You Can Make This Cruise Ship Your Permanent Home | Live While Travelling Across The World!
Imagine living on a cruise ship that goes around the world, but it is also your home. This is the concept behind MS The World, a private residential cruise ship that operates like a condominium complex. The apartments on the ship are owned by residents who can choose to live aboard full-time or part-time. Some use it as a permanent home, while others just visit a few times a year.
With 165 residences, including large apartments and studio units, this is a true floating neighborhood. Plus, it’s not just about the views. It’s a lifestyle that revolves around travel, culture, and cuisine.
The Origins and Vision Behind MS The World
The concept and design for this unique vessel came from Knut Kloster. Knut’s family had deep roots in the marine industry. His vision was to create a floating community where people could live and travel the world at the same time. The ship was first named The ‘World of ResidenSea.’ However, it was later shortened to ‘The World.‘
The ship’s journey began in Sweden, with the construction of its hull. It was then moved to Norway for its final construction. In 2003, the residents purchased the ship, making it a resident-owned vessel. Today, the people who live on board play an active role in managing the ship’s itinerary, finances, and lifestyle through a board of directors and committees.
Life on Board
Living aboard MS The World means your every need is anticipated and catered to. The crew knows the residents’ preferences, whether it’s recommending the perfect wine or planning personalized activities. The ship has three-bedroom Residences, two-bedroom Residences, Ocean Studio Residences – One and Two Bedrooms, and Ocean Studios available for purchase based on your requirement.
“When we step aboard, we don’t even need a suitcase. Everything we need is already here, and we are home.”
One resident described it.
For food lovers, the ship boasts six dining venues that use fresh, local ingredients sourced from the various places the ship visits. Residents get to experience diverse cuisines from around the world without ever leaving the ship.
Residents are also offered a number of activities to stay active. From activities like golfing, kayaking, playing tennis, or to enjoying a casual walk along the open-air track, the ship has something for everyone. Residents can even access to spa and wellness services, with fitness experts.
You might wonder how you are able to stay connected to your loved ones while being at the sea. The ship’s high-speed internet allows residents to conduct business or stay in touch with friends and family.
Exploring the World
MS The World is about both luxury and adventure. One of its most notable voyages took place in 2017. It set a record as the southernmost ship to ever sail. Captain Dag H. Sævik led the ship to Antarctica’s Ross Sea, reaching 78°43′S, an extraordinary achievement for any vessel.
The ship has also made historic journeys through the Northwest Passage, a treacherous sea route. In 2012, MS The World became the largest passenger ship to make the journey, following the path of explorer Roald Amundsen. In 2019, it completed the passage again, marking its 300th successful voyage.
A Floating City: Facilities and Life Aboard
Think of MS The World as a floating city. The ship has a grocery store, fitness center, swimming pool, and even a golf simulator. There are plenty of spaces for residents to relax, whether in lounges, cocktail bars, or the onboard movie theater.
Cultural exploration is a big part of life on the ship, too. Residents can take part in various classes, enjoy music performances, or explore the history and culture of the places they visit through curated shore excursions. The community onboard is tight-knit, with residents working together to decide on the ship’s itinerary and lifestyle choices.
Challenges Faced During COVID-19
Like many travel-related industries, MS The World faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the ship had to unload all passengers and non-essential crew to minimize the risk of infection. The ship was asked to leave Fremantle, Australia, and was even denied entry to New Zealand due to strict regulations.
During this period, the ship remained docked in places like Falmouth in the UK and Tenerife, Spain. It wasn’t until July 2021 that MS The World returned to full service, ready to continue its global voyages.
Conclusion
Living aboard MS The World is more than just luxury; it’s a unique way to experience the world. For those who own homes in this floating community, life is a blend of comfort, adventure, and exploration. Whether it’s navigating through the Arctic or enjoying a quiet day on deck, residents get to live a life that most people only dream about.
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