While vacationing on his 282-foot-long superyacht, eco-activist Steven Spielberg was once fined $180 by the Italian coast guard for bringing his dinghy too close to beachgoers. A drop in the bucket for the billionaire filmmaker, as his vessel burned $3,500 worth of diesel per day.

Steven Spielberg’s Superyacht Saga: From Luxury to Fines

Owning a superyacht is the ultimate symbol of luxury, offering a floating private resort wherever you travel. Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg is one of the fortunate few who has experienced this privilege. However, nearly 13 years ago, the renowned filmmaker encountered an unexpected downside of yacht ownership—fines.

Spielberg’s 282-foot superyacht, Seven Seas, built by Oceanco, was a masterpiece of opulence. Originally valued at $250 million, this floating palace (now renamed Man of Steel) featured grand interiors, nine lavish staterooms, a sauna, steam room, gym, pool, expansive beach club, and even a helipad. But during one particular outing, Spielberg wasn’t aiming to showcase its luxury—instead, he simply wanted to share the stunning Sardinian coastline with his guests.

The yacht’s garage was fully stocked with a tender, speedboat, water toys, and diving equipment. Accompanied by his goddaughter Gwyneth Paltrow and friends, Spielberg took off in a 10-meter dinghy, heading toward the picturesque Porto Liscia beach.

A Costly Close Call

Things took a turn when beachgoers noticed the high-profile group—complete with bodyguards—approaching the shore. Concerned sunbathers alerted the coastguard, leading to an unexpected legal issue.

“We were called to the scene after being informed that a dinghy had come within 300 meters of the shore with its engine running, which is a fineable offense,” explained Commander Vincenzo Petrella. “We receive many calls like this every summer, especially after a recent tragic incident where a swimmer was killed by a propeller at Porto Cervo.”

The Oscar-winning director wasted no time settling the matter, promptly paying the 172-euro ($180) fine the next day. For a man worth $3 billion and cruising on a $160 million vessel, the penalty was barely noticeable—a mere drop in the ocean of yacht-related expenses.

The Cost of Luxury

To put things in perspective, the Seven Seas reportedly burned over 500 liters of diesel per hour, accumulating daily fuel costs of $3,000 to $3,500. Even when docked, it required around a ton of fuel per day to power its onboard systems. Compared to these massive expenses, the 172-euro fine was insignificant.

Spielberg eventually upgraded to an even grander successor—a new $250 million megayacht, still carrying the Seven Seas name. This 357-foot, diesel-powered masterpiece features two swimming pools, a movie theater, and luxurious accommodations, allowing Spielberg to cruise through Europe’s most glamorous destinations, from Cannes and Antibes to Nice, Portofino, and Barcelona. Currently, the yacht is moored near La Ciotat, possibly undergoing maintenance before the next Mediterranean yachting season.

While yacht ownership comes with its fair share of hassles, for Spielberg, the allure of boundless luxury and freedom at sea continues to outweigh the occasional fine.