SuperyachtNews

By SuperyachtNews 14 Feb 2023

Princess Yachts sold to US investor

Britain’s largest luxury yacht builder has been bought by a us-based private equity firm  ….

Image for article Princess Yachts sold to US investor

Plymouth-based Princess Yachts , the UK's largest luxury boatbuilder, has been sold to KPS Capital Partners, a US-based private equity firm. L Catterton, the previous private equity owner, put Princess up for sale in 2022 and reportedly hired bankers at Macquarie to find a buyer. In February 2023, Princess confirmed that KPS had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling equity interest in the business.

KPS is a New York-based private equity giant with approximately $14.4 billion of capital under management, as of September 2022. It makes controlling equity investments in manufacturing companies in North America and Europe. In 2019, KPS acquired the fitness equipment business of Brunswick Corporation, including the Life Fitness brand, for $490 million in cash.

Existing shareholders will retain ownership in Princess, with the transaction expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. Princess had previously announced expansion plans in the South West region of the UK, as part of the successful bid by Plymouth city council to create a freeport. The company believes that the new investment from KPS will help support these plans and reinforce the unique national and international marine capabilities that reside in Plymouth and the wider region.

The Princess business was founded in 1965 and distributes through a 50-strong global network. It had been backed by L Catterton and its predecessor entity since 2008. KPS's investment in Princess will accelerate the company's growth trajectory and fund numerous investments for its future. Ryan Harrison, a partner of KPS Mid-Cap Investments, says, "We are excited to make this significant investment in Princess Yachts, a leading company in the luxury global yachting industry with an iconic brand grounded in the British tradition, a remarkable and growing product range, and world-wide reputation for quality and innovation."

Antony Sheriff, Princess Yachts' chief executive, adds, "We are thrilled to partner with KPS for this exciting new chapter for Princess Yachts. KPS and the Princess Yachts team are deeply committed to investing in the company's future while continuing to further strengthen our portfolio of best-in-class motor yachts. With a current order book nearing a record $1 billion and many model lines sold into 2025, we have never been in a stronger commercial position."

The partnership with KPS gives Princess Yachts access to KPS's manufacturing expertise and its experience investing in leading brands. This is expected to help Princess accelerate a range of growth and operational initiatives to build upon its long and successful history. KPS's investment in Princess Yachts is a testament to the company's strength, quality, and innovation in the luxury yacht industry. It also reflects the growing confidence in the superyacht market, as seen by the increasing number of investments in this sector.

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KPS

Press Releases

KPS Capital Partners to Acquire Controlling Ownership of Princess Yachts

Investment will Accelerate Company’s Growth and Innovation

New York, NY  (February 13, 2023) -- KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling equity interest in Princess Yachts (Holdings) Limited, (“Princess Yachts” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer of luxury motor yachts.  Existing stockholders will retain ownership in the Company.  Completion of the transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals. 

Princess Yachts is a leading builder of luxury motor yachts and is recognized for its timeless design, hand-crafted quality and exceptional seakeeping.  Headquartered in Plymouth, England, the Company’s unparalleled level of vertical integration – including on-site design, engineering and manufacturing – has helped position Princess Yachts as one of Britain’s most iconic luxury brands.  Princess Yachts serves a global customer base through its best-in-class international dealer network.  The Company has approximately 3,200 employees and operates five manufacturing facilities in Plymouth, England.

Ryan Harrison, a Partner of KPS Mid-Cap Investments, said, “We are excited to make this significant investment in Princess Yachts, a leading company in the luxury global yachting industry with an iconic brand grounded in British tradition, a remarkable and growing product range and worldwide reputation for quality and innovation.  KPS’ investment will accelerate Princess’ growth trajectory and fund numerous investments for its future.  We look forward to working with Princess’ existing stockholders, Chief Executive Officer Antony Sheriff, the senior leadership team and the talented employee base at Princess Yachts.”   

Antony Sheriff, Chief Executive Officer of Princess Yachts, said, “We are thrilled to partner with KPS for this exciting new chapter for Princess Yachts.  KPS and the Princess Yachts team are deeply committed to investing in the Company’s future while continuing to further strengthen our portfolio of best-in-class motor yachts.  With a current order book nearing a record $1 billion and many model lines sold into 2025, we have never been in a stronger commercial position.  Together with KPS’ tremendous track record of manufacturing excellence and investing in leading brands, we are now positioned to take Princess Yachts to the next level of industry leadership in quality and innovation.  Under KPS’ ownership, we will accelerate a range of growth and operational initiatives to build upon our long and successful history.”

