For around €20,000 per day: On the ex-king's yacht between Ibiza and Mallorca

Luxury at Sea – But with a Story

If you stroll along the West Dock on a warm evening and watch the lights of the yachts, you can imagine what it must be like: champagne on the sun deck, the sea under your feet, and a crew that takes care of every wish. The yacht in question is about 43 meters long and today bears a different name than back when a well-known Spanish monarch was aboard. In short: you are not just renting a boat, but a piece of gossip and seafaring history.

What do you get for 20,000 euros per day?

The daily price, depending on the season, is roughly 19,000 to 21,500 euros – in summer generally higher. For that price you get crew, fuel (partly), comfort and a package of water-sport equipment included: jet skis, stand‑up paddles and snorkeling gear. Inside there are cabins for a total of eight guests, a cozy film/TV room, a bar, generous sunbathing areas and a whirlpool. For people who like to travel fast: The machine is powerful – the ship back then was no slouch in terms of speed.

Built, gifted, sold – a short chapter

The ship was built in the early 2000s at a well-known Spanish yard. It ended up in royal hands as a gift – in the meantime ownership has changed several times. In short: after years in the care of various owners, the ship passed through several hands, was offered at times and finally integrated into professional charter fleets. Today it is managed by a company that specializes in exclusive Mediterranean charters and uses the yacht from Ibiza.

Practical tip: If you want to book such a ship, plan ahead. Contracts, crew arrangements and mooring bookings require lead time. And: Not every berth is suitable for 43-metre yachts – Palma, Ibiza and some private marinas are popular departure and destination harbours.

Who is it worth it for?

It is not a question of pure convenience, but of the experience: For groups that value privacy, speed and a well-equipped water-sports fund, such a charter makes sense. For everyone else, sometimes a half-day tour with smaller boats is enough – cheaper and almost as nice, especially if you basically just want to swim and see Mallorca's cliffs.

In the end there remains a strange mix: royal shine, modern technology and a price tag that makes a few people swallow. If you look closely, you also see that the islands and harbours remain the biggest draw – not the metal under the paint.