Billionaire Saudi Crown Prince MBS outbid tech mogul Bill Gates for a luxury yacht, transferring a staggering $550 million instantly and finalizing the acquisition in a swift two-day span.
In the world of luxury yachts, the superyacht Serene stands out as a unique floating palace. Originally part of the Saudi royal fleet, it was purchased by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in 2015, a move that is now legendary in the yachting world.
The acquisition of the superyacht Serene, built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri and delivered in 2011, was swift and decisive. MBS, who has plans to build the world's tallest skyscraper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw the superyacht Serene and wanted it, regardless of whether it was for sale or not. The deal was closed in under 48 hours.
The superyacht Serene is one of the largest yachts in the world, with room for 24 guests and 52 crew. It boasts a luxurious deck layout, optimised for both privacy and entertainment, with spacious outdoor areas and elegant interiors that blend comfort with style. The yacht's size and capacity, combined with its underwater viewing areas, make it a standout in the superyacht market.
Serene's unique features include an underwater lounge or viewing room, offering guests an extraordinary experience to observe marine life comfortably from below the water surface. This is a rare and spectacular feature among superyachts. The interior and exterior spaces use sophisticated materials and contemporary design elements, allowing seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor living areas, enhancing the onboard experience.
The superyacht Serene also features helipads, multiple pools, a climbing wall, spa facilities, and more, making it a haven of luxury and entertainment. However, it was not always destined for MBS. Bill Gates, the tech mogul, had expressed interest in purchasing the superyacht Serene. At the time of Gates' charter, the superyacht Serene cost $5 million per week.
Gates, who chartered the superyacht Serene in the South of France in the summer of 2014, never stepped foot on the yacht he commissioned after MBS's purchase. Instead, Gates commissioned a $645 million hydrogen-powered superyacht as a response to losing the opportunity to purchase the superyacht Serene.
Rumours suggest that the superyacht Serene has housed Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi, purchased by MBS in 2017. Regardless of its history, the superyacht Serene remains a testament to MBS's penchant for grandeur and his collection of unique and luxurious possessions.
In 2025-dollars, the superyacht Sydney Sweeney charters for $750,000 a week, a price that pales in comparison to the value and legacy of the superyacht Serene. The acquisition of the superyacht Serene by MBS is a story that continues to make waves in the yachting world, a reminder of the power and influence of the Saudi Crown Prince.
- MBS's acquisition of the superyacht Serene, known for its underwater lounge and luxury amenities, showcases his fascination with unique and expensive possessions.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, Bill Gates responded to losing the superyacht Serene by commissioning a $645 million hydrogen-powered superyacht.
- The superyacht Serene offers a blend of contemporary design, outdoor living spaces, and ai-driven technology, setting a standard for luxury-lifestyle on the water.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might be intrigued by the spacious interiors of the Serene, featuring sophisticated materials and seamless indoor-outdoor living areas.
- For travelers seeking a memorable journey, a trip on the superyacht Serene promises stunning destinations, exotic food-and-drink, and VIP experiences in various exotic ports.
- When it comes to car-maintenance and electric-vehicles, one might wonder about the Princess 30M tender that accompanies the superyacht Serene, designed for smooth mobility and perfection.
- Sports enthusiasts and sports-betting enthusiasts can indulge in various activities on the superyacht Serene, including a climbing wall, swimming pools, and exclusive sports events at exotic locations.
