The luxury yacht on which Grace Kelly honeymooned with husband Prince Rainier III has undergone a stunning renovation as it prepares to hit the water again – meaning you could get the chance to sail the ocean blues like royalty.
The 44-metre yacht gives guests the chance to step aboard after receiving elegant updates – including modern appliances, a coffee lounge and engine enhancements – fit for a movie star.
Seventy years later, the boat, gifted to Kelly by Aristotle Onassis for her wedding to the Prince in 1956, has been redesigned from bow to stern and is now called the Grace and features an impressive Jacuzzi and an upgraded bar and kitchen.
Owned by Ecuador-based cruise company Quasar Expeditions, the Grace can accommodate up to 16 passengers with eight updated and spacious cabins with contemporary decorations.
The luxury yacht on which Grace Kelly honeymooned with Prince Rainier III has undergone a stunning renovation as it prepares to hit the water again
Kelly was 26 when she married 32-year-old Prince Rainier in a civil ceremony on April 18, 1956, with a church ceremony the following day on April 19.
Seventy years later, the boat, which was given to Kelly by Aristotle Onassis for her wedding to the prince in 1956, has been redesigned from bow to stern and is now called the Grace.
The 44-meter yacht gives guests the chance to hop aboard after receiving elegant updates. Pictured is Kelly in 1953
In the interior seating area, the overwhelming wood paneling has been replaced with subtle wood features and recessed ceiling lighting that enhance the sense of elegance that the neutral color scheme gives to the yacht.
The bedrooms follow the same theme as the other spaces as the designer, Enrique Concha & Co, chose to leave out the dark wood furniture and replace it with lighter wood that helps brighten up the space.
The outdoor dining area, which once housed a dark wood table, now has beige surroundings, making it the perfect place to watch the sunset while enjoying your dinner.
Furthermore, a large seating area has been added outside.
Previously there were only two red chairs on the deck, but now twelve guests can lounge on the white sofas.
And while you’re hanging out, you can even grab a drink at the newly upgraded bar, which features a light gray table, dark gray chairs and gold accents.
The relaxing jacuzzi also remains outside, but now there are gray seats on the side so you can relax after a swim.
The bathroom, which once had multi-colored wood paneling, now features all-black walls, bright ceiling lighting, a sparkling white shower and a white countertop.
The relaxing jacuzzi remains outside, but now there are seats on the side so you can relax after taking a dip
In the indoor seating area, the overwhelming wood paneling has been replaced with subtle wood elements and built-in ceiling lighting that enhance the sense of elegance
Previously, the rooms in the yacht were equipped with dark wood paneling (photo)
Previously there were only two red chairs on the deck and now twelve guests can lounge on the sofas
Renovations have also been made to the engines, generators and propellers, allowing the yacht to move faster and more efficiently.
These new engines also help reduce overall fuel consumption.
‘This is to make sailing in the Galapagos more agile and luxurious. Grace’s upgraded engines, generators and propellers will allow guests to navigate the islands faster, more comfortably and with less fuel consumption while traveling at 15 knots,” said Quasar Expeditions.
‘By minimizing travel time, the yacht’s new maneuverability maximizes time spent on unique wildlife encounters on the remote islands.
‘The yacht offers some of the most spacious interior and exterior spaces of any vessel sailing the islands, and its recent renovation gives travelers a 360-degree view of their departure, allowing them to fully connect with their surroundings.
‘We are big proponents of sustainability, offer climate-neutral adventures and work together with various nature conservation organizations. The core mission is to offer guests the opportunity to visit remote destinations with the smallest footprint possible.”
The bedrooms follow the same theme as the other spaces, with the designer, Enrique Concha & Co, choosing to leave out the dark wood furniture and replace it with lighter wood
The bathroom now has all-black walls, bright ceiling lighting, a sparkling white shower and a white countertop
The bathroom once had multi-colored wood paneling (shown before renovation)
One of the bedrooms features light wood and twin beds with two windows that give you beautiful ocean views
The Grace operates exclusively in the Galapagos and sails two eight-day itineraries: an eastern and a western one, and a fifteen-day itinerary that combines both shorter voyages.
Prices for the eight-day trip start at a whopping $8,500 per person.
The yacht was originally built by Camper and Nicholsons.
It was given by Greek-Argentine business magnate Onassis, Jackie Kennedy’s second husband, to the former American actress and Prince Rainier III for their wedding in 1956.
Former Hollywood actress Kelly was famous for films such as High Society, Dial M For Murder and To Catch A Thief.
Kelly was 26 when she married 32-year-old Prince Rainier III in a civil ceremony on April 18, 1956, with a church ceremony the following day on April 19.
Philadelphia-born Kelly had already been a dazzling moviegoer for five years when she led the American delegation to the Cannes Film Festival in 1955.
And while you’re hanging out, you can even grab a drink at the newly upgraded bar, which features a light gray table, dark gray chairs and gold accents
The boat features a large bar where guests can enjoy a range of drinks while looking out at the ocean
While there, she was invited to travel across the French border to the neighboring microstate of Monaco for a photo shoot with the prince at his palace.
Then they started a secret correspondence. That same year they got engaged and so began the preparations for their breathtaking wedding.
After the stunning ceremonies, the couple headed off on their honeymoon.
The lovebirds took the elegant vessel along the coasts of Corsica and Sardinia before finally saying goodbye in 1958.
They would enjoy a fairytale romance until Kelly’s tragic death at the age of 52 in a car accident on September 14, 1982.
Prince Rainier III never remarried and immersed himself in his work. He died in 2005.