"We had an outstanding year in spite of the challenges we faced, and Rolls-Royce now leads the ultra luxury market by some considerable margin, " said chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos.

BBC: Rolls-Royce car sales edge up to new record

And like Palo Alto, an increasing number of rich Americans have jumped into the ultra luxury market with similar investing goals, particularly Northeasterners lured by the lack of state income tax.

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In the top-of-the-range market, known as ultra-luxury cruising, there was a 30% surge in summer sales.

BBC: Record high for cruise ship passengers in the UK