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal counsel to KPS.  Macquarie Capital and Latham & Watkins LLP served as financial advisor and legal counsel, respectively, to Princess Yachts.

About Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts is a leading builder of luxury motor yachts and is recognized for its timeless, understated design, unique craftsmanship and exceptional seakeeping.  Headquartered in Plymouth, England, the Company’s unparalleled level of vertical integration – including on-site design, engineering and manufacturing – has helped position Princess Yachts as one of Britain’s most iconic luxury brands.  Princess Yachts serves a global customer base through its best-in-class international dealer network.  The Company has approximately 3,200 employees and operates five manufacturing facilities in Plymouth, England.  For additional information, please visit www.princessyachts.com .

About KPS Capital Partners

KPS, through its affiliated management entities, is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $21.3 billion of assets under management (as of September 30, 2023, pro forma for the final close of Fund VI and Mid-Cap Fund II). 1   For over three decades, the Partners of KPS have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing.  KPS creates value for its investors by working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better, and generates investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio companies, rather than primarily relying on financial leverage. The KPS Funds’ portfolio companies generate aggregate annual revenues of approximately $20.4 billion, operate 223 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries, and have approximately 48,000 employees, directly and through joint ventures worldwide (as of September 30, 2023). The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com. 1 Assets under management (“AUM”) or capital under management is comprised of AUM as of September 30, 2023 plus additional uncalled capital commitments as of November 30, 2023.

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Bluewater Yacht Sales

A Growing Fellowship of Princess Yachts Owners

Sep 3, 2019 | Magazine , News , Princess Yachts , Testimonials | 0 comments

Steve Capalbo grew up on Long Island and enjoyed the area’s waterways as often as he could, including both sailing and powerboating. A 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army and former IBM Associate Partner, Steve is no stranger to travel. However, even in land-locked states or abroad in European countries, Capalbo would find his way to open water for recreation, including sailing and Hobie Cat racing.

Once Steve and his wife Carolyn decided it was time to move on from their Island Packet 45 sailboat and move to a powerboat, they began attending boat shows. “We met Scott [MacDonald] at the Annapolis Powerboat Show three years ago and have maintained a friendship ever since,” Steve explains. They were interested in other motoryachts but really loved the Princess models MacDonald showed them.

princess yachts owner

Hooked on Quality

“The moment Carolyn walked on to a Princess, she said, ‘this is it,’ and basically fell in love with the boat from day one,” Steve recalls. The couple arranged to fly down and attend the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with Scott MacDonald as their guide. The Princess display did not disappoint that year and they were able to sea trial a Princess 49 Flybridge.

“[Carolyn] basically fell in love with the boat from day one.”

“We toured the Princess line and really wanted two helm stations with three cabins, and the Princess 49 Flybridge satisfied all those requirements.” Steve exclaims, “We signed a contract right there at the show!” A Princess 49 was not the only boat they sea trialed in Fort Lauderdale; MacDonald also got the them onto a Seakeeper demo boat. The ability of the gyro stabilizer to drastically reduce roll sealed the deal. “Carolyn said, ‘we’re getting one!’” recalls Steve, who has affectionately nicknamed it the ‘wifekeeper.’ So, when it came time to choose options and features for their new 49 Flybridge from Princess Yachts, a factory-installed Seakeeper was included.

princess yachts owner

Maiden Voyage

Fast forward to January 2018, and an excited Steve and Carolyn took delivery of their new Princess 49 Flybridge at the Princess Yachts North America headquarters in West Palm Beach. The 49 Flybridge is unique in the Princess range, being one of the only boats powered by Volvo’s IPS engines with pod drives. With these engines, the boat posts a commendable 35 knot top speed and efficient cruise speed of 30 knots, burning 42 gallons per hour (GPH). Their boat was also optioned with the Volvo Glass Cockpit system—a collaboration between Volvo and Garmin that integrates a bulk of the ship’s systems into the large Garmin display at both helms. “The integrated systems simplify everything and we love the maneuverability of the pod drives,” Steve reports.

