Review: Lurssen Yachts 312' "Kismet II" Superyacht

The “catwalk” on the upper deck going to the aft deck and dining areas is glass flooring. While interesting, it would probably deter me from visiting The Palms Ghostbar or the LA Skyslide; however, I was glad I was wearing a skort and not a skirt! Nonetheless, this photo is an example of all of the visual and dimensional affects bombarding the senses. Consider all of the materials used in the ceiling or the railings, but what confidence it takes to build a glass floor on a five deck boat.

Looking aft beyond the chandelier is the fireplace that can be enjoyed from the landing or the formal dining room forward. The intricate metal details on the railings is a theme repeated in other decorative applications.

One of the 15 lounge areas is this comfy and intimate setting which takes advantage of the multitudinous materials for a visual and tactile extravaganza.

The formal dining room is amidships on the upper deck with the fireplace aft and the glass elevator forward. Feasting for 20 is more than a culinary experience.

The cinema room is conveniently located on the main deck and shares the fireplace that is forward of the piano lounge. This now you see it now you don’t screen disappears to reveal the see-through fireplace or faux-art. For general television spectatorship or watching Monday night football, the choices are plentiful with an abundance of onboard TVs. Just how many televisions are on Kismet? More than you'd find on display at your local Best Buy.

The master suite comprises much of the forward half of the upper deck and includes the owner’s office with full ensuite bath, owner’s boudoir, owner’s lobby, His and Her separate bathing rooms with room-size dressing rooms ( closets or hanging locker vernacular doesn’t quite suffice), the owners’ full sweep stateroom and of course the already mentioned entire forward deck with private Jacuzzi and lounge beds.

The His side of the owner’s bath is on the starboard side which when opened as in this photo looks through to the Her side. What differentiates His from Hers? See the next photo.

The royal Jacuzzi tub is reserved for the Missus. Marble and onyx is generously used. No detail for comfort is overlooked including the “pre-pumping” of the lotion bottles.

The main deck five guest staterooms include the Art Deco suite, Japanese suite, and Art Nouveau, all of which have king-size beds with 3 that can be separated into twins.

Each guest stateroom has an ensuite head of course with full amenities including 3 with full tubs in addition to showers, backlighting behind the gold sinks, and the pre-pumped liquids.

No less attention to detail and opulence was afforded to the two twin staterooms. The layout in the 5 guest rooms is similar in that at the foot of the bed is a writing desk with hidden TV above; each has a window floating lounge chair, and exotic materials including wall coverings of shagreen (sting ray skin), leather, metallic, inlays, and genuine suede for headliners.

Each guest stateroom and/or bathroom has an individual motif. The diversity of exotic and unique materials utilized for interior decor is beyond comprehension.

Our first foray onto the lower deck introduces us to the aft section that includes a large and elegantly appointed, as in copper ceiling with tobacco leaf inlay, sea cabin (for either unstable guests or seas), the gym, spa, and the hairdressing salon. There are eleven stewardesses aboard to tend to the interior serving and servicing needs of the occupants. Each stew is qualified to do double duty in the beautification areas on people as well as the yacht. The stews’ other talents include one each who is an aesthetician, manicurist, hair-stylist, masseuse, yoga teacher, pilates instructor… double your pleasure, double your fun.

Finally someone found a way to make working out an appealing if not enticing activity. The sea terrace is a fold down platform from the lower deck foyer and entry and extends for waterfront views while treading the mill and not water. The pocket doors allow for fresh air and redefine water exercises. When returned to its vertical position, outside light and views are still provided through windows. It is recommended the furniture be stowed elsewhere before returning the wall to upright, as well as strongly recommended that this drop-down terrace be used in calm, very calm, waters.

After having visited Kismet twice and having recorded walking a mile each visit, I am hoping to personally test the elevator should I be lucky enough to get a return invitation. I know some people where the elevator doesn’t go to the top and it doesn’t on this ship either – because there is a spectacular chandelier at the top of this one.

There is a galley prep area at each major section of all decks, but the main food prep area is spectacularly laid out. On the main deck adjacent to the galley is a large cold pantry as well as a trash room and trash freezer. Numerous pantry rooms are on the lower level in addition to multiple large walk-in freezer and refrigerator rooms so no galley clutter here to distract the three full-time chefs.

Speaking of chefs, food, and crew, the crew consists of 28 full timers and a rotational captain and rotational engineer. The mess hall is anything but.

The crew lounge is a nice gathering place before retreating to the 14 cabins reserved for crew. The captain’s cabin and ships office is on the bridge deck adjacent to the wheelhouse.

The engineer’s room looks like a surgical anteroom. The four engineers operating the systems are from Germany, England, South Africa, and Poland. No matter where it hertz, they can fix it. Computer screens are not included in the television tally of 145* onboard TVs.

The two deck engine room is magnificent and glistens with the high chrome finishes. The fully redundant equipment and systems are well laid out, accessible for maintenance or future repairs, precisely labeled, and innovative. Aside from looking virginal, the atmospherics were pristine.