US Ambassador Uses $450 Million Yacht to Build Ties Across Italy

The floating summer itinerary has attracted officials, business leaders and criticism, while its owner insists luxury can serve a diplomatic purpose. U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta is spending the summer aboard the Boardwalk , a yacht valued at $450 million. The 69-year-old Texas billionaire is using the 116-meter vessel for diplomatic meetings and informal gatherings with Italian officials and business leaders. As highlighted by CNN The yacht has six decks, two swimming pools, two helipads, a spa, a cinema, a golf area, and a separate space for water activities. The vessel was built by the German company Lürssen for Fertitta in 2022 and delivered to its owner in the spring. I'm not doing this to show off. It works for U.S.-Italian relations and for my relationships with people in these small towns. – Tilman Fertitta Fertitta's diplomatic journey along the Italian coast began in June. The route included Sicily, Venice, and Sardinia, among other destinations. After stopping in Portofino, the yacht arrived at the port of Livorno late due to a severe storm. Receptions were held on board, attended by U.S. military personnel, regional government officials, and Italian businesspeople. A luxury yacht as a tool of diplomacy Fertitta is paying for the summer trip himself. Meanwhile, the ambassador's security is being provided by the Italian authorities, who have not disclosed the cost of these operations. The decision has drawn criticism in the cities where the yacht has stopped, but the diplomat said he was not concerned about the protests. During the cruise, Fertitta sought to combine a luxurious lifestyle with the image of an approachable host. A regular family kitchen was installed on the yacht, while the former library was converted into a playroom for his five-year-old daughter, Elle. According to the ambassador, the vessel also has familiar household items, including a blender and a baby-bottle sterilizer. Guests at the receptions were served deviled eggs and mozzarella balls. Contemporary artworks and Murano glass pieces were displayed in the cabins and common areas. Notable interior details include a painting by Craig Alan depicting Marilyn Monroe and a bronze sculpture by Estella Fransbergen. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli previously played the yacht's white grand piano. Before becoming ambassador, Fertitta founded Landry's, a holding company that owns restaurants, hotels, and casinos. Its assets include Morton's, Mastro's, and Golden Nugget, as well as the Houston Rockets basketball team. Fertitta believes that his business experience and longstanding ties to Donald Trump help him carry out his diplomatic mission and strengthen connections between the United States and Italy.