The first order of business in the new boat was to register for Princess’ spring rendezvous in the Bahamas! With over twenty boats in attendance overall, the Capalbos departed with nine other boats from West Palm Beach and made the passage to West End in three hours. From there, a convoy of Princess Yachts made their way east through the Abacos for five days of parties, fun and relaxation. Another unique aspect of Princess’ customer events is the availability of highly-trained service technicians on the docks. Steve notes: “Service people with Princess are amazing and always ready for any issues that may come up!”

princess yachts owner

Princess Rendezvous in the Abacos

The return trip allowed their new Princess to perform in unfavorable conditions, cutting through 8-foot seas at 12 knots with no problem. In their convoy were a couple yachts larger than 80’ and the captains of both vessels were blown away at how well the new 49 performed. Underway, the Seakeeper helped keep the boat’s manners in check. After the rendezvous, Princess owners have kept in touch. “They’re all a really great group of folks,” Steve recounts.

Blossoming Friendships

MacDonald took a phone call at Bluewater’s Grasonville office one day and what started as a simple inquiry about Princess product, unfolded into a 90-minute phone conversation and a new relationship with customers Cindee and Alan. “His character is amazing,” Cindee recalls. “Scott shared a wealth of information with me that day. He is very sincere, professional, kind and knowledgeable.”

MacDonald’s next step was to speak with the Capalbos regarding an opportunity for Cindee and Alan to tour their Princess F49. The date was set, and Cindee and Alan would not only be meeting Steve and Carolyn, but also MacDonald for the first time. “The Capalbos provided such a gracious and glowing recommendation of both Bluewater and Princess—it was absolutely genuine,” Cindee said. The boat tour and budding friendships transitioned in to a sea trial and cruise through the Chesapeake Bay.

The Capalbos were also contacted by Princess Yachts, requesting that their boat be featured at Bluewater’s display during the United States Powerboat Show in Annapolis. “It’s a two-way street,” Steve explains. “Princess is super supportive and their service is top notch and very responsive, so I wanted to return the favor by allowing our boat to be on display.”

“Princess is super supportive and their service is top notch…”

Alan and Cindee joined the Capalbos aboard their Princess F49 for the cruise to the Annapolis Boat Show and MacDonald recalls, “Just like Steve and Carolyn a couple years back, my new clients fell in love with the Princess look and layout.” Steve was excited to take Alan and Cindee out on their 49 Flybridge and he even performed a trademark Seakeeper demo by laying the boat beam to the waves and switching the gyro on and off. “I can’t imagine anyone getting any boat without stabilization,” Steve says.

Cindee and Alan echoed those sentiments, blown away at how well the relatively small Seakeeper gyro could tame the roll in a large yacht. Not only did a great friendship blossom between the two couples, but now Alan and Cindee are anxiously awaiting delivery of their brand new Seakeeper-equipped Princess S60. Scheduled to arrive stateside in September 2019, Alan and Cindee will join MacDonald for a scheduled trip to Plymouth, England to view their boat in progress at the Princess factory in July.

princess yachts owner

“We went bigger and optioned a great deal of creature comforts for extended cruising adventures,” Cindee explains. Like the Capalbos, they also wanted two helm stations, but with concerns over bridge clearances along the Great Loop, Alan and Cindee opted for the sleeker topless S-Class from Princess. “Our first retirement hoorah involves cutting ties and going cruising for the long run,” Cindee exclaims. Their travel bucket list includes The Great Loop with adventures in Nova Scotia and an escape from winter to the Bahamas and Caribbean. “We love our friendship with Scott, we love Bluewater and working with them, and we absolutely love Princess,” Cindee concludes. “The people in Palm Beach [at Princess Yachts North America HQ] are fantastic!”

Even before their Princess delivered, Alan and Cindee joined Steve and Carolyn at the 2019 Princess spring rendezvous in the Bahamas with nearly 200 other Princess owners. The Capalbos are also including Alan and Cindee in upcoming summer cruising adventures to help scratch the itch while awaiting delivery of their new Princess S60 in the fall. “We try to get out [on the boat] as much as we possibly can,” Steve said. “You have to commit to the lifestyle. You don’t buy this kind of boat for it to sit in a marina, you run it and enjoy it!” Adventure cruising has always been a great way to meet new people and develop lifetime friendships, but these new Princess owners appear to be off to an incredibly fast start!

princess yachts owner

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Princess Yachts has been taken over by a major American private equity firm in a deal which will take the Plymouth company “to the next level”. New York-headquartered KPS Capital Partners has entered into an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Princess Yachts (Holdings) Ltd, and said the investment will accelerate the company’s growth and innovation.

