Delve into the fascinating behind-the-scenes journey of how Ruth Ware’s bestselling mystery, ‘The Woman in Cabin 10,’ was adapted for the screen, revealing the challenges and opulence of filming on an actual $150 million superyacht, the Savannah, with Keira Knightley.
For fans of intense psychological thrillers and nautical mysteries, Ruth Ware’s novel, ‘The Woman in Cabin 10,’ quickly became a sensation. The book, lauded for its gripping narrative and expertly crafted “locked room” mystery set on a luxurious cruise ship, captivated readers worldwide, as noted by Goodreads reviews. Its highly anticipated screen adaptation starring Keira Knightley promised to transport viewers directly into the heart of the unsettling events witnessed by travel journalist Lo Blacklock. However, bringing the fictional Aurora Borealis to life on screen involved an extraordinary production feat: filming on a genuine, multi-million dollar superyacht with a strict set of rules.
The Fictional Aurora Borealis Comes to Life
The cinematic version of ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ needed to immerse audiences in the opulent yet confined world of a high-end vessel. Rather than relying solely on soundstages, director Simon Stone opted for unparalleled authenticity. The film was primarily shot on an actual superyacht named the Savannah, transforming the luxury vessel into the ill-fated Aurora Borealis. This commitment to realism meant that “Everything you see that has the boat interacting with water is real,” Stone shared with Town & Country, acknowledging the difficulty of faking water on screen. During the three-week filming period, the Savannah was notably docked at Portland Harbour in Dorset, England, as reported by the Dorset Echo, grounding the film’s sea-bound mystery in a tangible location.
While a significant portion of the movie’s ambiance was captured on board the superyacht, some interior scenes were later recreated on soundstages to accommodate more complex camera setups and maintain continuity. This hybrid approach allowed the filmmakers to leverage the genuine grandeur of the yacht while also having controlled environments for intricate sequences.
A Glimpse into Ultra-Luxury: The Savannah’s Specifications
The Savannah itself is a marvel of maritime engineering and luxury, boasting an impressive profile that commanded a hefty price tag and a high weekly rental. Valued at $150 million, this 274-foot-long vessel can be chartered for an astonishing $1 million per week, according to Luxury Launches. It’s renowned as “the world’s first true hybrid superyacht,” showcasing advanced design and technology. The yacht offers six opulent cabins, capable of accommodating up to 12 guests, alongside numerous amenities that truly define it as a “floating palace.”
Among its extravagant features are:
- Cutting-edge video walls
- An elegant spiral staircase
- A spacious sundeck perfect for relaxation
- A dedicated DJ booth for entertainment
- A 30-foot-long swimming pool
- An underwater lounge offering unique views
- A luxurious spa area
- A “secret room” designed for private enjoyment of the sea
Built in the Netherlands by Feadship and delivered in 2015, the Savannah quickly earned accolades, including the prestigious Motor Yacht of the Year award at the 2015 World Superyacht Awards, as documented by Boat International.
The Savannah’s Past: A Tycoon’s Legacy
Beyond its cinematic role, the Savannah holds a notable history as the personal property of Swedish-Canadian businessman Lukas Lundin. Lundin, who amassed his fortune through ventures in diamonds and mining, was the founder of Lundin Mining. His connection to the yacht added another layer of prestige to the vessel. Sadly, Lundin passed away at the age of 64 in July 2022 due to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, as detailed on the Lundin Group website. Following his passing, the Savannah was listed on the market in September 2023 and subsequently sold in May 2025, marking the end of an era for the iconic superyacht.
Behind the Glamour: Filming Challenges and Seasickness
While the visual splendor of the Savannah added undeniable authenticity to ‘The Woman in Cabin 10,’ the reality of filming on such a grand, privately owned vessel came with its own set of challenges, particularly for the cast and crew. Many experienced severe seasickness during production. Keira Knightley famously dubbed one of the actors’ green rooms the “room of doom” due to its glass wall overlooking a swimming pool, where the constant sight of moving water exacerbated the discomfort. “When they weren’t seasick. When they weren’t vomiting. Funny that!” Knightley light-heartedly remarked, acknowledging the logistical hurdles, as reported by People.
Unprecedented Filming Rules on a Floating Palace
The sheer cost and pristine condition of the Savannah dictated an exceptionally stringent set of rules for the production team, which director Simon Stone described as “massively challenging.” To preserve the yacht’s interiors, only cameras were permitted on board, with all other film equipment, including lighting, needing to be handheld. “We weren’t allowed to put anything on the ground,” Stone explained to Entertainment Weekly, highlighting the unique “guerrilla movie in a war zone” atmosphere on the luxurious vessel.
Perhaps the most unique rule, and one so integral it was written into the script, was the mandatory “no shoes” policy for everyone on board. This mirrored the real-life protocol for visiting such exclusive yachts. Knightley further elaborated on the restrictive environment to Decider, stating, “We weren’t allowed to touch any of the walls. We weren’t allowed to walk on any of the carpets, we weren’t allowed to sit on anything, we weren’t allowed to lean on anything.” Furthermore, eating and drinking were severely restricted, confined to tiny, designated areas. This meant the cast and crew spent 12-hour days “crunched up against each other,” a far cry from the luxury depicted on screen.
Bringing Authentic Suspense to the High Seas
The extraordinary lengths taken to film ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ on the superyacht Savannah ultimately paid off, imbuing the film with an undeniable sense of realism that might have been lost in studio-bound reproductions. Despite the seasickness, the strict rules, and the logistical hurdles faced by Keira Knightley and the entire production team, their dedication ensured that the cinematic version of Ruth Ware’s acclaimed novel delivered an authentic and immersive thriller experience. For fans, knowing the genuine setting and the challenges involved only deepens the appreciation for this captivating mystery on the high seas.
