Published on
March 7, 2026

Mediterranean sea near valletta malta

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Valletta, Malta is set to welcome one of the newest additions to the global luxury yachting fleet as Damen Yachting has officially delivered the eighth vessel in its prestigious Amels 60 series, now christened Alva. The newly completed superyacht has already begun its first voyage and is currently sailing toward the Mediterranean hub of Valletta, marking the start of its operational journey for both private ownership and luxury charter experiences. The delivery represents another milestone for the Dutch shipbuilder, which continues to expand its reputation for high-end semi-custom superyachts designed for comfort, efficiency, and long-range cruising.

A New Addition to the Amels 60 Fleet

The 60-metre superyacht Alva is the latest vessel in the Amels 60 line, a series introduced by Damen Yachting in 2019. The model has become one of the shipyard’s most recognizable platforms in the global luxury yacht market due to its combination of advanced engineering and customizable interior design. The yacht was constructed at the company’s facilities in Vlissingen, Netherlands, where it was launched in July 2025 before entering the final stages of sea trials and customization. Following successful testing at sea later that year, the vessel was sold and subsequently completed with additional bespoke modifications requested by its owner. These adjustments focused largely on enhancing the vessel’s appeal in the international charter market. The completed yacht has now begun its operational debut, with Valletta, Malta serving as one of its first Mediterranean destinations.

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Exterior Design and Signature Styling

The Amels 60 series features exterior styling created by renowned yacht designer Espen Øino, whose work is widely recognized in the luxury yacht industry. One of the defining characteristics of the design is the use of distinctive geometric windows, which have become a signature element of the Amels 60 lineup. These angular window shapes enhance natural lighting throughout the interior while also giving the yacht a modern and recognizable profile. The design approach balances sleek aesthetics with functional features, ensuring expansive outdoor areas and panoramic views across the vessel. Several sisterships have already drawn attention within the superyacht sector. Among them is Come Together, the first yacht built in the series, which was later listed on the brokerage market with an asking price close to €59.95 million. Another sistership, Entourage, gained industry recognition after receiving a Neptune award at the World Superyacht Awards.

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Contemporary Interiors Designed for Comfort

Inside the yacht, the interior layout was designed by the British studio Harrison Eidsgaard, known for its refined and contemporary superyacht interiors. The design philosophy focuses on creating a relaxed and welcoming environment with modern elements and comfortable living spaces. The studio also previously worked on the interiors of Memories, the seventh Amels 60 yacht delivered earlier in June 2025. Accommodation on board Alva is designed for 12 guests, who can stay across six luxurious cabins. These include a spacious owner’s suite as well as several guest staterooms designed to maintain privacy while offering high-end amenities. The yacht also carries 12 crew members, including the captain, ensuring professional service for guests during voyages and charter experiences.

Spacious Layout and Key Specifications

The vessel features an impressive 853 gross tonnage interior volume, providing generous interior and exterior living areas for guests.

Some of the main technical and structural specifications include:

  • Length: 60 metres
  • Beam: 10.4 metres
  • Draught: 3.4 metres
  • Interior volume: 853 GT

These proportions allow for large entertainment areas, wellness spaces, and private relaxation zones throughout the yacht.

Highlights on Board the Superyacht

One of the most notable areas on Alva is its expansive sundeck, which covers approximately 162 square metres. This upper deck space is designed as a central hub for relaxation and entertainment while cruising.

Key features of the sundeck include:

  • Outdoor cinema setup for movie nights under the open sky
  • Semi-enclosed gym area for fitness sessions at sea
  • Large spa tub designed for relaxation with panoramic ocean views

The yacht also includes a dedicated beach club, located close to the waterline. This space is designed as a wellness and leisure zone, allowing guests to relax close to the sea while also providing easy access for water activities. Another standout feature is the owner’s suite located on the main deck, which incorporates a 75-square-metre folding balcony. When deployed, the balcony expands the private outdoor living space and provides uninterrupted ocean views.

Charter Plans Across the Mediterranean

Following its delivery, Alva will operate in the luxury charter market through Christie Yachts, a charter management company that will oversee bookings and charter operations. During the summer season, the yacht will cruise some of the Mediterranean’s most popular yachting destinations. Planned cruising regions include:

  • France
  • Italy
  • Balearic Islands
  • Greece

These regions remain among the world’s most sought-after destinations for luxury yacht tourism, attracting travelers interested in coastal exploration, fine dining, and secluded anchorages.

Winter Season in the Caribbean

After completing its Mediterranean itinerary, Alva will reposition for the 2026–2027 winter season in the Caribbean. The Caribbean remains one of the most prominent winter cruising grounds for superyachts due to its warm climate, clear waters, and numerous island destinations. Operating in both the Mediterranean and Caribbean allows charter yachts to maintain year-round activity while offering guests access to some of the world’s most scenic cruising routes.

Hybrid Propulsion and Performance

The Amels 60 platform also incorporates advanced propulsion technology designed to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The yacht uses a hybrid propulsion system powered by MTU engines, enabling different operating modes depending on speed and energy requirements.

Performance capabilities include:

  • Maximum speed: 15.5 knots at full power
  • Eco-cruising speed: 14 knots
  • Range: 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots

When operating purely on hybrid electric drive motors, the yacht can reach speeds of approximately 7 knots, allowing quieter and more energy-efficient cruising in certain situations. Hybrid systems are becoming increasingly common across modern superyachts as shipbuilders aim to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Damen Yachting’s Expanding Superyacht Portfolio

The delivery of Alva reflects the continued growth of Damen Yachting’s superyacht construction program. According to industry data, the shipbuilder currently has eight superyacht projects under construction. Among them is the highly anticipated Project Tanzanite, a 120-metre flagship yacht expected to become one of the largest vessels in the company’s portfolio. In addition to the Amels 60 series, the shipyard has also recently launched two new builds from the Amels 80 series, which represent another step forward in the company’s semi-custom yacht offerings. One of those newly launched yachts has already drawn attention due to its distinctive metallic “dolphin blue” hull finish, highlighting the customization possibilities available to owners.

Growing Demand for Semi-Custom Superyachts

The continued development of the Amels Limited Editions range, including the Amels 60, reflects a broader trend in the superyacht industry toward semi-custom construction. This model allows shipyards to build proven platforms in advance while still offering owners significant flexibility in interior design and onboard amenities. As a result, buyers benefit from shorter delivery times, while shipbuilders maintain efficient production schedules. The success of the Amels 60 series demonstrates the appeal of this approach within the luxury maritime sector.

A New Chapter Begins for Alva

With its delivery now complete and its maiden cruising itinerary underway, Alva begins its first operational season as both a private yacht and charter vessel. From the historic harbor of Valletta, Malta to the glamorous coastlines of the Mediterranean and the tropical waters of the Caribbean, the yacht is set to offer guests a blend of modern design, spacious comfort, and advanced engineering. As the global luxury travel sector continues to expand, vessels like Alva highlight the evolving standards of superyacht experiences, combining innovative technology with premium hospitality on the world’s most iconic cruising routes.

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