Toys of presidents, mega-rich CEOs, and Russian oligarchs (one of whom had a superyacht at the centre of his divorce battle), the planet's most pricey superyachts are incredible feats of engineering and breathtaking works of art, kitted out with every conceivable luxury. Feast your eyes on the most extravagant.

Built in 2007 by German shipbuilders Lürssen, Saint Nicolas has had the same owner and the same captain for over 10 years. The six-deck boat, which was repainted and fully refitted in 2016 and has never been chartered. Russian billionaire Vasily Anisimov bought the boat, which benefits from a six-cabin ship, complete with swimming pool and elevators, in 2017 for $52.4 million (£40m) but sold it the following year for just a little more than that.

Built in 2010, this 223-foot superyacht was built by Germany-based shipyard, Nobiskrug. Sycara V can welcome up to 20 guests to enjoy its sun deck, beach club, massage room and gym. But it's not all about sharing and the main suite has its own private deck.

From spa pools to the water-front gym that lets you literally exercise on the ocean, the 196-foot-long Excellence V is all about luxury. Built in 2012, the yacht has a dramatic central staircase, as well as a glass elevator that services all five decks, making it easy for the maximum of 14 guests to get around.

Solo made her debut at the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show. Despite the name, Solo is built for group travel: with six cabins that can accommodate 12 people, and a crew of 18, this 236-foot-long yacht is designed for sharing. It also has several outdoor decks, a bar and an infinity pool, as well as a large winter garden and helipad. The yacht won 'most efficient yacht' at the World Yacht Trophies 2018, and is available to charter from $669,000 (£513k) a week – or to buy for $80.1 million (£61.4m).

CLOUD 9 is a five deck boat dedicated to open plan living, entertaining, and relaxation. The owners specifically requested that the boat doesn't have a formal dining area to encourage a more open and relaxed environment, and its open beach club with an extended sea level platform at the back of the yacht helps it to attract charters. The boat was recently sold to an Australian buyer for an asking price was $95 million (£72.8m).

Built in 2016, Sybaris is an award-winning sailing yacht, scooping up Sailing Yacht of the Year at the 2017 World Superyacht Awards, as well as the Sailing Yachts of 40m and Above category. The sleek ship has six cabins that can accommodate 12 people, as well as room for 11 crew. It was sold last year for $98.9 million (£75.8m).

Constructed by uber shipbuilding firm Lurssen in 2008, the swish 256-foot TV superyacht boasts 12 elegantly-designed rooms and more than its fair share of uber-luxe amenities, from a swimming pool and Jacuzzi on deck to a fully-equipped gym.

This yacht is on sale via Yachtzoo for an estimated $129 million (£98.9m), although exact price is on application. Atom is a supersized 442-foot yacht, notable for its six extra-large VIP guest rooms. The slick-looking vessel also features a cutting-edge cinema room, stunning infinity pool and hot tub on deck. 

Fully engineered and ready to be built – if you can cough up around $138 million (£105.8m) – Project Mars is a futuristic 295-foot superyacht created by Fincantieri Yachts. The lucky owner will get to enjoy the vessel's many impressive features, which include several VIP guest cabins, an enclosed living garden, helipad and statement fireplace.

Illusion Plus is a 290-foot yacht offering space for 12 guests and 25 crew, making it the largest ever to be built in Asia. The interiors are sleek and modern, and with two spa pools, a gym and a helipad this new ship that was only finished this year is competitive when it comes to luxury.

The majestic 350-foot Eos belongs to media mogul Barry Diller, the husband of fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg. One of the largest sailing yachts in the world with a lavish interior that rocks six spacious cabins and a wow factor glass staircase, Eos has hosted a who's who of A-list celebrities including Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker.

The 207-foot Lionheart is British retail billionaire Philip Green's third superyacht. Perfect for hosting his superstar friends, who include Kate Moss, Simon Cowell and Cristiano Ronaldo, the blinged-out vessel has six flashy VIP rooms – Green isn't shy about flaunting his wealth – and is the largest yacht ever built by Italian shipbuilding company Benetti.

The Amevi superyacht, which is owned by Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, is one smooth operator. It is equipped with state-of-the-art stabilization technology for comfortable cruising even when seas are rough. The swanky 262-foot vessel also features eight VIP suites, two outdoor bars and a hot tub on deck.

British billionaire Joe Lewis lives in the Bahamas. But the 82-year-old owner of football club Tottenham Hotspur spends months at a time living on one of his four yachts, all called Aviva. His latest Aviva visited the centre of London last summer (pictured). The boat has a full-size tennis court and is said to be home to Lewis' extensive art collection that includes Picasso.