Existing shareholders will retain ownership in the company under the deal. Completion of the transaction is expected by the end of March.

KPS runs a family of investment funds with more than US$14.4bn of assets under management. For more than 30 years it has been acquiring manufacturing businesses and its current portfolio includes component maker Autokiniton, light vehicle manufacturer AM General, Briggs and Stratton engines, battery maker C&D Technologies, and plant-based foods business Primient.

Antony Sheriff, chief executive of Princess Yachts, said the deal will enable the Plymouth firm, the UK’s largest manufacturer of luxury yachts, to grow and bring out new models. He said: “We are thrilled to partner with KPS for this exciting new chapter for Princess Yachts. KPS and the Princess Yachts team are deeply committed to investing in the company’s future while continuing to further strengthen our portfolio of best-in-class motor yachts.

“With a current order book nearing a record US$1bn and many model lines sold into 2025, we have never been in a stronger commercial position. Together with KPS’ tremendous track record of manufacturing excellence and investing in leading brands, we are now positioned to take Princess Yachts to the next level of industry leadership in quality and innovation. Under KPS’ ownership, we will accelerate a range of growth and operational initiatives to build upon our long and successful history.”

KPS’ portfolio of companies already generates total annual revenues of about US$22bn, operates 232 manufacturing facilities in 27 countries and combined has about 53,000 employees. KPS said it creates value “almost exclusively through operational and performance improvement”.

Ryan Harrison, a partner of KPS Mid-Cap Investments, said: “We are excited to make this significant investment in Princess Yachts, a leading company in the luxury global yachting industry with an iconic brand grounded in British tradition, a remarkable and growing product range, and world-wide reputation for quality and innovation. KPS’ investment will accelerate Princess’ growth trajectory and fund numerous investments for its future. We look forward to working with Princess’ existing stockholders, chief executive Antony Sheriff, the senior leadership team, and the talented employee base at Princess Yachts.”

Princess Yachts was acquired by L Capital 2 FCPR, an investment group co-sponsored by LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) and Groupe Arnault in 2008. In January 2016, L Capital merged with Catterton to become L Catterton, now recognised as the largest global consumer-focused investment firm.

Last year L Catterton hired bankers at Macquarie to find a buyer for Princess Yachts . At the time, Princess Yachts told PlymouthLive it was looking to start discussions with potential investors to provide financial support needed to build a huge new factory at its Devonport operation.

In late 2021, PlymouthLive revealed Princess Yachts wants to build another factory in Plymouth’s freeport area in the South Yard so it can produce more vessels, employ more people and fulfil a US$1bn order book. The company was also undergoing a sales boost, now selling more than 300 boats annually.

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princess yachts owner

British luxury yacht-builder Princess sets sail to find new owners

The appointment of bankers to find a buyer for Princess Yachts comes after some of the world's most valuable vessels were seized by authorities enforcing Russian sanctions, Sky News learns.

princess yachts owner

City editor @MarkKleinmanSky

Friday 27 May 2022 14:05, UK

Catamaran motor yacht on the ocean at sunny day

Britain's biggest luxury yacht-builder is being put up for sale even as a string of the world's most valuable private vessels are being seized by governments clamping down on their sanctioned Russian owners.

Sky News has learnt that L Catterton, the private equity group, has hired bankers at Macquarie to find a buyer for Plymouth-based Princess Yachts .

A formal process is yet to get under way but is expected in the coming months, according to City sources.

Princess's valuation was unclear on Friday, although one insider indicated that it was unlikely to represent one of L Catterton's most successful exits.

The business was founded in 1965, and distributes through a 50-strong global network.

It has been backed by L Catterton and its predecessor entity since 2008, making it a lengthy period of ownership by the standards of private equity backers.

Princess's boats have become symbols of luxury among the world's super-rich, although in recent months a number of yachts have been seized by authorities around the world as they seek to prevent sanctioned Russians from retaining their most prized assets.

