Feeling Like a Million on a Global Cruise

Do you fancy cruising around the world with millionaires? For considerably less than a million dollars, you may be able to accomplish this dream next year.

ResidenSea Ltd., the operators of the World, a unique ship being built in Norway that will feature 110 on-board residences, are accepting reservations for 88 “guest suites.” At 259 to 648 square feet versus about 1,100 to 3,350 square feet, their size is considerably less grand than the residences, but then so is the price: starting at $4,995 (including round-trip air, food and wine) for a five-day leg of the ship’s perpetual around-the-world cruise, versus $2 million to $6.8 million to own a residence.

Those with long memories may recall that plans for what were billed as the world’s first “exclusive residential community at sea” were announced with fanfare in 1997. Originally to be launched in 2000 with 250 residences, the project has been scaled down and the maiden voyage delayed to Jan. 24, 2002, according to Fredy Dellis, president and CEO of Bahamas-based ResidenSea Ltd. He said last week that 72 of the 110 residences have been sold.

The 650-foot-long World will include four restaurants, two pools, putting greens, gym, spa, shops and a “retractable marina” at the stern, where passengers can access water sports directly. Silversea Cruises is marketing the guest suites. Tel. (800) 968-9512, Internet https://www.residensea.com.