It cost £182 million to build, it´s as long as an aircraft carrier and it´s populated almost entirely by multi-millionaires. This floating apartment block is the most luxurious cruiseliner in existence, housing 110 extremely plush residences which the well-heeled “buy” for periods of 50 years- the idea being to “travel the world without leaving your home.”
“The World Residensea”, as the ship is known, is the brainchild of Norwegian entrepreneur Knut Kloster Jr., and is currently making its maiden voyage around the world. More a lifestyle option than a cruiseliner, it weighed anchor near Greenwich earlier this month and will be dropping into Cannes next month for the film festival and Monte Carlo for the Grand Prix.
A permanent apartment aboard the floating palace costs between £1.5 and £5 million, and though the names of the owners are being kept secret, it is rumoured that Arnold Schwarzenegger has bought more than one apartment, and that Madonna has also been seduced by the idea of a home on the high seas.
What attracts buyers is not only the chance to have such a prestigious address - literally “The World” - but also the extreme luxury of life on board. Cabins are decked out with twin marble bathrooms, private verandas and décor from a range of interior designers: Nina Campbell, JP Molyneux, Luciano di Pilla and the architects Yran and Storbraaten. The suites include a living room, dining room and fully-equipped kitchen complete with Wedgewood china. Little expense has been spared: Peter Beckwith, a delighted owner and father of 'It-girl' Tamara Beckwith, commented: “I love the ship. If I had developed my properties in the way these have been done I would probably be bankrupt.”
Residensea insists “luxury, security and pampering are offered on every level.” More a lifestyle option than a cruiseliner, the vessel boasts a 300-metre real-grass golf course among its sporting facilities, as well as a retractable marina for water-sports.
International estate agents F.P.D. Savills said there will be many people from the world of racing and golf on board, brushing shoulders with tycoons and minor royalty. Leaving nothing to chance, the company has provided a security team with ghurkas among its members, and a medical centre which includes an operating theatre.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
