A yacht is the ultimate status symbol for celebrities and business figures.

I went to Croatia to understand why some people would spend hundreds of millions of dollars on their own vessel.

Up to 30 guests can be accommodated on a 160-foot yacht that can be rented for between $60,000 and $90,000 a week.

One way to show off your wealth is to own a yacht. Buying one is only one of the expenses. Maintenance costs can equal a tenth of the purchase price every year and the cost of the crew must be taken into account.

The superrich don't seem to be deterred by this. Why are they so fond of superyachts?

Soothing

En-suite cabin with two single beds.
The en-suite cabin Insider stayed in, has two single beds.
Goolets

I hadn't been on a boat before I boarded the Ohana. I was taken to my cabin with twin beds, which had an en-suite bathroom and a wardrobe large enough to hold two people for a week.

Ohana was finished just as the Pandemic hit. The owner said that the yacht will be completely refurbished in the summer of next year to cater for more demanding clients.

It turns out the boat rocking was more relaxing than I thought.

Fine dining

A TKTK risotto with squid ink served as a starter.
A squid ink risotto was one of my starters.
Sam Tabahriti/Insider

You could make requests for fruit, sausages, eggs, cheese and ham toasties, as well as smoothies, at the breakfast buffet.

Dinner consisted of a starter, main and dessert.

The highlight for me was a broccoli potage, I asked the chef for the recipe so I could make it myself.

My glass was always full and I was supplied with Diet Coke throughout the day, thanks to the two dedicated crew.

Freedom

The front of the superyacht as it heads toward the shore.
Waking up on the yacht in the middle of the sea is a wonderful experience.
Goolets

I realized I couldn't say how I was feeling when I talked to the captain's right-hand man. It came suddenly.

This was something I had never experienced before, waking up in the Adriatic Sea every morning would give me peace not available on land.

The other crew members said they wouldn't swap their jobs for anything else. I don't think I would want to be at the beck and call of clients all day, as well as maintaining the yacht, before sleeping in a cramped cabin the next day.

Special

Ohana is anchored in Bol, Croatia.
The Ohana is 160 feet long.
Sam Tabahriti/Insider

The list goes on.

A yacht is a great way to show wealth because of the money pit they are in. They can't expect a return on their investment unless the owner allows others to charter their vessel. They're still appealing to the wealthy.

The bar tender made me my own secret drink when I was on the Ohana.

I could get used to spending a lot of time on a big boat. I'm in the hot tub.