This cruise ship is a luxury apartment at sea
Nothing on earth is as relaxing as a cruise. But do you think you could handle a permanent one?
The World, a luxury cruising vessel, has effectively become a high-class apartment at sea, with wealthy individuals accepting the opportunity to live at sea while exploring the world.
This sort of accommodation doesn’t come cheap however. Studio flats on The World sell for more than $1 million with the top suites changing hands at over $18 million a pop!
The ship has 165 residences that are privately owned by 130 families from around the world, offering everything from three-bedroom flats to six-bedroom penthouse suites that can accommodate up to 12 people. Demand for these luxury apartments is high and only a small number are put up for resale every year. Fees for the residents are based on square footage.
The World is generally occupied by 150 to 200 guests at any one time and since its launch in 2002 the floating city has visited more than 900 ports in 140 countries. The average owner tends to spend three to six months on board The World over the course of a year.
Guests from all around the world are allowed to stay on The World for as long as they like, and they have part of the responsibility for planning its route. Itineraries are generally determined two to three years in advance by a popular vote from members of The World community.
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