How the Residential Superyacht ‘Ulyssia’ Aims to Redefine Life at Sea 

Ulysia It may have the size of a mid-sized cruise ship, but it has a completely different vision. At House of Rob during Miami Art Week, CEO Elaine Gruber introduced the project as the next chapter of Ocean Living. This is a full-time, globally-rotating residential superyacht designed for community, customization and long-term research.

Draws inspiration from the name The OdysseyGruber explained, a nod to travel UlysiaWill take residents as a ship travels around the world. Even the logo reflects this idea. One side of the UK features curved lines that represent the movement of seas and mountain ranges seen from above. “The world is always in motion,” he said during a Thursday morning conversation. The opposite direction is straight and minimal, symbolized Ulysia As a stable, permanent home.

Lifestyle on board is anchored in superyacht standards rather than cruise ship conventions. Ulysia 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 Chant Switzerland. Residents will receive personalized health and wellness programs as well as fitness and nutrition plans. “Everything is custom,” Gruber said. “Their health, food and drink, travel experiences, their living space. That’s what sets us apart.”

Occupants themselves set the tone. “Most of our residents are former or current yacht owners,” Gruber said, adding 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. Staff members are offered single berth accommodation. It is a standard in the yachting world that is unmatched on this scale. The aim is to attract and retain top talent for what will effectively be a long-term floating community.

Research is another defining pillar. Ulysia The group, known for navigating some of the world’s most remote waters, from the Arctic to Papua New Guinea, is partnering with Avis Expeditions. Eaves will bring on board marine biologists, scientists, cultural experts, and local leaders to help residents deeply engage with each destination.

Engineering was required to provide all this. a thousand feet long, Ulysia challenged the team to create a vessel that worked efficiently but was as sleek as a yacht. Gruber described the design process, which Aspen Mirror has described as “the ultimate game of Teters,” requiring complex planning to move provisions, personnel and services vertically and horizontally. Black glass banding hides the two decks as a single visual line, making the ship appear lower, taller and more elegant in the water.

Inside, each residence is fully customized. Averaging 3,000 square feet, owners choose from six top interior designers. Kitchens are outfitted with Gaignau appliances, and residents can add personalized art and furniture to their spaces.

The global routing of the vessel is structured in a collaborative manner. every year, Ulysia Recommends three itineraries based on world events, seasonal opportunities and accommodation suggestions. The community chooses by voting. Plans include two major campaigns each year.

Environmental considerations were built in from the start. Gruber noted that Ulysia Being built to high sustainability standards, designed to minimize costs and environmental impact. The ship’s medical team will also provide support to isolated communities during their voyage, and residents will participate in humanitarian initiatives focused on conservation, education and community development. “It’s part of the legacy we leave behind in these countries,” Gruber said.

Ulysia Currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany, a shipyard with over 230 years of history. Construction will take approximately five years, with delivery planned for 2031. Yet owners don’t have to wait to participate. They are already involved in global cultural programming such as Art Basel Miami Beach, milestone events, and campaign experiences such as ship launches.