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During the pandemic, it negotiated a cash injection from its controlling shareholder as well as a refinancing of its debt.

L Catterton was formed in 2016 from a partnership involving LVMH - the luxury goods manufacturer which is in the process of acquiring Tiffany - and Bernard Arnault, the tycoon who heads the French conglomerate and ranks among the world's wealthiest people.

Spokespeople for L Catterton and Macquarie both declined to comment.

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46m Ionian Princess emerges from two-year refit

Originally delivered in 2005, the 45.7 metre Ionian Princess has emerged from a comprehensive 24-month refit at Roscioli Shipyard in Fort Lauderdale.

As well as undertaking a 15-year class survey, the yacht underwent a number of significant technical upgrades, including the addition of new engines and new generators. New air conditioning and new watermakers have also been installed onboard this yacht for sale .

The refit has also modernised the yacht’s interiors, with Yacht Next working closely with the owners to breathe fresh life back into her social spaces and accommodation.

Key components of the refit included new wallpaper, new carpet and fresh woodwork on the interior, with new marble and soft furnishings on the exterior.

The yacht was built by Palmer Johnson with naval architecture from Christensen , and she rose to fame as one of the stars of the Bravo reality TV show Below De ck.

Stand-out features include a generous sundeck with 10-person Jacuzzi, seating area and barbecue. A skylounge is equipped with a cinema and a toy locker is packed with gadgets and accessories for making the most out of the water.

She offers accommodation for up to 12 guests in six well-appointed cabins including a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck and a convertible cabin that brings the total cabin count to seven.

Prior to this, Ionian Princess was last refitted in 2019. Her exterior design work is by Setzer Design Group and Fernando Torres, and her interior is by Pavlik Design Team and Fernando Torres.

The yacht is listed for sale with IYC .

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YachtQuarters Introduce the Princess Yachts Y72 to Fractional Yacht Ownership

Monday 4th March 2024

With the ever-growing demand for fractional yacht ownership – the ultimate turnkey solution to yachting, Princess have added the refined Y72 to the fleet.  The largest yacht to join the Princess Yachts fractional programme, she exudes elegance through sophisticated lines and a meticulous finish and can accommodate eight guests.  Shares are available now for cruising in 2025.

princess yachts owner

Why choose YachtQuarters – Princess Yachts fractional yacht ownership?

Sharing a yacht allows you to enjoy owning a yacht whilst giving you the freedom to engage in other pursuits too.  If you love to charter, but would prefer the familiarity of your own yacht whilst still benefiting from the services of an attentive crew of two and concierge service, then this yacht shared ownership programme could be for you.  You can enjoy the comfort of having your own interior style on board and the convenience of a friendly crew, who already know exactly what you, your family and friends like so you can just enjoy your trip.  And all at a fraction of the cost of chartering.  Furthermore, YachtQuarters’ yacht shares are tax free.

princess yachts owner

The new fractional ownership yacht, the Princess Y72 will be based in beautiful Mallorca with her home berth either in the prestigious Puerto Portals or Club de Mar.  And when it’s time to drop the lines, you can enjoy the freedom of cruising on board your own yacht in the Balearics, along with a tender and choice of water toys to discover secluded bays for complete escapism.  Explore new adventures and create special memories with your loved ones on board your exceptional Princess Y72.

princess yachts owner

YachtQuarters shared yacht ownership program allows you to still own a yacht in the Mediterranean but without the hassle that long-distance yacht ownership can entail.  Full management is included from the service and maintenance of your yacht to bespoke passage planning and provisioning and even booking your favourite restaurants.  From the moment you step on board, you can sit back and relax as the experienced captain takes the helm to sought-after destinations plus a combined chef/steward/deckhand to ensure your life on board is easy with Princess Yachts fractional ownership.  And as a co-owner, you are owning a share in the asset that is the yacht itself; which means when the time does come to sell, you will receive an equal portion of the proceeds too.

princess yachts owner

Your home from home – the Princess Y72

Her elegant form and extensive glazing allow light to flood the open spaces throughout.  Flexible living is key with fixtures and fittings to suit.  Her sociable layout within the main saloon combines a bar area to the open plan galley with glass sliding doors and galley window that open to the convivial cockpit dining area, perfect for cosy sundowners.

