Ulyssia may be the size of a mid-size cruise ship, but its vision is something entirely different. At House of Robb during Miami Art Week, CEO Alain Gruber introduced the project as the next chapter in ocean living—a full-time, globe-circling residential superyacht designed for community, customization, and long-term exploration.
The name draws inspiration from The Odyssey, Gruber explained, a nod to the journey Ulyssia’s residents will take as the vessel sails around the world. Even the logo reflects that idea. One side of the U features curved lines representing the movement of oceans and mountain ranges seen from above. “The world is always in motion,” he said during Thursday morning’s discussion. The opposite side is straight and minimal, symbolizing Ulyssia as a stable, consistent home.
The lifestyle on board is anchored in superyacht standards rather than cruise-ship conventions. Ulyssia includes a full dive center with a hyperbaric chamber, a medical facility with operating capabilities and MRI machines, multiple yacht tenders, and a wellness partnership with Chenot Switzerland. Residents will receive personalized health and wellness programs, along with tailored fitness and nutrition plans. “Everything is custom,” Gruber said. “Their health, food and beverage, travel experiences, their living space. That’s what separates us.”
The occupants themselves set the tone. “Most of our residents are former or current yacht owners,” Gruber said, noting that they expect privacy, elevated service, and a sense of home. Even behind the scenes, the vessel is designed to feel more like a yacht than a ship. Crew members are offered single-berth accommodations—a standard in the yachting world that’s unprecedented at this scale. The aim is to attract and retain top talent for what will effectively be a long-term floating community.
Alain Gruber at House of Robb Miami.
Justin Festejo
Exploration is another defining pillar. Ulyssia has partnered with EYOS Expeditions, the group known for navigating the world’s most remote waters, from the Arctic to Papua New Guinea. EYOS will bring marine biologists, scientists, cultural experts, and local guides aboard to help residents engage deeply with each destination.
The engineering required to deliver all this was immense. At over 1,000 feet long, Ulyssia challenged the team to create a vessel that functioned efficiently but looked as sleek as a yacht. Gruber described the design process, helmed by Espen Øino, as “the biggest game of Tetris,” requiring meticulous planning to move provisions, staff, and services vertically and horizontally. Black glass banding disguises two decks as a single visual line, making the ship appear lower, longer, and more elegant in the water.
Inside, every residence is fully customizable. Averaging 3,000 square feet, owners select from six top interior designers—among them Katharine Pooley, Francesca Muzio, and Sabrina Monte-Carlo—or may bring their own designer as long as materials meet maritime standards. Kitchens are outfitted with Gaggenau appliances, and residents can incorporate personalized art and furniture throughout their spaces.
The vessel’s global routing is shaped collaboratively. Each year, Ulyssia proposes three itineraries based on world events, seasonal opportunities, and resident suggestions. The community chooses by vote. Plans include two major expeditions per year—one cold-water and one warm-water—along with visits to major cities and remote destinations inaccessible to most yachts.
Environmental considerations were built in from the start. Gruber noted that Ulyssia is being constructed to the highest sustainability standards, with systems designed to minimize emissions and environmental impact. The ship’s medical team will also provide support to isolated communities during its travels, and residents participate in philanthropic initiatives centered on conservation, education, and community development. “It’s part of the legacy we leave behind in these countries,” Gruber said.
Ulyssia is currently being built at Meyer Werft in Germany, a shipyard with more than 230 years of history. Construction will take nearly five years, with delivery planned for 2031. Yet owners do not have to wait to take part. They are already included in global cultural programming like Art Basel Miami Beach, milestone events, and expedition experiences leading up to the vessel’s launch.
Authors
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Abby Montanez