Have you ever wondered who lives on a cruise ship full-time? The World is not your typical cruise ship – it’s actually a floating luxury condo complex where the wealthy own their cabins. The World has 165 private residences owned by millionaires and billionaires from around the globe. They form an exclusive international community of adventurers sailing the world together.
These floating homes range from cozy studio apartments to spacious three-bedroom units. Unlike regular cruise ships where passengers come and go, The World’s 644-foot vessel is home to a permanent community of roughly 150-200 residents at any given time. These owners literally travel the world without ever leaving home.
Key Takeaways
- The World features 165 privately owned residences including studios, apartments, and three-bedroom homes with an average occupancy of 150-200 people.
- Residents form an exclusive international community of wealthy individuals who live aboard the largest private residential yacht on Earth.
- Ownership provides a unique lifestyle where residents can continuously travel the globe while enjoying the comforts of their permanent floating home.
Understanding The World Cruise Ship
The World is not your typical cruise ship. It’s actually the largest private residential yacht on Earth, offering a unique living experience for its wealthy owners.
Unlike regular cruise ships, The World is home to just 165 luxury private residences ranging from cozy studios to spacious three-bedroom homes. These apartments are owned, not rented.
When you buy an apartment on The World, you become more than just a resident. You’re actually a shareholder in the ship, which operates as a not-for-profit organization.
The ship creates an exclusive international community. Residents are adventurers who value exploring the globe while enjoying the comforts of home.
Launched in 2002, The World continuously sails around the globe, visiting exotic ports and providing residents with unique travel experiences without ever having to pack or unpack.
The residential cruise ship offers amenities you’d expect in any luxury community: restaurants, pools, a spa, and even a golf simulator. But it adds the excitement of waking up in a new destination regularly.
Many owners spend several months aboard each year, though few live on the ship full-time. This creates a dynamic community that changes as residents come and go throughout their journeys.
Ownership Structure
The World is a unique residential cruise ship where apartments are fully owned by the residents themselves through a collective ownership model. This structure allows owners to enjoy both luxury travel and the stability of a permanent residence.
Types of Residences and Ownership
The World offers different options for those interested in living aboard this extraordinary vessel. Residences range from studios to expansive three-bedroom apartments and even custom two-story homes. Prices vary widely based on size and location on the ship.
Full ownership is the most common arrangement, where residents purchase their apartments outright. However, the ship also offers a limited number of 50% Partnership opportunities for those who prefer a more flexible arrangement.
This partnership model provides all the benefits of ownership but allows for sharing costs and usage time. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to live aboard year-round but still desire the unique experience of this floating community.
The Process of Purchasing an Apartment
Buying a residence on The World isn’t like a typical real estate transaction. Due to the exclusive nature of the community, prospective buyers often need referrals from existing residents.
The purchase process involves:
- Initial inquiry and application
- Financial verification (homes can cost up to $7 million)
- Approval by the ownership association
- Closing and documentation
After purchase, new owners join a diverse international community representing about 20 different countries. This diversity creates a rich cultural environment for everyone on board.
The management team carefully screens potential buyers to ensure they’ll contribute positively to the community atmosphere.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Unlike traditional cruise ships, The World’s residents collectively own the entire vessel. This means they share responsibility for its maintenance and operation.
Owners pay annual fees that cover:
- Crew salaries
- Vessel maintenance
- Fuel costs
- Food service
- Entertainment options
Residents also participate in democratic decision-making regarding the ship’s annual itinerary. They work with the management team and captain to create global travel plans that satisfy the community’s desires.
This collaborative approach ensures The World visits destinations that interest its residents while maintaining the vessel in pristine condition. Professional staff handle day-to-day operations, allowing owners to focus on enjoying their floating luxury residence.
Lifestyle on Board
Residents on The World enjoy a unique seafaring lifestyle that combines luxury, adventure, and community. Daily life aboard this exclusive vessel offers a blend of comfort, cultural enrichment, and opportunities for both socializing and personal pursuits.
Community Life
Living on The World creates a special international community of like-minded adventurers. Residents develop close friendships with neighbors who share their passion for travel and discovery. This floating neighborhood fosters genuine connections among owners.
The ship typically hosts 150-200 residents at any time, creating an intimate atmosphere where people know each other by name. Many residents are retired professionals or entrepreneurs who have chosen this unique lifestyle for their retirement years.
Community gatherings happen organically in the ship’s restaurants and lounges. Residents often form interest groups based on hobbies or backgrounds. Some might enjoy morning coffee together, while others meet for evening cocktails to share stories from the day’s port visit.
For those enjoying solo travel, the community provides companionship without sacrificing independence.
Amenities and Facilities
The World offers exceptional amenities that make life at sea comfortable and enriching. At the heart of the vessel is the Wellness Center, featuring a full-service spa, fitness facilities, and health professionals.