princess yachts owner

Contemporary tones co-ordinated with light woods and panoramic windows create an enviable onboard space to while away those long summer days and spend quality time with family and friends.

princess yachts owner

Below deck, eight guests are comfortably accommodated across four ensuite cabins.  The full beam owner’s cabin takes pride of place with its private entrance via a spiral staircase from the saloon.  With ample storage space, a large ensuite bathroom plus a 49″ LED TV with Naim audio, the sophisticated owner’s cabin is furnished with a sofa, dressing area and vanity desk wrapped and stitched in Livorno Stone leather for a contemporary finish.  Further aft there is a crew cabin featuring two single berths and a private ensuite.

princess yachts owner

Externally, the Princess Y72 has a fantastic choice of outdoor spaces within the cockpit, bow seating and sunpads and expansive flybridge.  Generous seating arrangements and wetbar facilities enable you to make the most of al fresco dining and balmy evenings in the Mediterranean.  Enjoy water sports with ease with her large transom featuring a foldaway swim ladder and shower, along with a tender and water sports toys.

princess yachts owner

Expect speed and efficiency during your cruising, thanks to Princess Yachts’ signature design, ensuring comfort on the ocean.  Sit back, relax and enjoy your surroundings, as your experienced captain takes the helm.  A sophisticated experience and power to thrill.

‘ Our YachtQuarters shareholders have a dedicated Yacht Manager and access to our Concierge team. We take care of the calendar, the maintenance, the insurance, the berthing and the hiring of the crew. That means you get to walk on and off with zero hassle – and that makes the yachting experience all the more special.’

Joshua Cleaver, Princess YachtQuarters Manager

‘The YachtQuarters programme offered the perfect solution – a unique kind of yacht ownership that is less financially demanding than buying outright to see if I like the idea of owning a yacht.  The Princess brand gave me confidence that it would offer great service, and would make everything as easy as possible having the back-up of a concierge, team of experts and a yacht manager, and even crew.  It gave me great peace of mind and a really tailor-made walk-on, walk-off yacht ownership experience.’

James Swift, Princess 68 YachtQuarters Owner

New cruising destinations to discover

Princess Motor Yacht Sales’ YachtQuarters boats are primarily based in Mallorca for exploring the beautiful Balearics, but the new Princess Y72 will also enjoy cruising to St Topez in the second year and potentially Italy in the fourth year.

For further information about the new Princess Y72 and the Princess Yachts fractional ownership programme, YachtQuarters, visit: www.princess.co.uk/shared_yacht_ownership/princess-y72-shared-ownership/ or call Joshua Cleaver on: +44 (0)1489 557755.

*destinations correct at time of posting

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Princess makeovers and $18K dinners: How to spend a fortune at Disney

For a cool $500,000, you too can have an ultra luxury disney honeymoon, complete with a custom gown and carriage.

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For some Disney fans, waiting in ride lines and dining with the masses at the theme parks just won’t do.

Those seeking a lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous experience can be ushered through lines by a dedicated guide for as much as $900 an hour; watch fireworks from a private boat for $450; or spend three hours sampling food and wine in the kitchen of a fine-dining restaurant for $635 a person. Not pricey enough? There’s always the $18,000 private dinner experience.

Plenty of people are paying for these experiences; in some cases, demand is so high that there’s a waiting list.

“There are a number of people out there where money is no object,” said Greg Antonelle, co-owner of the travel agency MickeyTravels . “I’m a little jealous.”

He said a five-day trip with VIP access, fancy food and luxury accommodations could easily add up to $30,000 to $40,000.

The Walt Disney Company has made headlines for exorbitant prices, including the now-closed $5,000 Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel and role-playing experience and $115,000 private jet excursion to every global Disney park. Even entry-level visitors complain about ticket prices, food costs and the relatively new expense of skipping lines .

The company offers more budget-friendly options, with the cheapest ticket priced at $104 or $109 in California and Florida respectively. In low season, a value-priced hotel room at Disney World runs for about $155 a night.

“Like other vacation destinations, we give our guests lots of options to customize their Disney experience,” Disney spokesperson Avery Maehrer said in a statement.

Still, some fans complain that a Disney vacation has become so costly that it’s out of reach for the middle class, even without luxury upgrades. Between tickets, hotel, food and souvenirs, even a penny-pinching trip can set a family of four back more than $3,000.

