Never-before-seen photos inside Microsoft founder’s $278m superyacht

Published on Apr 27, 2022 at 11:12 AM (UTC+4)
by Louise Cheer

Last updated on Jul 01, 2022 at 5:14 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

Late Microsoft founder Paul Allen’s elusive superyacht is available for charter for the first time since it was launched in 2003 – but it’ll cost you $2.2 million a week.

In never-before-seen photos, the 424-feet Octopus clearly has more than enough rooms to accommodate 12 guest in its 13 cabins.

It has eight decks with one specifically for the owner, which has a private elevator.

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The pool area of the Octopus.
Another view of the pool area.
The spa facilities onboard the Octopus superyacht.
One of two helipads on the yacht.
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What’s on the superyacht?

  • A stunning pool area with multiple bars and dining options
  • an entertainment deck with a gym, spa, cinema, library and observation lounge
  • A fully-equipped dive center and hyperbaric chamber

The Octopus also has its own aquarium which appears to have a glass floor for guests to enjoy the best of what the ocean wildlife has to offer.

And if you get bored, you can seek adventure elsewhere via two helipads and seven tenders.

Where is the Octopus superyacht?

It’s available for charter in summer this year in Central America, northern Europe and the Pacific.

But in the cooler months, it’ll sail South America and Antarctica.

The Lurssen-built Octopus was reportedly bought by an undisclosed buyer for $278 million back in 2021 before it was listed by Camper & Nicholsons International for charter.

No expense seems to have been spared after it was refitted last year.

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“With an ice-class hull, two helipads, a huge toy list including seven tenders, an ROV, and even her own marina, she’s the perfect base from which to launch your extensive land and sea explorations,” the listing says.

“Onboard, science is just as important as luxury. In the past, she has been a hub for oceanographic explorers searching for lost shipwrecks and maritime artifacts, and the new owner is keen to continue this legacy of marine protection and discovery.”

Its previous owner Allen co-founded Microsoft with billionaire and childhood friend Bill Gates in 1975.

Allen died in 2018 aged 65.

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Louise Cheer oversees and writes stories about the latest headlines on topics such as automotive, technology, gaming, watches, movies and lifestyle. Louise has been a news editor at Yahoo and Daily Mail in Australia, with more than 10 years of experience in the media industry.