Dark Island Aims to Bring Clyde Craftsmanship to a New Era of Living at Sea
The residential cruise ship market is heating up as of late, and Clydebuilt’s Dark Island is among its most intriguing arrivals. Scheduled to launch in autumn 2028, Dark Island will stretch 748 feet in length and rise through twelve decks, centered around a dramatic ten-deck grand atrium. Created in partnership with London designer Evan K. Marshall, the ship aims to blend modern luxury with yachting’s grace.
Clydebuilt describes Dark Island as “a home at sea for those who value freedom, privacy, and refined living.” The vessel will feature 236 private residences, each with a balcony and ocean view. Suites will range from about 420 to 2,690 square feet and include one-, two-, or three-bedroom layouts. The company says the ship will carry 724 residents, served by 540 crew.
Suite ownership is priced from around £4.5 million (approx. US $5.6 million). That will come with annual management fees starting near £365,000 (approx. US $455,000), encompassing ship operations, 24/7 concierge services, fitness center, lounges, spa, pools, theaters and restaurants.
Life on Dark Island is designed to feel both private and connected. The Highland Glen Spa will offer full-service treatments, a salon, and acupuncture suites. A fitness and wellness center will feature personal training, treadmills, free weights, and an outdoor jogging track. Golf enthusiasts can practice at the driving range and putting green, while pool terraces invite relaxed afternoons in the sun. Cultural and enrichment spaces will include a theater, art gallery, library, and media center. Three gourmet restaurants will serve seasonal cuisine inspired by the ship’s ports of call, alongside more casual venues such as a bistro, grill, and observation lounge.
Elegance with a Superyacht Soul
Clydebuilt envisions residents as affluent global citizens with flexible lifestyles and a taste for independence.
Sarah McGinn, Sales & Marketing Executive for Clydebuilt, said “Dark Island appeals to individuals, couples, and families driven by a passion for exploration, adventure, and the thrill of life at sea; those who seek meaningful travel experiences that embody discovery, freedom, and the spirit of the open ocean.”
The company also says the ship will align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through efficiency-focused design choices rather than radical technology. According to Clydebuilt’s technical specification, Dark Island will use a hybrid diesel-electric system with onboard energy storage to optimize fuel use and lower emissions. Clydebuilt pledges to use sustainably sourced materials, recycle waste, and conserve energy and water, supported by seasonal, locally inspired dining. These steps represent incremental progress toward cleaner cruising and reflect growing expectations for environmental responsibility in luxury shipbuilding.
Reviving the Clyde
The Ayr-based company takes its name from Scotland’s historic River Clyde. For more than a century, the Clyde produced some of the world’s most celebrated ships, including the RMS Lusitania, RMS Queen Mary, and the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2)—all built by John Brown & Company in Clydebank. “Clyde-built” became a global hallmark of precision and reliability, representing a proud maritime legacy that shaped both commerce and culture.
The founders of today’s Clydebuilt aim to revive that reputation through innovation and design. Their choice of Evan K. Marshall, a veteran of the superyacht world, is known for his elegant work with Ocean Alexander and Horizon Yachts. By combining Clyde shipbuilding heritage with Marshall’s yacht-level artistry, Clydebuilt hopes to unite modern craftsmanship with contemporary living.
They see Dark Island as both a business venture and a symbol of renewal for a region long defined by its maritime skill. In its press release, Clydebuilt said it hopes to “address the dereliction of opportunity on the Clyde” by creating skilled jobs and renewed purpose. Building Dark Island will engage designers, engineers, and tradespeople across Scotland’s west coast, reviving expertise that once anchored the nation’s industrial strength.
The name Dark Island itself reflects that cultural tie. It takes inspiration from Benbecula, one of the islands in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, known locally as “The Dark Island.” The name comes from a beloved folk song that describes Benbecula as a place of peace, beauty, and longing. By adopting it, Clydebuilt links the ship to Scotland’s western seascape. It’s a poetic gesture: a modern vessel named for an ancient island, carrying forward both nostalgia and renewal.
Standing Apart on the Open Sea
Dark Island enters a competitive market that is expanding fast. Today, there are about 650 residential units at sea between The World and Villa Vie Odyssey. By 2027, that figure could climb to more than 1,700 units, driven by Crescent Seas, Storylines, and Njord. By 2030, the total could reach more than 2,100 units, nearly four times today’s capacity if all announced projects launch as planned.
Yet Dark Island stands apart through its smaller scale, design sensibility, and cultural depth. Its 236 residences create intimacy compared with the 500-plus aboard MV Narrative. Its design leans toward yacht elegance rather than floating condominium. And its distinctly Scottish identity gives it a unique voice in the market.
If Clydebuilt delivers on its promises, Dark Island could become a modern emblem of Clyde’s ingenuity and quiet confidence. The river that once launched grand ocean liners may once again see the proud “Clydebuilt” name sail across the world.
