Expedition yachts for sale: the Princess X Class
For the last decade or so, there has been increasing demand for large cruisers, luxury yachts and superyachts that enable you to spend long periods on board and to venture to remote parts of the world without the need for shoreside support. Fresh from the easing of Covid restrictions, that burgeoning trend has received fresh impetus, with modern superyacht buyers now valuing privacy, long-distance autonomy and the freedom of escape more highly than ever. And as online searches for ‘expedition yachts for sale’ continue to increase year upon year, Princess Yachts has already brought a unique and compelling solution to market that is garnering acclaim around the world. With its ground-breaking combination of superyacht luxury, user-friendly space and explorer yacht functionality, the X80 and X95 of the radical new Princess X Class are fast becoming flag bearers for a more modern and intelligent interpretation of what multi-purpose expedition yachting is all about.
The Princess X Class
One of the chief strengths of the new X Class is undoubtedly the sheer volume on offer. That’s particularly true of the X95, which provides the kind of internal capacity that would ordinarily push you beyond the 100-foot mark.
X95 owners get access to huge spaces on every one of the four decks, alongside extra flexibility in terms of the way that you can fit the boat out. X Class customers routinely spend a lot of time with the tech teams and designers, refining the furniture, the storage solutions, the fabrics, the materials and the equipment. But however the individual owner chooses to optimise each zone, the extra space and supreme running efficiency of the new X Class makes it ideal both for those who want to spend more time on board and for those who are keen to venture further afield.
The Princess X95
The debut model in the X Class line-up employs a radical approach to the deck arrangements. Hailed as the ‘next generation’ of Princess yachts, it is far more voluminous and open plan than traditional Princess designs. In line with the new X Class philosophy, both the main and fly decks extend on a single level for virtually the entire length of the yacht, enabling it to deliver the space and luxury of a superyacht without compromising its ability as a compact long-range explorer vessel.
Up on the top deck, the raised wheelhouse can be divided in two, providing a relaxed and private climate-controlled Sky Lounge for guests when the crew is operating at the helm. And further aft, the vast single level deck is almost a blank canvas, enabling each owner to refine their favoured choice of layout, furniture and application to match their intended use. With its long-distance cruising range, easy on board movement, highly flexible internal & external spaces and custom-friendly design, it’s a yacht that enables you to factor almost any destination in the world into your cruising plan.
The Princess X80
As the second in the X Class ‘Superfly’ family, the Princess X80 features the same key features that make the X95 so special. With its extended fly deck, its enclosed wheelhouse, its generous beam and its vast glass windows, it provides a third more internal space than a conventional flybridge yacht of a similar size. Capable of accommodating eight guests in four private en suite cabins, it also features dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows which run the entire length of the main deck, encasing the saloon, galley and forward dining area in bright natural light and delivering uninterrupted views of the seascape. An optional main deck master stateroom with a private owner’s sundeck is ideal for owners who want to spend extended time on board – and the option of upgraded 8,800-litre fuel capacity ensures that the range can be extended to cater for your cruising plans, however ambitious they might be.
The emergence of the do-it-all expedition yacht
While there are plenty of expedition yachts for sale on the pre-owned market, the most recent incarnations tend to attempt much more in the way of multi-purpose versatility than explorer yachts of old. In addition to strong, efficient, seaworthy hulls and deck spaces that lend themselves to the stowage of tenders, toys and equipment, owners are now keener than ever to embrace a more nuanced way of living. Even on expedition vessels, that increasingly involves more intimate access to the external environment courtesy of features like multiple skylights, open decks and vast glass window panes. It also tends to involve large lower deck beach clubs to improve interaction with the water, as well as superyacht-style innovations like private terraces, elevated cabins and observation lounges that help optimise views.
