[imagesource: Camper & Nicholsons]

It’s not often that a layperson has the opportunity to see inside a billionaire’s private yacht.

It is well known that the interiors of private vessels are kept secret, with the crew and guests asked to keep the inside business away from the outside world.

Unless it goes up for charter, then all eyes are allowed on deck.

Take for example Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s superyacht, ‘Octopus’, the inside of which has mostly been a secret for much of its 19 years on the open seas.

When docked in Cape Town’s harbour once in 2018, we were afforded a mere glimpse of the beauty from the outside.

The 126,2-metre behemoth (FYI, that’s well over the length of a rugby field) is now available as an exclusive charter yacht for some epic Antarctica adventures.

Having been added to the Camper & Nicholsons charter fleet back in 2021, per Robb Report, it will spend the northern hemisphere summer cruising through Central America, Northern Europe, and the Pacific, before journeying to the Earth’s southernmost continent in late 2022 (us again, perhaps?).

Here’s more about the newly minted seven-day Antarctica tour:

Covering an array of notable destinations, from King George Island to the Gerlache Strait to Deception Island, the itinerary is packed with ski tours, polar plunges, scenic hikes and more.

You’ll also have the chance to see Antarctic fur seals, humpback whales and penguins, while contributing to wildlife conservation with locally based scientists.

Must be so nice. Truly.

Before we reveal the inside of the yacht, just know that the new charter rates will begin at $2,2 million per week (around R34 million).

We’ll have to settle for that glimpse from the V&A Waterfront Marina.

Besides being able to see some magnificent natural wonders while taking Octopus out for charter, guest will also be spoiled with all the lovely things on board:

The ice-class megayacht, which was designed by Espen Oeino, comes fitted with an array of glitzy amenities, including a glass-bottomed aquarium, an observation lounge, a pool, gym, spa and cinema.

The vessel also sports two helipads to facilitate comings and goings, along with an array of toys and tenders for day trips and further exploration.

In terms of space, there’s a master suite, two VIP suites, seven double staterooms, three twin rooms, and plenty of space for the very fortunate crew members:

As it will be going off the beaten track, there is also a fully-equipped medical suite, a dive centre complete with a hyperbaric chamber for sea-level treatments, a submarine, and two helipads in case of an emergency.

Not a bad way to enjoy the polar sights and sounds.

[source:robbreport]