The World is a cruise ship serving as a residential community owned by its residents. The residents, from about 40 different countries, live on board as the ship travels the globe—staying in most ports from 2 to 5 days. Some residents live on board full time while others visit periodically throughout the year. It is operated by ResidenSea, headquartered in Miramar, Florida.
It has 165 residential units (106 apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios), all owned by the ship’s residents. It carries between 100 and 300 residents and their guests. The World flies the flag of The Bahamas and has a gross tonnage of 43,524 tons. The crew numbers 250. The World was the idea of Knut U. Kloster, whose family had a long history in the cruise ship industry. Her hull was built in Landskrona, Sweden, by Öresundsvarvet, and it was then towed to Fosen Mekaniske Verksted in Rissa, Norway, for completion. She was launched in March 2002. In October, 2003, the residents purchased it.
ResidenSea in Miramar, Florida, remained the management company responsible for operations and administration of the ship, including hiring the hundreds of employees that offer services such as housekeeping, beauty treatments, photography and other amenities. The residents, through their elected board of directors and a network of committees, provide guidance to the management about the ship’s itinerary, finances and lifestyle. The World has facilities similar to those on board a regular cruise ship, and also some that are unique due to its residential nature. They include a small grocery store and delicatessen, a boutique, athletic facilities that include a golf simulator, putting green, full-sized tennis court, jogging track and gym.
There are six restaurants that supplement the kitchens or kitchenettes in most of the apartments and dining ashore. For on-board entertainment there is a movie theatre, library and music performances. In addition to shore excursions, classes have been offered on board in topics such as dance, navigation, language, cooking, arts and crafts, music, computers, and photography. The World provides Internet access in each residence. The prices for the residential units range between US$600,000 and US$13,500,000. Monthly homeowner dues range from $20,000 per month (for the smaller units) and up, and cover fuel, crew, maintenance and a meal allowance for the owner.
