The world cruise ship
Written on 12:46 PM by Admin
The World is a ship serving as a residential community owned by its residents. The residents, currently from 40 different countries, live on board as the ship slowly circumnavigates the globe — staying in most ports from 2 to 5 days. Some residents live onboard full time while others visit their floating home periodically throughout the year.
The World flies a Bahamas flag and 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 a maximum speed of 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h). The crew numbers 250.
The ship has 165 residential units (106 apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios), all owned by the ship's residents. The ship carries between 100 and 300 residents and their guests.
[edit] Original concept and construction
In Port of Kobe in 2009
In Mackay, Queensland
The World was the idea of Knut U. Kloster Jr., whose family had a long history in the cruise ship industry. The ship was built in Rissa, Norway, by Fosen Mek. Verksteder A/S, and launched in March 2002.
In October 2003, the residents of the vessel purchased The World. 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.
[edit] Facilities
In Juneau, Alaska in 2003
The World has many facilities similar to those on board a regular cruise ship but unique due to the residential nature of the vessel. They include a small grocery store and delicatessen, a boutique, athletic facilities that include a golf simulator, putting green, casino, full-sized tennis court, jogging track and gym.
There are five restaurants that supplement the full kitchens in all 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 dance, navigation, language, cooking, arts and crafts, music, computers, and photography. The World provides Internet access in each residence.