Commissioned by venture capitalist Tom Perkins in 2006, this classic 289-foot sailing yacht was sold to Cypriot hedge fund manager Elena Ambrosiadou in 2009. Capable of sailing to record-breaking speeds, the timeless Maltese Falcon can accommodate up to 12 guests in its luxurious quarters.

This Lurssen-built superyacht, which sold for $180 million (£138m) in the highest brokerage of 2017, is also available to hire for a pricey $1.1 million (£843k) a week – like that's any consolation. One for the more sophisticated yacht owner, the 280-foot vessel wows with eight VIP suites, a grand piano and a breathtaking Murano glass art installation. 

Constructed in 2008 by German shipyard Peters Schiffbau Wewelsfleth, the 436-foot Al Mirqab was commissioned by the former Prime Minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. The megayacht has ample space for 24 VIP guests and 55 crew, and features a cinema room, indoor swimming pool and hot tub on deck.

Not to be outdone, director Steven Spielberg took delivery of the Seven Seas in 2011 from Dutch shipyard Oceanco. The 282-foot vessel, often spotted cruising the Caribbean islands, takes luxury to a whole new level with its decadent VIP suites, outdoor movie screen and jaw-dropping infinity pool.

This Lurssen-made megayacht was commissioned by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who passed away in October 2018. His yacht was launched in 2003, and during his lifetime was frequently loaned free of charge to charities, scientific organisations and the military for marine research projects. Facilities include a glass-bottom swimming pool, music recording studio, two helipads and a whirlpool on deck. But all these features come at a price. It is estimated to cost $384,000 (£294k) a week to maintain – a hefty $20 million (£15.3m) every year.

The venerable Lady Moura, constructed back in 1990 by shipbuilder Blohm+Voss, is the oldest yacht in our round-up and has hosted several VVIPs over the last 26 years, including former President George W Bush. Currently owned by Saudi billionaire Nasser Al-Rashid, the opulent 344-foot vessel seriously impresses with a casino, nightclub and even a fully-equipped operating theater.

Emirati billionaire Abdullah Al Futtaim needn't worry too much if pirates ever try to hijack his 360-foot megayacht. The Radiant, which he bought from ill-fated Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky in 2011, is equipped with water cannons and sonic guns to deter attackers, as well as a hot tub, gym and host of luxe suites.

This 360-foot vessel was built for Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov and launched in 2006. It was initially named Dilbar after his mother and changed to Ona, then later changed to Raya by the current owner. She features all the usual billionaire must-haves such as a Jacuzzi, swimming pool and plush cabins.

Commissioned by the late Sultan bin Abdulaziz, this Saudi royal megayacht was built by German shipbuilding firm HDW back in 1998. A mammoth 457 feet long, the Al Salamah is packed with all mod cons, which include a spa, movie theater, business center and library, not to mention a fully-equipped onboard hospital and gym.

Built in 2004 for Oracle chairman Larry Ellison, the huge 453-foot Rising Sun was sold to Hollywood tycoon David Geffen in 2010. Designed to cater to guests' every whim, the 82-room megayacht is equipped with everything from a wine cellar and cinema room to a sauna and helipad that doubles up as a basketball court.

Another Lurssen masterpiece, the 508-foot Al Said megayacht was commissioned by Oman's Sultan Qaboos in 2006 and launched the following year. Until recently, the Al Said was the largest yacht in the world, and it has powerful 16,500kW Siemens engines. As you'd expect, no expense was spared building this vessel, which even boasts a concert hall.

The 377-foot Lurssen-built Pelorus was bought by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in 2004. His ex-wife Irina was given the yacht in 2009 as part of the divorce settlement, and she sold it on to David Geffen in 2011. Later, it was sold to Chinese billionaire Samuel Tak Lee, in 2016. We're sure he wasn't disappointed with his purchase – the wonder vessel has everything from multiple swimming pools to two helipads.

Conceived by uber designer Philippe Starck, this submarine-esque megayacht was named in order to appear first in shipping registers. The 390-foot vessel was built by the Blohm + Voss shipyard and launched in 2008. Standout features include a disco and three swimming pools, one of which is glass bottomed.

At 532 feet long, the Dubai is the third largest private yacht in the world. It was built in 2007 for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Emir of Dubai. Its ornate interior features handmade mosaics and a suitably grand staircase, while the deck is equipped with a swimming pool, several hot tubs and a helipad.

Launched in 2012, Abu Dhabi tycoon Sheikh Mansour owns this jaw-dropping 482-foot megayacht, which was chartered by Leonardo di Caprio in 2014. It features all the usual billionaire mod cons, including three swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, movie theatre and helipad.

The world's biggest sailing yacht, Sailing Yacht A was built by Nobiskrug for Andrey Melnichenko. Even more spectacular than his Motor Yacht A, the fully bomb-proof vessel is 468 feet long and 300 feet high, and features eight sprawling floors.