Other key facilities include:
- Full-sized tennis court
- Swimming pools (indoor and outdoor)
- Jogging track
- Gourmet restaurants and casual dining options
- Library with thousands of books
- Movie theater
- Art gallery
- Wine cellar and tasting room
The onboard medical center provides routine and emergency care, giving peace of mind to older residents. Professional staff maintain all facilities to exceptional standards, allowing residents to enjoy their homes without worrying about upkeep.
Housekeeping services, concierge assistance, and high-speed internet keep residents connected and comfortable, whether they’re sailing across oceans or docked in exotic ports.
Activities and Events
Life aboard The World is never dull, with a calendar full of engaging activities and special events. Residents can join cooking classes with world-class chefs or attend lectures from visiting experts on topics ranging from marine biology to local history.
When docked, the ship organizes exclusive excursions tailored to resident interests. These might include:
- Private tours of museums before public opening hours
- Helicopter trips to remote locations
- Special dinners at acclaimed restaurants
- Guided wilderness explorations
Onboard entertainment includes movie nights, musical performances, and themed parties. Many residents participate in golf tournaments, bridge competitions, or yoga classes. The ship’s team works to create programming that appeals to varied interests.
Holiday celebrations aboard The World are particularly special, with traditional festivities enhanced by the ship’s unique setting. Birthday and anniversary celebrations often become community events, with the crew helping to arrange memorable moments.
Alternative Residential Ships
The World isn’t the only option for those seeking a permanent home at sea. Several new residential ship concepts are emerging in this growing market, offering different approaches to ocean living with varying amenities and price points.
MV Narrative by Storylines
The MV Narrative is an exciting new residential ship being developed by Storylines. This vessel will feature 530 fully furnished apartments ranging from cozy 237-square-foot studios to spacious 1,970-square-foot luxury units.
Prices start around $1 million for studio apartments and can reach up to $8 million for the largest split-level residences. This makes the MV Narrative somewhat more accessible than The World, though still firmly in the luxury market.
Residents will enjoy numerous amenities including multiple restaurants, a wellness center, and various entertainment options. The ship plans to circumnavigate the globe every few years, giving residents the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and destinations.
Unlike traditional cruises, the focus is on slower travel with extended stays in ports, allowing residents to truly immerse themselves in each location. This approach appeals particularly to retirees and digital nomads seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort or community.
Financial Considerations
Owning a residence on The World involves significant upfront costs and ongoing expenses. These financial commitments must be carefully evaluated alongside potential benefits before making such a substantial investment.
Costs of Living on a Residential Ship
The initial investment to purchase an apartment on The World is substantial, with prices ranging widely based on size and location. A standard apartment costs approximately $1.6 million, while luxurious penthouses can reach AU$18.5 million. This is just the beginning of the financial commitment.
Owners must also pay quarterly ownership fees that cover fuel, maintenance, staff salaries, and other operational expenses. For a mid-sized apartment of about 1,106 square feet, the annual fees total around $220,596. These fees are unavoidable and continue regardless of how much time residents spend on board.
Food, beverages, shore excursions, and personal services represent additional expenses that can add up quickly during extended stays.
Potential Financial Benefits
Living on The World can offer unique financial advantages for certain individuals. The ownership structure is designed to minimize financial risk to residents, providing some protection for this significant investment.
For those who previously maintained multiple homes around the world, consolidating to a single moving residence can potentially reduce overall property maintenance costs and tax burdens.
The ship’s residences may appreciate in value over time, though this depends on market conditions and demand. Some owners rent out their apartments when not using them, creating an income stream to offset some ownership costs.
For wealthy retirees, the combination of luxury accommodations, world travel, and built-in community can represent a value proposition that goes beyond pure financial calculations.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Living on a residential cruise ship like The World comes with environmental considerations. Owners aboard this unique vessel are part of a community that increasingly values sustainability efforts.
Cruise ships have traditionally had significant environmental impacts, including air and water pollution. The manufacturing process alone requires extensive resources. After all, these vessels are essentially floating resorts built on water.
The World and other residential cruise ships are now implementing greener practices. These include:
- Advanced wastewater treatment systems
- Reduced plastic usage
- Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
- Shore power connections when in port
Owners on The World have formed environmental committees to push for more sustainable operations. Many residents actively participate in conservation efforts during port visits.
The cruise industry has recently seen several companies making sustainability a priority. In fact, a report has identified the 7 most sustainable cruise lines that excel at eco-conscious travel.
The future of residential cruise ships like The World will likely include more renewable energy sources and carbon offset programs. These improvements aim to reduce the environmental footprint while maintaining the luxury lifestyle that owners expect.
Apartment owners often seek transparency about environmental practices before purchasing. This growing consciousness has pushed ships like The World to publish sustainability reports and implement measurable improvement goals.