For those who have never pinched a penny in their lives — or just saved for a special-occasion splurge — Disney provides a host of options . The extras range from pricey add-ons to truly aspirational indulgence.

$450-an-hour VIP tour

Consider some of the most annoying aspects of a Disney trip — parking, hiking to the gate, queuing to get in, then standing in, line for rides all day. Now imagine avoiding all of that. That’s the promise of a VIP guide who will pick you up, sweep you through backstage entrances and usher you onto rides with minimal or no waits.

The convenience doesn’t come cheap. At Walt Disney World, the tour costs between $450 and $900 an hour, depending on the time of year, with a minimum of seven hours and maximum of 10. Ten people can be part of the group. Park admission is not included — and neither is a tip.

Antonelle said his company has clients who will book 10 days at Disney World and opt for VIP tours for seven of those days. He said it’s not uncommon to see a plaid-wearing VIP tour guide carry a family’s food trays at restaurants or push strollers with the group.

Cara Goldsbury, president and founder of the luxury Disney travel agency Glass Slipper Concierge , said the guides also share stories, trivia and history, and provide access to special viewing areas for parades and nighttime shows.

“That’s the only way to do it as far as most of our clients are concerned,” she said.

$185 photo package

Photographers are stationed all over Disney World parks to take photos of guests, but those snapshots aren’t free. To get downloads of all the pictures from an entire trip, including from rides, the “Memory Maker” package costs $185 if purchased in advance, or $210 during the vacation.

For those who want more time with a photographer, or don’t want to wait for six other families to get that shot in front of the castle, Disney offers private 20-minute photo sessions for $99.

Staci Kimball, a travel adviser and vice president of GSC World Travel , a sister company to Glass Slipper Concierge, said clients care more about memories and experiences than merchandise.

“We really do always recommend either a private photo session or certainly buying the Memory Maker photo package so they can capture all of those memories,” she said.

$250 custom lightsaber

Mickey Mouse ears, popcorn buckets and bubble wands are always in demand, but some travelers want to have a role in making their souvenirs.

Kimball said she helps clients book the Savi’s Workshop experience, where Star Wars-loving visitors can custom-build their own lightsaber. It costs about $250 at Hollywood Studio s in Florida and $220 at Disneyland in California .

“That is a really popular, popular activity,” she said. “That can also be hard to get.”

Another in-demand interactive gadget: a build-your-own droid for about $120 in Florida and $100 in California .

$449 fireworks cruise

Don’t want to brave crowds for fireworks? There are a number of ways to get a better view — including from the water.

Starting at $449, a private fireworks cruise at Disney World can seat up to 10 people and includes snacks and drinks. Chartered boats set sail from several hotels to view the fireworks show at Epcot and Magic Kingdom.

“What we’ve learned is people that are spending exorbitant amounts of money on their vacation, they don’t like waiting in lines, number one, and they don’t like being 20 rows of people back for fireworks,” Antonelle said. Sure, fireworks are overhead, but who really wants to camp out for a good spot and look at hundreds of other necks craning if they can avoid it?

$450 princess makeover

Kids who dream of being royalty, or just looking like the product of a fairy godmother’s magic wand, can visit Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Park .

Packages start at $99.95 for the princess treatment in both locations or $19.95 for a knight’s look in Florida and $49.95 in California. The most expensive option, starting at $450, includes a “signature Disney Princess gown,” crystal tiara, garment bag, hairstyling, makeup, sash, face gem and nail polish.

“I just did Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with my 5-year-old granddaughter,” said Goldsbury, who wrote “ The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort .” “It was the most darling experience.”

$7,900-plus a night hotel

Goldsbury said her company prefers to book clients at Disney World’s priciest, most conveniently located — or “deluxe” — resorts, especially those connected by monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Some rooms have “club level” designation with lounges and free food, she said.

A search of available inventory shows a club-level two-bedroom suite at the Grand Floridian for $3,597 a night in early April of 2025. The Polynesian’s King Kamehameha suite is listed for $3,320 in late August of 2025, a typical slow season.

In California, the two-bedroom Mickey Mouse suite at the Disneyland Hotel is going for about $5,025 in June of this year, and the two-bedroom Mount Whitney suite at the Grand Californian is listed for a whopping $7,984 a night in June.

