A peep into what it is like to live onboard
The world’s largest privately-owned residential ship, home to around 150 families
magine waking up to giant icebergs, glancing down from your balcony to nd a colony of penguins on the sea ice or the beauty of the most far-ung inhabited island on Earth — Tristan da Cunha! From the snowy surrounds of Antarctica to Mexico’s tropical West coast and Falkland Islands to Indonesia, for the residents of The World, Residences at Sea — the largest privately-owned residential ship — the location of their home changes every other day.
Measuring 644 feet long and a
Iwidth of 97.8 feet with a total of 12 decks and 165 residences ranging from studios to three-bedroom homes, The World has a diverse group of more than 150 residents from 20 countries who own the homes onboard. Since its launch in 2002, The World has travelled around the globe, calling at over 1,000 ports in 120 countries — a thoughtfully curated itinerary selected three years in advance by a resident committee and the Captain, who is chosen via vote.
This summer, the ship’s route brought it to the east coast of India for the rst time. During its sojourn along the Indian coast, it embarked on a tour of Chennai to explore the cultural heritage of
Tamil Nadu, the avours of Chettinad cuisine, shopping at street markets and a visit to the home of a Tamil family for a cooking demonstration and dinner.
A highlight of its visit to India was a stay in Visakhapatnam for the rst time. “It’s the hometown of our food and beverage director Sai Kumar, who organised a culinary experience for residents during the visit,” says Eddie Wong, residential director of The World, Residences at Sea. Anchored along the new International Cruise Terminal in Visakhapatnam, at the
rst look the grandeur of the The World resembled a cruise ship; but (left) A view of The World; the main pool area on the ship. it is not one. “The World is the only ship of its kind in operation today where people live on it,” says Eddie. During a short two-day stay in Visakhapatnam, the residents were welcomed with traditional dances and cultural shows and gifts of local sweets and Araku coee and had a mini tour of the city with visits to the Simhachalam Temple, Kailasagiri and the maritime museum circuit.
Currently, there are about 150 families onboard. While most assume owners are predominantly older couples with more time to spare, there are young families too with the youngest being 21 years old. “On an average, residents travel around three to four months onboard each year. Some residents choose to live on board full-time while others visit periodically throughout the year. The average duration of ownership is approximately six to seven years. It’s a close-knit community where the people share interest in world cultures, history and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations,” says Eddie. Interiors are customised based on the residents’ individual tastes and feature everything from contemporary and transitional to traditional decor.
The ship’s highly personalised services include gastronomic oerings from six diverse restaurants helmed by award-winning chefs, a gourmet deli, wine cellar with a capacity for 16,000 bottles, celebrity guest chefs, world-renowned winemaker visits, exclusive tastings and the Call-A-Chef programme where meals are prepared in the privacy of an owner’s residence by one of the ship’s chefs for an intimate dining experience or special dinner party.
Ownership cost
Other amenities include an art gallery, biking, billiards, a medical and tness centre, a helipad, tennis court, children’s play area and hobby room with arts and crafts, conference centre and game room. Naturally, such a novel luxurious lifestyle comes at a price, that ranges from $2 million to $15 million. “The annual ownership costs are additional and are based on square footage and contribute to operational expenses, fuel, food and beverage, administrative expenses,” says Eddie.
The World has a small selection of homes available for resale and a waiting list for certain categories. Its Guest Stay Programme, which is by invitation only, is available for those who are interested in experiencing the ship before purchase. “Those interested in ownership have a discussion with a residential adviser who explains more about net worth requirements for purchase,” says the residential director Eddie, adding that prospective residents are required to have a net worth of atleast $10 million.
Most of The World’s residents are self-made entrepreneurs and retired or semi-retired. “In fact, some are still involved in their companies and philanthropic endeavours and can manage business aairs from the ship where they can hold meetings from conference rooms,” adds Eddie.
As The World continues its journey in 2024 circumnavigating the globe, it will sail across ve oceans, visit six continents and more than 90 ports of call.