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