For some travelers, deluxe hotel prices pose zero problems. Antonelle said he books a “royal family from overseas” at a Disney World deluxe resort.

“They’ll book out literally dozens of rooms because they’re bringing their nannies, they’re bringing their security,” he said.

$18,000 private dining experience

Disney parks are full of budget-stretching drinking and dining options. But three-course dinner inspired by “Beauty and the Beast?” Get ready to shell out $70 per adult. A tequila tasting with a “certified Tequila Ambassador” costs $180 per person. The Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert’s, a restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort, is a hot ticket at $635 a person for wine and food.

21 Royal, a private dining experience situated atop Pirates of the Caribbean in California, may take the cake. It costs $18,000 for a group as large as 12 and promises transportation, a reception, opportunity to explore the apartment-type surroundings, a meal on gold-plated dinnerware and balcony dessert with a view of evening entertainment.

AJ Wolfe, owner of the Disney Food Blog , has eaten at 21 Royal twice.

“It was luxurious for sure — the food was wonderful, and I felt like a VIP,” she wrote in an email. “Also, for a Disney history nerd it’s amazing because you know that Walt was integral in thinking about that space — maybe not the decor necessarily, but the layout.”

$95,000 top-floor hotel buyout

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando, near the theme parks, allows guests to rent out its entire 16th floor , which includes balconies with a view of fireworks at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. While the hotel isn’t operated by Disney, advisers say it’s a good fit for luxury travelers who are used to five-star service.

According to the resort, the cost for the top floor is $95,000 a night, plus tax. On a smaller but still extremely expensive scale, prices for the Presidential Suite start at $19,000 a night and $22,000 a night for the Royal Suite.

$500,000 honeymoon

Jennifer Kozlow, a travel adviser and vice president of Glass Slipper Concierge, said she had clients who spent their five-week honeymoon at Disney World. The trip included transportation to a special event in a carriage, a custom gown, private dining as the characters from “Beauty and the Beast” danced, a special fireworks viewing and VIP tours every other day for the five-week stretch. The couple stayed in presidential suites at four different hotels.

Another client managed to spend the same amount of money in a much shorter stretch: four days. Kozlow said the group — a family of 37 — bought out the top floor of the Four Seasons to celebrate the matriarch’s 80th birthday. The family had private meals delivered to their suites so relatives could come and go. The group did daily VIP tours using four guides.

“They flew in on a private plane just to see the resort,” Kozlow said.

There is one thing money can’t buy, she said.

“People do ask: Can they get a character to come to their suite? That you definitely can’t do,” Kozlow said. “They don’t tuck you in at night.”

More about Disney

Outsiders banned: Disney theme park trips cost a lot — more every year — and take heaps of planning to pull off. But the company has recently banned some independent tour guides from helping visitors navigate the parks, citing “unauthorized commercial activities.”

Next-level fandom: For some Disney fans, donning a pair of Mickey ears isn’t enough. In a practice called “ Disneybounding ,” they create entire character-inspired outfits that don’t run afoul of rules that ban costumes for adults. Disney food fans had a reason to celebrate when a beloved snack, Dole Whip , came to grocery stores. How does it stack up to the parks version?

Political crossfire: The most magical place on earth has gotten political , thanks to a battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). While several observers have suggested Disney World move out of the Sunshine State, experts say it’s a goofy proposition. Fan sites have been forced to add coverage of lawsuits to their standard lineup about rides, churros and characters.

princess yachts owner

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COMMENTS

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    Princess Yachts Limited is a British motor yacht manufacturer based in Plymouth, Devon, England. Profile [ edit ] Established in Plymouth in 1965 as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd , Princess Yachts was bought in 1981 by South African businessman Graham J. Beck. Marine Projects became Princess Yachts International PLC in 2001.

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    Investment will Accelerate Company's Growth and Innovation. New York, NY (February 13, 2023) -- KPS Capital Partners, LP ("KPS") announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling equity interest in Princess Yachts (Holdings) Limited, ("Princess Yachts" or the "Company"), a leading global manufacturer of luxury motor yachts.

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  24. The most luxury experiences at Disney

    The most expensive option, starting at $450, includes a "signature Disney Princess gown," crystal tiara, garment bag, hairstyling, makeup, sash, face gem and nail polish.