The 439-foot Serene was built in 2011 for Russian vodka billionaire Yuri Scheffler. One of the most expensive yacht rentals in the world, the Serene is unsurprisingly the go-to megayacht charter for the mega-rich, including the likes of Bill Gates. In 2015, Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia bought it for approximately $562 million (£430.8m).

Project Omar, aka Dilbar, is Alisher Usmanov's latest megayacht. At a gigantic 512 feet long, and with 20 cabins for 40 guests, Dilbar is the fourth largest yacht in the world, and the largest by volume. The roomy vessel is decked out with plenty of upscale guest suites, a swimming pool, helipad, gym and elevator. This is the second Dilbar for owner Alisher Usmanov – the first is the aforementioned and renamed Ona.

Lurssen's most ostentatious megayacht, the Azzam is the world's largest, and then some, measuring a whopping 590 feet. In service since 2013, the enormous vessel was commissioned by the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa, and has its very own missile defense system, as well as a bullet-proof master suite.

Luna has been at the center of the most expensive divorce settlement in UK legal history. Farkhad Akhmedov and his now ex-wife Tatiana have been in the process of divorce since 2000, but the decision for Tatiana to have the $616 million (£4712m) superyacht, complete with a swimming pool, spa and two helipads, has been concluded by the English High Court. The 377-foot boat was previously owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who sold Luna to Azeri-born Akhmedov in 2014.

The first of a new generation of gigayachts, the Double Century will measure a staggering 656 feet if a billionaire is willing to make the huge investment. The gargantuan vessel, designed by Christopher Seymour, will tower 88 feet above the waves and feature nine decks, with space for 50 guests – all in suites – and 100 crew members. Not forgetting its dual helipads, space for jets skis, multiple swimming pools, and a 126-seat theatre.

This Disneyfied Monte Carlo on water may look fanciful, but the 509-foot Streets of Monaco is a serious project that just needs a billionaire backer to become a reality. The finished superyacht – all in the best possible taste – will up the ante with a go-kart circuit, three swimming pools, a mini submarine and extra-large helipad.

In 2014, yachting broker 4Yacht announced that they were building the colossal $1 billion (£766.5m) Triple Deuce. The 728-foot-long, seven-deck yacht was lauded as the future largest yacht in the world, where guests would have their pick of the vessel's VIP suites and top-end amenities, including two swimming pools, hot tubs and a spa. Sadly, it's turned out to be an elaborate hoax. The PR stunt has baffled the industry as 4Yacht promised that the build would provide 500 jobs.

While it's yet to be built, the ultramodern Admiral X Force 145 has been fully designed and engineered. Expected to measure 456 feet, the palatial vessel should impress the most demanding of billionaires with numerous state rooms decorated with crystal chandeliers and fine marble, a bi-level swimming pool, two movie theatres and two helipads.

Billionaires with no kids to leave their fortunes to

Roman Abramovich's famous yacht was purchased for $472 million (£366.8m) in 2011 but has been valued at up to $1.5 billion (£1.1bn) today. And it's not hard to work out why. The second largest mega yacht in the world at 533 feet, the Eclipse brings the house down with 25 impossibly luxurious cabins, a nightclub and two swimming pools, not to mention a missile defense system and mini submarine.

24 people who were born poor but went on to make billions

The Tuhura by Oceanco has been designed to look like a giant – and very luxurious – canoe. Models for the 377-foot vessel, which is being designed by Russian Igor Lobanov, were unveiled at the Dubai Boat Show last year. Among other luxuries, the "smart" boat will include controls for lighting, audio, video, music and temperature, plus there are plans to create an interactive "360 room" on board.

Commissioned more than 20 years ago by US President Donald Trump, Oliver Yacht Design drew up these designs for the Trump Princess II project. In a letter to designer Jaime Oliver, Trump said, when completed, it would "not only be the largest yacht in the world, but at the same time, the most beautiful".

Measuring 420 feet, this four-deck yacht was intended to be the larger version of the president's Trump Princess, which he sold back in 1991. These drawings show what would have been a spa pool within reach of the main cabin (the owner's suite).

Downstairs, this interior space shows one of the many entertainment areas for guests to relax, dine and socialize.

And back upstairs, the yacht would, of course, come equipped with a superyacht helipad. However, a few months into the design phase, Jaime Oliver was informed that this project too had been scrapped and that construction of the yacht would not go ahead. It's not surprising, as the billionaire is known to not particularly like boats, and has admitted to buying the first Trump Princess "because I was buying a great piece of art at a ridiculously low price”.

The shocking secrets of Kim Jong-un's luxury life