When it was launched in 2002, there was little doubt that the World was a very unique cruise ship. There are 110 owner-occupied residences and 88 different guest suites. This is not only a very luxurious cruise ship but also one where guests can sail around the world without ever having to leave the comfort of their own home!

The World Cruise Ship is a floating residential community which is completely owned by its residents. The current residents are from 40 different countries and they live on board as the ship circumnavigates the globe. The ship stays in ports normally for 2 to 5 days. As can be expected some residents will stay onboard all year while others will stay on the ship periodically throughout the year.

The World Cruise ship has a gross tonnage of 43,524 tons. The vessel is 644 feet (196 m) long, 98 feet (30 m) wide, and has a 22-foot (6.7 m) draft, 12 decks, and reaches a maximum speed of 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h). There are 250 crew members onboard.

The ship has 165 residential units (106 apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios), all of which are owned by the ship’s residents. The ship carries anywhere between 100 and 300 residents and their guests.

The ships residents purchased the ship in 2003 and since then everything about the ship is decided by their elected board of directors. The board of directors handles everything from the finances, the itinerary, and lifestyle.

Because of its unique situation there are a few facilities on the World that you might not find on any other cruise ship, including a small grocery store and a delicatessen. There is also a full-sized tennis court, putting green, a full gym, a casino and a golf simulation. There are five restaurants on board that work to supplement the full kitchens in each of the residences. The residences do have to pay to eat in the restaurants. This may be different from vacation liners but on the other hand this rarely full ship will have only at most 400 passengers.

The most impressive feature of this ship is the long port stays. The World allows her guests ample time to experience each of the places she docks. It even plans its itinerary around major events like the Cannes Film Festival, the Grand Prix and the British Open Golf.

There are even larger rooms and apartments for guests with families so that everyone can enjoy living upon the sea. The World Cruise Ship in unparalleled in the entire world and is perhaps the most exclusive type of living.