Imagine waking up to a new vista every few days, from the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean to the icy landscapes of Antarctica, all while enjoying the comforts of home and a vibrant community. This is the reality for residents of The World, the largest private residential yacht on the planet, offering an unparalleled lifestyle that combines luxury living with global exploration.
A Floating Community Like No Other
Launched in 2002, The World is not your typical cruise ship. As resident Jim Minarik puts it, “The only thing that’s similar between The World and a cruise ship is they float on the water.” While a cruise ship might accommodate 1,500 passengers, The World hosts between 200 and 300 residents at its busiest, creating an intimate and exclusive atmosphere.
The vessel boasts 165 privately owned residences, ranging from cozy 290-square-foot studios to expansive 3,240-square-foot four-bedroom apartments. Prices start at around $2 million USD for the smallest units and can reach approximately $15 million USD for the most luxurious offerings. Each residence is meticulously designed to resemble a high-end condominium rather than a traditional cruise cabin, providing residents with a true sense of home as they traverse the globe. But, just having the funds to purchase a home on the high seas doesn’t guarantee you’ll get onboard, you also have to satisfy The World’s net worth requirement.
Life Aboard: “The Four Seasons on Steroids”
Peter Antonucci, a retired lawyer who lived on The World for six years, describes the experience as “the Four Seasons on steroids.” The comparison is apt, as life aboard The World surpasses even the most luxurious hotels in terms of personalized service and amenities.
The highly trained crew members excel at remembering individual preferences, ensuring that each resident feels truly at home. Whether it’s serving a particular type of iced tea in a preferred glass or arranging a private tour of the Kremlin complete with guards and guides, the staff’s attention to detail is unparalleled.
Culinary offerings aboard The World are exceptional, featuring a diverse selection of global cuisines prepared by talented chefs. The wine list is extensive, with many bottles priced over $100, catering to the sophisticated palates of its residents. From fine dining restaurants to casual cafes, every meal becomes a celebration of flavors, cultures, and shared experiences.
Beyond dining, residents enjoy a full suite of amenities including a state-of-the-art spa, fitness facilities, a golf simulator, and even a tennis court. The ship’s wellness program offers a range of activities from yoga classes to meditation sessions, ensuring that residents can maintain a healthy lifestyle while exploring the world.
A Journey of Continuous Discovery
What sets The World apart from traditional cruises or land-based residences is its ever-changing itinerary. The ship typically spends three days in each port, allowing residents ample time to immerse themselves in local cultures and experiences. This extended stay in each location is a stark contrast to the rushed port calls of conventional cruise ships, offering a more authentic and enriching travel experience.
One of the most compelling aspects of life aboard The World is the opportunity to explore some of the planet’s most remote and beautiful locations. Each year, the residents participate in crafting the itinerary, ensuring that their travel experiences are personalized and enriching. From the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean, residents can visit extraordinary destinations that most travelers only dream of.
Residents can participate in a wide range of curated excursions at each stop. These might include guided tours of historical landmarks, exclusive access to cultural events, or unique local experiences. For instance, when docked in St. Petersburg, residents might enjoy a private after-hours tour of the Hermitage Museum or a backstage pass to the Mariinsky Theatre.
Beyond these port experiences, The World also offers extended expeditions led by experts in various fields. These weeks-long journeys provide residents with unparalleled access to some of the most remote and fascinating corners of the Earth, from the Galápagos Islands to the Arctic Circle.
A Community United by Wanderlust
One of the most appealing aspects of life aboard The World is the sense of community among residents. The ship attracts a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, all united by their passion for travel and discovery. This shared lifestyle fosters deep connections, with many residents forming lasting friendships that span continents.
The crew plays a crucial role in nurturing this community spirit, often organizing social events and themed parties that encourage interaction among residents. From celebrating personal milestones like birthdays and anniversaries to hosting book launches and art exhibitions, the ship becomes a vibrant, ever-evolving social hub.
Sustainability at Sea
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, The World is committed to minimizing its ecological footprint. The ship employs cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to ensure that the beauty of the oceans it traverses is preserved for future generations. Residents can engage in eco-friendly initiatives and educational programs, aligning their luxury lifestyle with a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Future of Luxury Travel
As travel evolves in a post-pandemic world, The World represents a shift towards more meaningful experiences. It caters to those who seek not just to travel, but to live the journey, immersing themselves in cultures and environments while enjoying the comforts of home. The concept of a residential ship is innovative, offering a glimpse into the future of luxury travel.
An Invitation to Adventure
For those with a spirit of adventure, a taste for luxury, and the means to afford it, The World offers an unparalleled lifestyle. It’s more than just a residence or a vacation; it’s a way of life that embraces continuous exploration, cultural immersion, and global community.
As you consider your next journey or ponder the future of travel, imagine the possibilities of life aboard this extraordinary vessel. On The World, every sunrise brings the promise of new discoveries, every meal is a culinary adventure, and every interaction is an opportunity to forge global connections. It’s a lifestyle where the journey truly becomes the destination, inviting those fortunate enough to call it home to live their lives in a way that is truly extraordinary.