Scotland could once again become a major player in shipbuilding with the planned launch of Dark Island, a £1.2 billion residential cruise ship set to sail in 2028.
Information and images for this post has come from the ClydeBuilt website.
If successful, the project could create 3,000 jobs and bring large-scale cruise ship construction back to the Clyde, a river that once produced legendary ocean liners like the Queen Mary and QE2.
What is Dark Island?
Dark Island is being developed by Clydebuilt Ltd and designed by superyacht architect Evan K. Marshall. It’s a 748ft-long, 12-deck residential cruise ship designed for ultra-wealthy residents looking to live at sea permanently.
According to Clydebuilt, the ship will be “the epitome of luxury travel”, featuring:
- 236 all-balcony suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows
- A sleek, ocean-blue exterior with a design meant to evoke the elegance of a bygone era
- Spacious deck areas designed for long-term life at sea
- Warm, natural interiors using rich carpets, warm woods, and light fabrics
Onboard Amenities
Dark Island is packed with high-end facilities that cater to long-term living, including:
✅ Three restaurants
✅ A 10-storey atrium
✅ A full theatre with live performances and onboard productions
✅ A spa, hydrotherapy pool, and outdoor sun loungers
✅ A state-of-the-art fitness centre with ocean-view treadmills
✅ An outdoor jogging track and personal training programs
✅ A media centre for uploading photos and staying in touch with family
For adventure seekers, the ship also includes:
🚁 An onboard helicopter for remote landings and aerial sightseeing
🌊 Water exploration vehicles for sea trekking and diving
🌎 A mini-submarine for underwater excursions
The Cost of Living on Dark Island
Suites are available for purchase, with prices reflecting the 50-year lifespan of the ship.
| Suite | Price | Nightly Service Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Glencoe Suite (smallest) | £4.2 million | £1,150 per night |
| Hebridean Suite (largest) | £41 million | £3,182 per night (for 4 people) |
Residents will own their suite outright and vote on future itineraries, though the captain has the final say.
A Three-Year Maiden Voyage
Dark Island’s first journey is planned as a three-year world cruise, retracing the paths of famous explorers like:
- Christopher Columbus
- Ferdinand Magellan
- Francis Drake
- James Cook
After the maiden voyage, suite owners will decide on future routes.
Ship Specifications
General Data
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ship Name | Dark Island |
| Type | Residential Cruise Ship |
| Owner | Clydebuilt Ltd |
| Port of Registry | To Be Determined |
| Decks | 12 |
| Suites | 236 |
| Residential Capacity | 724 passengers |
| Crew | 540 |
Weight & Dimensions
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Tonnage | 89,750 GT |
| Length | 228m (748ft) |
| Beam (Width) | 28m (92ft) |
| Draught (Depth Below Waterline) | 7.3m (23.95ft) |
Technical Data
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Power | 4 x STX-MAN 16V32/40 4-stroke diesel engines (7,650kW each) |
| Backup Power | 1 x STX-Cummins QSK60DMGE diesel engine (1,700kW) |
| Propulsion | 2 x 9,000kW electric motors with twin shafts and variable pitch propellers |
| Max Speed | 21 knots (39 km/h, 24 mph) |
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Clydebuilt claims Dark Island will be built with sustainable materials and designed to last at least 50 years. The company has also committed to aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through:
🌱 Air filtration systems to reduce emissions
🌱 Minimal environmental impact construction
🌱 Energy-efficient power supply systems
Can Dark Island Actually Happen?
Luxury residential cruise ships don’t have the best track record. So far, only two have successfully launched:
1️⃣ The World, a floating home for multimillionaires
2️⃣ Villa Vie Odyssey, a more affordable option that launched after delays
Why Build a Cruise Ship in Scotland?
Managing Director Tommy McGinn has spent nearly a decade working on Dark Island. His motivation? Seeing the Queen Mary 2 dock in Greenock and wondering why Cunard’s flagship was built in France, not Scotland.
McGinn believes this project could revive shipbuilding on the Clyde, bringing thousands of jobs and modern maritime expertise back to Scotland.
Funding & Next Steps
Unlike many large-scale projects, Dark Island will not rely on government funding. McGinn insists the ship must be self-financed.
Before placing the shipbuilding order, Clydebuilt must sell 60% of the suites—a big ask, given the price tags. While investors and crew members are already interested, finding enough buyers willing to pay millions for a home at sea is the real challenge.
You can find out more on their website here.
Free Insiders Cruise Line Guide
Ever wondered how the mainstream cruise lines compare? Cruise lines won’t tell you this, but I will.
This FREE guide shows you everything you need to know to find your perfect cruise line.
Whenever I take a cruise I order a print of my trip. It uses the real satellite data from the cruise and is always a great conversation starter!
I'm building an impressive collection...
Code EMMACRUISES will get you 10% off
