| A roving home on the high seas may sound like | | | | shimmering jewel, while simultaneously |
| a thing of fairy tales or pirates, but the | | | | including the cushion it sits upon. This is |
| world's largest residential cruise liner | | | | luxury at its finest, as well as all the |
| makes it a reality for its residents. | | | | comforts of home. |
| | | | |
| Aptly named The World, the apartments on this | | | | Residents on boat come from as many as 40 |
| giant yacht range from studios to | | | | different countries at any one time. While |
| three-bedroom apartments, and homeowners | | | | capable of accommodating more than a thousand |
| spend all or parts of the year in their | | | | individuals, the yacht carries a varying |
| luxury suites. | | | | number of passengers and their guests that |
| | | | tops off around 300. This honors part of the |
| Different itineraries are chosen each year by | | | | original concept that drove the creation of |
| vote of every passenger on the boat. The | | | | The World: to keep a higher crew-to- |
| length of time the yacht stays in each port | | | | passenger ratio in order to provide the |
| varies from 2 to 5 days, during which time | | | | finest possible service for all onboard. |
| passengers enjoy the culture and experience | | | | |
| of each destination. | | | | The liner boasts a library, a business |
| | | | center, even a museum. Food options on board |
| The World finished up 2007 visiting Spain, | | | | are numerous. Four restaurants are |
| the Canary Islands, and Morocco. According to | | | | available, and there's even the opportunity |
| the boat's website, 2008's circuit includes | | | | to have a chef come to your home and prepare |
| the coast of Africa, Greece, Egypt and the | | | | a meal of your choice for yourself or your |
| Spanish island of Mallorca, among other | | | | guests. There is also a small grocery store |
| inspiring destinations. | | | | and a delicatessen and even a poolside grill. |
| | | | In addition to these choices, many |
| The boat is 44,000 tons and built of | | | | ports-of-call have local markets. |
| Norwegian engineering. The 12-story yacht | | | | |
| carries, in addition to her passengers, more | | | | For those with a sports bent, a gym, spa and |
| than 250 crew members. At 644 feet long and | | | | tennis courts, among other amenities, are |
| nearly 100 feet wide, the yacht clips along | | | | present within this floating city, not to |
| at a maximum speed of 18.5 knots. She sailed | | | | mention sailboats, kayaks and water skiing. |
| her maiden cruise in spring 2002; since then | | | | It's all there. |
| at least four more similarly conceived ocean | | | | |
| residency ships have been built. | | | | Entertainment on board ship takes many forms. |
| | | | A movie theatre, musical performances, as |
| There are a total of 165 apartment or studio | | | | well as classes scheduled in everything from |
| units on this luxury liner. The price of an | | | | cooking to photography are available. This |
| apartment ranges anywhere from just under a | | | | says nothing of the exciting possibilities |
| million to $6.3 million dollars. Each | | | | ashore at every port. |
| residence includes all furnishings and | | | | |
| appliances, a private veranda, and a gourmet | | | | Potential buyers who are uncertain about |
| kitchen. | | | | investing in home ownership aboard The World |
| | | | can vacation on the ship in luxury residences |
| The vessel's website presents the yacht in | | | | for upwards of a thousand dollars a night. |
| the light of a community where everyone has | | | | Additional guests pay a more nominal fee. |
| equal ownership of the experience. While | | | | Reservations must be for at least six nights, |
| there is plenty of personal space, there is | | | | but they may be as long as desired. |
| also the element of a social atmosphere where | | | | |
| residents enjoy each other's company. | | | | And not to worry. There's high-speed |
| Descriptions of the amenities give the | | | | internet access in every residence to keep |
| impression of the glittering facets of a | | | | you connected wherever you are in The World. |