Explore The World: A Luxury Cruise Ship for the Super Rich
The World is currently the only luxury cruise ship in the world that can visit more than 100 ports a year, serving the super-rich community, which accounts for only 1% of the global population. Dubbed a “floating apartment,” “a yacht for residents,” or a “mobile global vacation home,” The World is not just a cruise ship but also a symbol of luxury living.
“The only thing The World has in common with a traditional cruise ship is that they both float,” said Jim Minarik, a resident on the ship. “Our ship has a capacity of about 1,500 passengers, but the actual number of passengers only fluctuates between 200 and 300, even during peak season.”
The World has 167 private residences, ranging from compact studios measuring 27 square meters to spacious apartments of up to 3,000 square meters with four bedrooms, according to CNBC. Minarik and his wife bought an apartment on the ship in 2020 with plans to spend one to two months a year on the ship. However, they now spend half the year on the ship. “We love the community and the way we travel on The World,” Minarik said. “It feels relaxed and there’s always the opportunity to explore new things.” Minarik also said that the appeal of life on The World led them to buy a larger apartment and keep the first one for family and friends.
Explore Luxury Living on The World
The World offers a unique lifestyle at sea with many of the same high-end amenities as other cruise ships, including multiple restaurants, bars, yoga classes, a gym, two swimming pools, a medical centre and 24/7 room service. The highlight of The World is the decision-making power of the owners on important issues such as itineraries, ship renovations and ship management.
Director of Residential Eddie Wong said: “On The World, residents are involved in the big decisions, from the itinerary to the renovation and the selection of the board of directors. It is a true democracy at sea.”
The World’s itinerary changes every year, with plans for 2026 already set. Impressive stops include Antarctica, French Polynesia and Easter Island, highlighting the global appeal. The ship visits around 100 ports a year, with each stop lasting between two and five days, allowing residents to enjoy a longer stay than on a typical cruise ship.
The World’s Resident Community
The World attracts a diverse international community, with many owners hailing from North America and residents from around 20 other countries, including a significant number of Australians, according to Eddie Wong, director of Residential.
All of the ship’s owners have achieved significant financial success, including millionaires and billionaires, who are among the top 1% of the world’s population, according to former Minarik CEO. Purchase prices for the ship’s apartments range from $2.4 million to $5 million, not including quarterly maintenance fees, which typically account for around 10% of the apartment’s value each year.
While the residents on board are all high-net-worth, The World does not focus on comparing wealth. “There’s no competition for money on board,” Minarik said. “It’s all about the passion for travel and memorable experiences.”
The process of buying a condo on the ship requires rigorous due diligence, including financial and background checks, along with two letters of reference from current residents. According to CNBC, about 10% of the condos on the ship are put up for sale each year.
The average ownership period for a condo is seven to eight years, during which residents have the opportunity to travel the world. Some residents leave the ship to be closer to specialist medical services or to spend time with family. Minarik admits that being away from his children and grandchildren is one of the biggest challenges of life on the ship, although he and his wife try to balance family and their passion for exploration.
The World is currently the world’s most exclusive “floating residence.” While MV Narrative, another luxury residential ship under construction, has been delayed and was scheduled to set sail in 2027, Life at Sea was canceled in November 2023. Some passengers sold their businesses and homes to take the cruise, but the trip was canceled because the operator could not find a suitable ship.
