A floating apartment. A residential yacht. A holiday home that travels the globe. The World, a luxury liner, has many descriptions, but “cruise ship” is not one of them, according to resident Jim Minarik. He notes that the only similarity between The World and a cruise ship is that both float on water. Unlike typical cruise ships with around 1,500 passengers, The World typically hosts between 200 and 300 residents, with 167 privately owned apartments ranging from studios to expansive four-bedroom residences.
Minarik and his wife purchased their apartment in 2020, initially planning brief annual stays but now living on board for up to half the year. Many residents personalize their homes, bringing in their furniture and hiring interior designers. The couple was so captivated by the experience they later acquired a larger apartment.
Life aboard The World includes perks familiar to cruises, like multiple restaurants and pools, but starkly differs in resident involvement and autonomy. Residents vote on itineraries, refurbishments, and even elect a board of directors. The ship’s schedule changes annually, with stops in sought-after destinations like Antarctica and Easter Island.
Unlike typical cruises, The World docks for extended stays, allowing residents to immerse themselves in each locale. The ship creates photo books capturing these experiences, further fostering a tight-knit community feeling. Though some residents live aboard full-time, most come and go as they please.
Residents hail from around 20 countries, predominantly from North America and Australia. Properties aboard The World can cost between $2.4 million and $15 million, not including maintenance fees, which cover food and beverage credits, crew wages, and ship upkeep.
Minarik emphasizes that conversations onboard revolve around travel and experiences rather than wealth. Potential buyers must undergo financial checks and provide recommendations from existing residents, with sales occurring annually as owners rotate out either from having seen much of the world or for personal reasons.
Despite attempts by other companies, The World remains unique in its kind, providing a luxurious, globetrotting lifestyle for its residents.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/21/ship-that-travels-the-world-full-time-heres-how-much-it-costs.html
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