The World is a private residential cruise ship serving as a residential community owned by its residents. At 644 feet, The World is the largest privately owned yacht on the planet. Since its launch in 2002, The World has continuously circumnavigated the globe, spending extensive time in the most exotic and well-traveled ports, allowing the Residents (from about 19 different countries) – to wake up in a new destination every few days, exploring with depth we had never before thought possible. Some people live on board full time while others visit periodically throughout the year.
Unique in concept, the 45,000-ton World is even more luxurious than most five-star cruise ships. the world’s most opulent ‘floating apartment building’ features a choice of elegantly finished studios, apartments and super-deluxe suites that range between $600,000 and $13 million.
The World is home to the owners of 110 luxurious private residences who are free to “come home” at any scheduled port and be aboard for any period of time. The same flexibility is available to guests of The World’s 88 beautifully appointed guest suites when they participate in an innovative programcalled Tailored Time Fares. Purchased for 30 to 300 days, Tailored Time Fares can be used at any time over a two-year period tailored to personal schedules. Guests may also reserve a suite for a pre-planned voyage according to their travel interests. Pre-planned voyages are all-inclusive: roundtripeconomy air transportation, transfers, porterage, port charges, meals and beverages, including an extensive selection of fine wines and spirits.
The ship has a large living room area (lobby), gourmet deli and grocery store, a boutique and showroom, Fitness Center, billiard room, golf simulator and putting greens, a full-sized tennis court, jogging track, a spa, swimming pool, and cocktail lounges. There are six restaurants for dining that also supplement the kitchens or kitchenettes in most of the residences and dining ashore. For on-board entertainment there is a movie theater, library and music performances. In addition to destination experiences (shore excursions), classes have been offered on board in topics such as dance, navigation, language, cooking, arts and crafts, music, computers, and photography.
The concept of traveling the world without leaving home was conceived and developed by Norwegian Knut U. Kloster, Jr., the former chairman of Royal Viking Line and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Kloster is also a member of the renowned shipping family that pioneered the modern cruise industry in the early 1960s.
The World’s 110 residences aren’t priced like any cruise ship, either – luxury or otherwise. A two-bedroom, 1,100 square-foot condominium starts at $2 million. That doesn’t include a five percent annual maintenance fee for the upkeep.
