Each week, we take a closer look at the world’s finest superyachts for charter. This week, BOAT takes a closer look at Carinthia VII, the 97.2-metre Lürssen that underwent a comprehensive 300-day refit at Bhlom+Voss in 2023, transforming her into one of the world's most sensational charter yachts.
For more than 20 years, the interiors of the 97.2-metre Lürssen yacht, Carinthia VII, were shrouded in secrecy. Since her delivery in 2002, the yacht was used privately, yet remained the subject of intrigue given that she was Lürssen's second-largest build at the time of delivery, surpassed only by 139.3-metre Al Salamah, built in 1999. In September 2022, she was sold, marking one of the largest yacht sales of 2022 having been on the market for just over five months. Soon after, her new owner set his sights on transforming this extraordinary private yacht into a commercial vessel with all the latest technology and offerings of a successful charter yacht.
Throwing down the gauntlet, the owner set out to transform the yacht (while retaining her original allure) in less than a year. During this period, the key modifications included the installation of an elegant 11-metre pool on the aft deck, a new state-of-the-art 90-square-metre gym on the bridge deck, new watertight bulkheads, a new teppanyaki grill, a new swim platform, a beauty salon and much more.
The refit work was so mesmerising that it won in the Refitted Yachts category at the World Superyacht Awards 2024. Now available for charter, this magnificent vessel is in impeccable condition and ready to welcome up to 12 guests seeking an unforgettable adventure on the high seas.
Key features
LOA: 97.2m
Builder: Lürssen
Year: 2002 (2023)
Guests: 12
Crew: 33
Spanning six decks, it’s not surprising that Carinthia VII’s onboard spaces are enormous - 3,643GT to be exact with a 124 square-metre sundeck, a 90 square-metre gym and a huge spa. She also has a long list of cool credentials, including bullet-proof glass, a beauty salon and a touch-and-go helipad. All guest areas were revamped during the refit, yet a great deal of care was taken to preserve her classic charm.
For two decades, Carinthia VII has captivated onlookers with a mesmerising design largely attributed to her exteriors. Designed by the renowned Tim Heywood, her graceful, flowing lines elevate her presence on the water, yet do remarkably well to mask the yacht’s enormous forebody through design. At the time of her creation, Carinthia VII was the largest yacht Heywood had ever designed; her reception was so resounding that it reportedly sparked the inspiration for subsequent Heywood masterpieces.
But having now been revealed with her arrival to the charter market, her interiors are just as impressive. Upon arrival, guests will make their way up the broad passerelle to the main deck aft where they will be welcomed on board by the crew with a cocktail and a refreshing towel. It’s here where guests can grasp the true scale of the yacht thanks to the 11-metre pool that sits in front of a dining table and an arrangement of blue sun loungers.
In the main saloon through the glass sliding doors, guests are met with the yacht’s primary colour palette of grey with touches of blue and wood panelling. The huge space is flooded with natural light and has a large cream U-shaped sofa on the port side for sprawling out or curling up with a good book. In terms of interior lounge areas, Carinthia VII has plenty, including the upper deck lounge (which transforms into a cinema or games room) and the club lounge, which has a more intimate space on the upper deck.
Out on deck, things are equally impressive with vast areas for entertaining. The sundeck, which measures an impressive 124 square metres, has a sit-up cocktail bar and spa pool surrounded by sun loungers. Here, there is also a dining table for the full complement of guests and space for relaxing forward with new furnishings that were updated in the refit.
Life on board Carinthia VII
Accommodation on board is available for 12 guests, who can choose from eight generous staterooms (making it a top choice for corporate and family charters), six double cabins and two twin cabins. There is also accommodation on board for five supernumeraries. The owner’s cabin is located forward and offers spectacular 180-degree views, while the living room, connected to the stateroom, provides plenty of space for relaxation and is surrounded by a fabulous art collection.
For further rest and relaxation, guests can visit Carinthia VII’s impressive new spa on the lower deck. This fully equipped wellness area on the water features an unfolding sea terrace, offering direct access to the gym area from the water. In addition to a spacious sauna, the yacht boasts a steam-style shower room and a mosaic-clad plunge pool. Beauty treatments are also available here, including a hair and nail bar. There’s also a juice bar so that treatments can be topped off with a variety of rejuvenating concoctions.
For health-centric charter guests, the wellness offering on board extends up to the state-of-the-art gym on the bridge deck. Here, the yacht for charter has everything from treadmills, bikes, free weights and rowing machines. Thanks to the yacht’s 16-metre beam, there is more than enough space for circuit training, yoga lessons or drills either in the air-conditioned gym or out on deck.
Toy box
An impressive charter yacht demands an equally remarkable collection of toys, and Carinthia VII certainly delivers on this front. With all the inflatables, sailing dinghies, jet skis and SUPs one could wish for, charters will be guaranteed to be filled with fun on the water.
Searaft waterslide
Stand-up Yamaha jet ski (2023)
Wave Runner Sea-Doo
Wave Runner Sea-Doo
Seabobs (2023)
E-Foil flight board
Schiller Waterbike (2023)
Laser Pico sailing dinghy (2023)
Two-person Z-Pro inflatable kayak (2023)
Two-seat canoe/rowing boat
Inflatable SUPs (2023)
Wakeboards (2023)
Waterskis (2023)
Kneeboard
Inflatable trampoline
Various inflatables
Searaft 100m²
Jellyfish pool
Snorkeling gear
Diving equipment (2023)
Various diving fins
Gocycle electric bike (2023)
Segway Kickscooter
Fishing gear
Full beach set-up
Golf driving range for helideck
Where will Carinthia VII be cruising?
Carinthia VII is available for charter with Fraser with a weekly rate from €1,400,000. This summer season, Carinthia VII will be cruising the Mediterranean.