deck.

Launched in May 2016, the 33.4 metre Cantiere Delle Marche flagship Narvalo features a superyacht staircase with a difference. Mounted in the centre of this tri-deck staircase is a sculptural replica of a narwhal's horn, reflecting the explorer yacht's distinctive name. Indirect lighting in this area adds to the charm of the Nauta Design interiors.

Superyacht staircases are often a focal point for interior designers, giving them a chance to show off their command of flowing lines or use of precious materials. The staircase on Heesen Yachts flagship Galactica Super Nova is a perfect case in point, with curved steps banded in steel strips that appear to spin out of the central support post, hug the treads and then continue out to wrap the walls of the curved stair surround.

One of the most complex yachts in history, I Dynasty has a suitably spectacular superyacht staircase. Light marble creates the backbone of the staircase, while the wrought iron balustrade with gold-plated details features an intricate floral motif.

This spectacular spiral staircase on Platinum-built Dubai is undoubtedly the centrepiece of this 162 metre Andrew Winch-designed superyacht. Accommodating up to 115 guests and owned by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, the glass steps even change colour to create different moods. Dubai’s showpiece may be oft copied but even years afters its launch, it remains in a league of its own.

Few others boats have dedicated so much space to partying – let alone their entire upper deck, but the 54 metre Mariotti YachtSea Force One boasts an authentic nightclub setting – one of the best found on a superyacht – and these stairs, illuminated in a waterfall-effect. A DJ booth, bar, LED lighting and low level black leather seating complete this superior entertainment experience.

It’s little wonder this stunning winding staircase aboard the Andrew Winch-inspired, Benetti-built 26.21 metre Xanadu has been likened to a large bird taking flight. Gracefully sweeping over three floors, with intricate hand painted 23 ¾ gold leaf panels, years after its launch, Xanadu’s staircase still ranks among the best.

Descend the most stylish stairs in the land. The polished wood staircase, offset by contrasting aqua finishes, and providing breathtaking panoramic ocean views, is reminiscent of sun-bleached driftwood. With just a lip of metal keeping the water – and you – contained aboard 47.5 metre ISA-built Aquamarina, it feels as if one could float off into the distance.

The 22-seat dining table aboard 70 metre Sherakhan, built by Vuyk en Zonen, is spectacularly set off by the spiral oyster shaped-esque staircase. Perfect for swishing down the glass steps in your evening best – or descending down towards the 18-seat glass-bottomed superyacht spa pool.