If this 45.7-metre motor yacht looks familiar, it’s because her semi-displacement hull made an appearance in season one of Bravo’s reality TV show, Below Deck Med, which aired in 2016 and featured the late Captain Mark Howard alongside fan favourites like chef Ben Robinson and chief stewardess Hannah Ferrier.
Currently listed for sale with Sean Doyle and Wes Sanford of Northrop & Johnson and Neil Emmott of Superyacht Sales and Charter, an exciting opportunity for prospective owners has arisen, as the renowned charter-friendly Ionian Princess is set to go under the hammer with Boathouse Auctions. Online live bidding will start on 26 March at a starting price of $4 million and end on 9 April.
Built in GRP by US-based shipyard Christensen and completed at Palmer Johnson to ABS class, this tri-deck superyacht was delivered in 2005. The exterior was designed by Florida-based Setzer Yacht Architects, while the original interiors were penned by American designer Donald Starkey.
However, she has undergone extensive refits since then, including a comprehensive two-year project completed in 2022 at Roscioli Shipyard in Fort Lauderdale. During this refit, the interior was entirely reimagined by Yacht Next, which worked closely with the owners to revitalise the space. The updates included new wallpaper, carpeting and woodwork, along with fresh marble and soft furnishings on the exterior. The project also covered her 15-year class survey, as well as the installation of new air conditioning and watermakers. In 2023-2024, she underwent another refit focused on mechanical upgrades and maintenance.
With a voluminous internal volume of 460GT, Ionian Princess is the ideal yacht for charter groups or entertaining, offering expansive interiors and generous deck spaces. Inside, standout features include a formal dining room with etched glass doors that can be closed off for added privacy. Upstairs, the skylounge provides a serene spot to relax and can easily be converted into a cinema for evening entertainment.
Accommodation on board is for 12 guests across six cabins, including a master suite that spans the full 8.5-metre beam on the main deck, featuring a private office and a marble-clad bathroom. Additional guest accommodation is located on the lower deck, comprising a full-beam VIP cabin, three double cabins and a twin, and the onboard massage room can be converted into a seventh stateroom if required. Separate quarters are provided for a crew of nine.
On deck, Ionian Princess offers excellent spaces for entertaining and parties. The sundeck is particularly ideal, described by her brokers as having "one of the largest volumes in the 40-50 metre range” and featuring a 10-person Jacuzzi. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining either here with the barbecue or on the upper deck aft. A large swim platform provides easy access to the water and her toy box, which includes two Waverunners, two Yamaha 1200 CC jet skis, two kayaks and a 4.8-metre Nautica Yamaha 70 tender.
During her refit, the engine room was also fully overhauled, including the installation of new twin Caterpillar C-32 engines and rebuilt generators. This propels Ionian Princess to a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots.
Ionian Princess is currently available for private viewing in Fort Lauderdale. Find out more information on the Boathouse Auctions website.
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