Family first: Superyachts that give children the VIP treatment

Unveiled to the superyacht world at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show, the 44-metre Tecnomar catamaran This Is It was built by The Italian Sea Group and its futuristic and bold profile was designed for a client who wanted something “completely new.” The result was unlike anything else, thanks to the extensive use of glass panelling and asymmetric lines. She immediately stood out in the charter market as the largest motor catamaran available, complete with a celebrity guest roster. 

Child-friendly spaces were also not left out of the brief; she has a smart, multipurpose space forward of the main deck serving as a children’s playroom. This convertible cabin is perfect for younger children or teenagers needing a play or educational space, or even an additional guest room for a nanny or tutor onboard, joining the 12-guest capacity. Adding to her family-friendly features is a swimming pool and a large toy box.

Before family-focused yacht design became such a defining trend, the 62-metre Feadship Sea Owl was leading the way. Delivered in 2013, the yacht is a true playground at sea with interiors by Winch Design inspired by classic fairy tales and storybooks, including Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. Her striking green hull nods to Neverland, while pirate-themed cabins, nature-inspired murals and a suspended shark above the pool continually spark imaginations onboard. 

Each of the seven cabins for 12 guests are personalised, including an owner suite, three VIPs, two children's cabins and a nanny cabin. Alongside creative interiors, there is also a classroom on board with a fold-out balcony for learning with a sea view, and a vast toy collection that includes both adult- and child-sized wakeboards and waterskis.

The 80-metre Artefact was a true family project. Built by Nobiskrug and penned by Gregory C. Marshall with interiors by Reymond Langton Design, she was created with input from every family member - a commitment which can be reflected in the fact that an entire deck level was built at full scale during construction to test how they would live at sea. The California-based tech owner, with a penchant for science, wanted a yacht that extended beyond the classroom. 

As a result, Artefact is equipped with dedicated spaces, such as a craft room and a laboratory, complete with microscopes and other equipment, designed to help young minds explore the world around them. Ahead of the game in many ways - among the first to meet IMO Tier III emissions standards - the yacht combines a modular design that allows for future power upgrades and technology, featuring a diesel-electric Azipod propulsion system and dynamic positioning.

Designed according to a brief from a health-conscious owner with the aim of combining wellbeing with adventure, the 44.3-metre Nasiba from the Italian sheds of Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) prioritises spaces for a young family. The Flexplorer 146 yacht comprises interiors from Winch Design and ecological design specialists EcoNest Architects, resulting in a living space inspired by Wabi Sabi and biophilic principles, blending organic textures and tactile materials. 

The family-central layout includes six cabins, one of which has been converted into a bespoke classroom and playroom that serves as a homeschooling space while travelling. Central to this space is a “Tree of Life” installation and a cork world map. Wellness facilities and a large deck for toys continue Nasiba’s commitment to family values.

Heesen’s largest steel flagship to date, the 67-metre Sparta, is frequently hailed for its award-winning features, including ones for younger guests. The yacht features a nature-inspired interior throughout, courtesy of Winch Design, and, uniquely, two cabins have been specifically designed for children. 

While generously sized enough to serve as VIP cabins, they include thoughtful, imaginative details such as an island motif woven into the middle of Tai Ping carpets, building up colourful layers for younger imaginations to run wild. A translucent partition can slide back into the wall to transform the cabins into a single expansive playroom, offering flexibility for children or teenagers. Designed at the owner's request to be playful, Sparta ticks the boxes for family-friendly spaces.

Highly customised and delivered in 2024 for an adventurous family life at sea, the 44-metre Maverick was designed to educate and inspire children while providing home comforts. Thanks to the brief, and as Cantiere delle Marche’s (CdM) first Flexplorer 146, flexibility and versatility were at the yacht's core, catering for play, relaxation, and family time. Interiors by Francesco Paszkowski tick off a long list of features requested by the owner, notably a second cabin on the owner’s deck, attached to the owner’s suite, allowing their younger child to be close by while also doubling as a play area. 

This togetherness continues in the main saloon, where the parents can enjoy cocktails with a view, while the children enjoy a movie on the sofa. Maverick was designed for the owner’s first two years of full-time life aboard, exploring off-the-beaten-path locations. To support this, the yacht takes a more self-service approach rather than a conventional owner-crew operation. This also includes the family-focused galley, designed for owner use, with a breakfast bar so parents and children can cook together. 

The 63-metre Benetti Artisan offers a child-friendly environment alongside her elegance. Exterior design was courtesy of Giorgio M. Cassetta, while Bannenberg & Rowell were responsible for the yacht’s interiors. Adding to her family feel and layout, she has a dedicated children’s area on the main deck to keep them both entertained and cared for. 

The playroom can convert into a twin cabin, providing flexibility as the children grow. Adjoining this is a nanny cabin, ensuring children’s care is close by. Elsewhere, Artisan also has an expansive beach club, a sea pool and an impressive list of water toys and inflatables for children of all ages to enjoy some floating fun.

The highest-spec 37XP delivered to date after its launch in 2023, the 37-metre Oscar is a standout in Numarine’s explorer line and a real hit for families. Designed by Can Yalman with family life front and centre, she accommodates 12 guests across six cabins. Inside Hot Lab’s customised interiors, bespoke De Gournay wallpaper and varying vibrant themes add a touch of playful luxury. 

Unusually, the forward area of the main deck, which is traditionally reserved for a VIP or owner cabin, has been dedicated to the children’s playroom - complete with colourful fish wallpaper aesthetics - and a cinema. With its own en suite, this space can easily double up as a seventh cabin, providing flexibility for both children and extra guests. On deck, a three-tonne davit supports a large selection of tenders and toys, bringing the family playtime outside.