The world’s first residence at sea where the apartments are sold like condominiums in the Sun Belt landed in the water in 2002, at first selling like hotcakes, then the market pretty much died until the owners took over control of the ship and hired a management company top operate it. Now virtually 100 per cent sold, although there is naturally a turnover of ownership, the ship known as The World roams the globe.
Fleet & Itineraries
The 43,188-ton ship seeks the best weather and being on hand
for significant events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Carnival in Rio and the Americas Cup Races. In major ports such as Sydney, Hong Kong and Barcelona, The World may tie up for several days.
Dining and Decor
The World operates much like a cruise ship with most of the
amenities one would expect to find on a luxury vessel, such as multiple
restaurants, sports, including a marina and water-based activities. Some
passengers choose to prepare meals in their apartments - mostly breakfast or
lunch - which come with fully equipped kitchens, but most prefer to eat out on
board or ashore when docked. Apartments vary from studios to multiple bedroom
suites, and the décor may be off-the-shelf or customized.
Programs
There are special interest talks and on occasion, local
entertainment in port.
Onboard Experience
The World may be a second, third or fourth residence and
owners generally spend only a fraction of the year aboard. The numbers sailing
at any one time will vary widely depending on where the ship is located. The
long ocean voyages see the fewest and the ship may seem empty then. Owners may
rent out their units, so there will be people on board who are not owners and
who may liven up the place. Most of the social activity revolves around the
piano lounge bar located off reception lobby and in the restaurants that are
open on a rotating basis.
Competitors
The World will soon have a competitor in Residential Cruise
Line when the firm’s much larger Magellan is expected
to be delivered in 2010.
