Did you know that you can travel the world permanently from your own residence? And, with a committee of like-minded neighbours, decide where you go and what you see next? The World is a ship making this dream-like existence a reality for a collection of lucky people from around the world. Officially classed as the world’s largest private residential yacht, The World is a luxurious ship made up of 165 private residences and around 150 families from more than 20 different countries across the globe. Residences range from studios to large three-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens and each comes with outside space. 

Once someone has bought an apartment on The World, they become a part-owner of the ship and so part of the committee that decides everything about how the ship is run. Perhaps most importantly, a committee of residents help decide where they want to go, putting together a thrilling annual itinerary of destinations in conjunction with the Captain and management team that range from the familiar to the truly exotic. Most residents spend around three to six months a year on board, though are welcome to spend as much or as little time as they want on The World; it’s their home, after all. As such, each resident is also invited to customise their residence to their taste, bringing in their own furniture, artwork and wine collections. 

The ship also has its own art collection dotted around its communal areas, and which is decided on by the residents, that ranges from traditional to modern – Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian, which consists of a banana stuck to the wall with duct tape, is a talking point. And stimulation comes in many forms on The World – the residents put together an enticing series of education and entertainment events from wherever they are positioned in the world. A current highlight is the Nobel Laureate Lecture series, which, since 2017, has invited recipients of the award on board to lecture residents about their area of expertise. Former Polish president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Wałęsa was a recent speaker. 

Food and drink are, of course, of upmost importance on The World and the ship has a collection of really wonderful restaurants, bars and cafés. East, the Asian-inspired restaurant, serves everything from fresh sushi to spicy noodles and has the advantage of an award-winning sake menu to choose from. Portraits is a Michelin-quality restaurant that often features world-famous, award-winning guest chefs to takeover the kitchen for a week or two. The more informal Marina restaurant focuses on steak and seafood and has over-the-water seating on an open marina platform that, in the right water, guests can swim from. The World also holds awards for its extensive wine menu and runs regular tasting events with some of the world’s best wineries. 

When heading off on an expedition The World converts into “expedition mode” meaning the menus are less extensive and dress codes less formal while the ship heads into French Polynesia or navigates the Panama Canal, but through the service from the 280 on-board staff remains at the highest level. 

Good health and longevity are as important to The World residents as seeing the world and living life to the fullest. The ship has a well-equipped gym, an extensive fitness programme and personal trainers as well as an active golf club and virtual reality golf simulator or outdoor putting green. It is also the only ship in the world to have a full-size tennis court on its top deck, which also doubles as a pickleball court. Of course,The World offers a broad range of activities – the residents have an active and dedicated diving society as well as runners, kayakers, hikers and swimmers. 

Every two to three years, The World circumnavigates the globe, but on each trip sees something new. It’s the ultimate way to keep seeing the world afresh, with the benefit of scintillating company of like-minded explorers, impeccable service and world-beating gastronomy. 

Prices range from $2m to $15m plus annual ownership costs for studios to three-bedroom homes. Residences range in size from approx. 30sqm to the largest three bedroom home at 301sqm. aboardtheworld.com