Review: Lurssen Yachts 224' "Kismet"

Kismet’s helm, as expected, presents every modern, up to date instrument for guiding this admirable craft to its destination. Multiple 20” screens show data for location, weather, speed, fuel, in excellent detail. These include twin Nera Fleet satellite-com systems and Nera Mini-M Broadband, Satcom-C, DSV VHF, SSB Navtex, and Panasonic phones with Wi-Fi. In addition, a GMDSS and VSAT high speed Wi-Fi. Security includes CCTV, lighting, and Ship-Port Security Code; On a dark leather base, each piece of equipment and device is at the Captain’s fingertips, from his Stidd deluxe adjustable chair. Two large C-shaped settees are immediately aft of his station for passengers to monitor his route.

Two steps behind the helm, a large chart table allows a look at the full printed chart, as well as video presentation of surrounding areas and pertinent landmarks. Weather projections are also noted in detail. Directly aft of the wheelhouse, the Captain’s Quarters allow him to be in charge at all times. His lodging consists of a fully furnished stateroom with double berth, bedlamps, hanging locker, storage, and head/shower. Across a short hallway, the ship’s office is conveniently located as well, for the convenience of the captain and passengers as necessary. There is a desk, storage, computer/wireless internet communications.

Seating up to 16, Kismet’s elegant and artistic formal dining room is an artwork in itself. With a gold ceiling reflecting the faux candelabra lights and glittering glassware; softened by the grey-white figured carpeting; and glamorous oil paintings larger than life, capturing the essence of Windows on the Green in New York City, every meal has to be an adventure in the arts. The finest chef would be thrilled to match the splendor of this room, devising menus to match or surpass the mood.

Also on the upper deck, the Disco Bar invites mingling and dancing in the ultimate party room. Under a massive round echo chamber where the music reverberates, luscious couches and easy chairs invite, with various patterns and motifs, while bar stools belly up to the onyx marble-topped serving station.

Complete with flashing colored lighting, the disco’s dance floor will accommodate a crowd. The entire circular area is wrapped in floor to ceiling windows, with large sliders to port & starboard for overflow crowds.

A circular staircase winds upward, flaunting a spectacular bronze bas relief artwork as it winds around the cylindrical glass elevator shaft.

Kismet's elevator quickly whisks to the space you were invited, whether it is a costume party, a dance, the cinema, the salon – graced with a full-size grand piano; the elevator to the top, or simply a tour; this is an impressive achievement. Your dream cruise begins.

Entering through the foyer on the main deck, where most visitors board, you are struck not only by the size, but the glamorous finishes. Floors gleam in polished black/green/gold granite; walls and ceilings reflect in dark mirrored glass, so that every space seems even much larger than it actually is. Gold accents, brilliant Persian cuneiform artworks, splendid white carpeting plus elegant fixtures, radiate classic good taste. There is much use of highly polished satin mahogany paneling and marquetry edging, also quite dark but extremely attractive.

Seats arranged in a wide semi-circle face a giant screen next door to the salon, for movies and video entertainment. Patrons are treated to deeply upholstered couches in light beige to white, with occasional easy chairs placed strategically. The golden circle motif is also overhead at the ceiling, with tiny starlights; while elegant gold/glass urns are placed for artificial lighting. Carpeting is white.

The main salon is a comfortable, spacious living room; it boasts a grand piano, couches arranged around a long coffee table, and a delicate frieze art design on the wall. At its aft end is yet another handy bar, with stools, under a glass oval.

A close-up of the salon bar shows its cozy, circular configuration with leather covered bar stools on stainless steel bases. Though not visible here, the bar’s exact double is situated on the other side of the glass wall, on the exterior aft deck. The window between between the int/ext bar can be lowered, in addition to sliding doors that flank the bar, for an all-inclusive happy hour.

On the main deck, forward of the foyer entryway, a luxurious, masterful style reverberates in the Master Suite, executed with consummate taste. Behind an impressive bronze door, the bold motif balance of dark mahogany against stark white is amplified by the tall, ovoid window-ports, and the startling head-board mural of running antelopes across an African plane. The theme is carried through with fabrics and color to create an exquisite impression, or perhaps revive a treasured experience.

A further look into the Master Suite reveals a couch and ottoman placed before the trio of tall windows, carefully draped with color-matching material to reflect the dark mahogany dressing table.

An alternate view shows the spaciousness of the Master Suite, its 42” flat panel TV, and a glimpse into the bath. His/hers walk-in closets add to the convenience, and there are unique, private French balconies, terraces, opening at starboard and port beams for each, an innovation sure to be copied.

Honey/white onyx marble livens the flooring in the Master Bath, as well as the oversized oval jacuzzi bathtub. Ultimate good taste is followed here also, with gold fixtures, and a startling peacock feather mural on the glass wall. The excellent contrast motif is satisfied as well, with the mirrored vanity, dressing table, and leather chair all in the dark mahogany shade.

So clever, that beautiful peacock mural is actually embedded as one pane of the Master Shower, behind the oval bathtub guarded by two thick onyx columns . Through the clear glass, note the built-in shower seat, and gold plated fixtures.

As part of the Master Suite, the Study shown here is actually a large office adjoining the Master king-size berth and dressing room. With a deep leather chair and leather-topped desk, plus multiple storage cabinets in dark mahogany, the owner can follow business interests anywhere in the world.

Located at starboard on the upper deck, the VIP stateroom echoes the green/gold motif, with a queen size berth, its headboard decorated with a fanciful bas relief of running cheetahs. The ceiling continues the golden color, embellished by strong mahogany trim. Two full length windows allow superb daylight and nighttime viewing of the seascape.

A rather prim departure in the VIP bath hones to a straight lineal orientation, with light scrolling across the cabinets; yet still featuring the gold filigree in wash basins, and gold fixtures also. Flooring is honey onyx. There are his and hers hanging lockers.

On the lower deck are four more guest staterooms, well laid out and spacious doubles. Though this is the lower deck, each of the guest rooms have outside windows. Decorated to the theme, there are 24” TVs, mahogany dressers plus folding door storage cabinets.

Kismet Guest 1...