5 Surprising Facts About the World of Shipping You Might Not Know

The history of shipping is full of fascinating and sometimes astonishing events. From the luxurious ships of ancient emperors to the world’s largest ocean liners, many stories highlight the uniqueness of the maritime world. We've collected five incredible facts that every maritime enthusiast should know.

1. Emperor Caligula’s Floating Palaces – The World’s First Luxury Yachts

Today, when we talk about luxury yachts, we think of modern billion-dollar vessels equipped with cutting-edge technology. But the first extravagant ships were built two thousand years ago – for the Roman Emperor Caligula.

According to historical sources, the emperor had two enormous ships constructed on Lake Nemi (a small volcanic lake near Rome), which were more like floating palaces than conventional vessels.

What were these ships like?

✅ Marble floors and mosaic decorations – They used materials that are still considered luxurious today.
✅ Roman baths and heating systems – One ship even had underfloor heating!
✅ Gilded statues and temple-like structures – These featured architectural elements similar to palaces.

The ships eventually sank and were only rediscovered in the 1930s. Unfortunately, they were destroyed during World War II bombings, but the artifacts clearly show that Caligula was the first person to own a luxury yacht in the world.

2. The Mystery of the Mary Celeste – The Ghost Ship Found Without a Crew

In 1872, the British merchant ship Dei Gratia was sailing the Atlantic Ocean when the crew noticed a strange sight. Another ship was drifting aimlessly, untouched but without a crew. It was the Mary Celeste, whose entire crew had mysteriously vanished.

What did they find on board?

✅ Intact cargo – Nothing was missing; valuables and food were still in place.
✅ Slightly damaged sails, but the ship itself suffered no major harm.
✅ The lifeboat was gone, suggesting the crew abandoned ship – but why?

To this day, no one knows exactly what happened to the crew. Some say they fled due to a storm, others suggest piracy or even paranormal phenomena.

3. The Longest Ship Ever Built – The Seawise Giant

The Seawise Giant – also known as Knock Nevis – was the longest ship ever constructed, measuring 458.45 meters. To put its size in perspective:

✅ It was longer than the height of the Empire State Building (443 m).
✅ It couldn’t pass through either the Panama or the Suez Canal, limiting it to specific routes.
✅ It could carry more than 4 million barrels of oil at once!

Originally built as a massive oil tanker, the Seawise Giant transported enormous quantities of crude oil around the globe. It was struck during the Iran-Iraq war in 1988 but was later repaired and continued to operate. It was finally dismantled in 2010.

4. The World’s Most Expensive Yacht – The History Supreme

Many believe a luxury yacht costs only a few million dollars – but there’s one far more expensive. The yacht named History Supreme is estimated to be worth $4.8 billion and is reportedly made of several tons of gold and platinum.

What makes it so expensive?

✅ The yacht was built using over 100 tons of gold and platinum.
✅ A piece of a meteorite was embedded into the bedroom wall.
✅ Some rumors claim it features a decoration made from a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.

While many sources claim the yacht is real, others suggest it’s just a media hoax and was never actually built.

5. The Longest Sea Voyage in the World – A 274-Day Adventure

Many dream of traveling around the world – but what if you did it by ship? In 2023, Royal Caribbean launched the Ultimate World Cruise, a 274-day journey that visited 65 countries.

✅ The ship visited 150 destinations.
✅ It offered every luxury imaginable onboard, including theaters, restaurants, and wellness areas.
✅ During the voyage, passengers explored the cultural and natural wonders of 5 continents.

This cruise truly offered a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who embarked on the journey!

Conclusion

The world of shipping is full of captivating stories and astonishing facts. These events and records highlight the rich and exciting history of maritime travel – from the opulent ships of Roman emperors to the astounding scale of modern ocean liners.

🚤 Want to explore the seas with your own boat? Obtain your ICC+B or Category C boating license and sail freely in Croatia and beyond!