Step Into Another World

Travelling the world while staying at home is the perfect solution for a select group of multimillionaires who combine business with pleasure.

- Wendy Kay

Stepping on board The World takes you out of this world. Literally. This floating luxury apartment block – circumnavigating the globe every two to three years, and with nearly 300 crew catering to its residents’ every whim – is a world most will never experience. Those who do, have a unique understanding of this private sphere.

The residents who live in this exclusive world own it, forming a fiercely protective community where mundane chatter about private jets, yachts and multiple homes is bandied about while passing the salt. To be eligible to buy one of the 165 apartments on board, a net worth of US$10 million – or a net income of US$1 million – is required in order to honour financial commitments on board and protect the residents from unstable economic climates.

Built by Norwegian shipping magnate Knut Utstein Kloster and launched in 2002, this 196-metre long, 12-deck-high residential ship, boasting six restaurants, multiple bars and the only full-size tennis court at sea, was purchased by its own residents the following year. It’s owned today by 142 families from 19 countries, with on-board occupancy usually ranging from 150 to 200 residents and guests. Surprisingly, the average age of residents is relatively young, between 50 and 60, with many flitting back and forth from the ship to meet business commitments around the world.

Organised up to two years in advance by the residents and the captain, voyage itineraries incorporate a varying wish-list of global destinations and provide notice for those with tight schedules.

All aboard