In 2026, Njord is anticipated to be delivered

The Njord yacht, a 948-foot cruise ship being constructed by the German shipbuilder Meyer Werft, has all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury vessel of its class: a travel and excursion concierge, multiple terraces and lounge spaces, a wide variety of dining options, a spa and wellness center, a gym, shops, and retail offerings, as well as a nightclub and jazz lounge. The superyacht even has some amenities, such as a helicopter with an onboard hangar and a dive center, that feels especially opulent in comparison to the already lavish amenities on board. Obviously, there is one significant distinction between Njord and every other cruise ship on the open seas: Whereas the latter will likely transport island- and coast-hopping tourists for no more than a few weeks, the former will be owned by hundreds of families and maybe their permanent residence.

Each residence aboard the Njord is equipped with a private terrace that overlooks the ocean

Ocean Residences Development announced the project in 2020, describing it as “the world’s largest private residence yacht” and naming it after the Norse deity of the sea. Developers revealed at the time that the vessel would feature 117 private residences spanning in size from 1,500 to 9,000 square feet and costing between $8.5 million and $70 million. Even though the ship is expected to be completed by 2026, the first ten of these residences have already hit the market, with Mauricio Umansky and Santiago Arana of The Agency representing their sales exclusively.

A stateroom designed by David Linley aboard the Njord

Each domicile onboard the ship is designed to resemble a traditional home as closely as possible, and fifteen different floor plans are available. To add even more variety to the residential options, the developers have enlisted a group of interior designers and architects to place their own spin on a number of the onboard residences. Kelly Hoppen and David Linley each worked on the first ten units of the project, while Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, Francesca Muzio of FM Architettura, Taylor Howes, Sabrina Monteleone of Sabrina Monte-Carlo, and 1508 London are also confirmed designers.

A kitchen designed by David Linley with blue elements

The principal of The Agency, Santiago Arana, said in a statement that “Njord is a magnificent opportunity for buyers who aspire to be global citizens aboard one of the most amenity-rich superyachts currently available.” “I cannot wait to share this exclusive residential offering with those seeking one of the world’s most prestigious addresses.” Though each residence is intended to be distinctive, all units will share certain characteristics, including floor-to-ceiling windows, Gaggenau appliances, custom cabinetry, smart home technology, and private terraces.

Nonetheless, the Njord yacht is not the only endeavor that combines a private superyacht, a luxury cruise ship, and a first-class condominium. A similar vessel, Somnio, which was announced in the summer of 2021, will offer 39 private units for sale to an elite group of purchasers. The ship, as described on its website, “embodies the new era of yachting by combining ownership with community and privacy with intimacy.”

This living room was designed by Kelly Hoppen with a moodier, grayer palette

In any case, it appears to be a new era. Despite the appearance that these two vessels are riding a new tide of residential living, the concept is not as novel as it may seem. The World, a superyacht comprised of 165 private residences, has circumnavigated its namesake for nearly 20 years without significant opposition. With the introduction of two new competitors twenty years later, the market appears to be catching up. As more people of working age adopt a nomadic lifestyle, it is conceivable that this way of life will grow in popularity.

In the bedroom of a home designed by Kelly Hoppen, gold elements stand out

With potentially more similarities than differences, it is unclear how these various floating complexes will differentiate themselves. On Njord, developers prioritize the scientific investigation and environmental responsibility. The ship is outfitted with an extensive assortment of oceanographic instruments and facilities, such as a wet and dry oceanographic laboratory, a high-capacity cloud computing system, multibeam echo sounders, an air and water sampling system, and two submarines.

In addition, engineers and designers intend to power the superyacht with carbon-neutral fuel. As Mauricio Umansky, founder, and CEO of The Agency, stated in a press release, “With its thoughtfully designed residences, an endless array of amenities, and philanthropic and scientific purpose, buyers have the rare opportunity to live aboard one of the finest vessels ever constructed.”