The world, recognised as the largest privately owned residential mega yacht, is docked at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. Recent cruise ship trend reports indicate soaring occupancy rates and an extended booking horizon for the world's leading cruise lines. As the only ship of its kind in operation, here's a glimpse of what this floating community offers:
Origins: Launched in 2002, this floating marvel stretches an impressive 196 meters.
Living: With 165 residences, ranging from cosy studios to spacious flats, The World offers a diverse range of living options.
Amenities: On board, passengers enjoy a plethora of amenities, including world-class restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a cutting-edge golf simulator.
Crew: The vessel is manned by a crew of 280.
Journey: Embarking on a global adventure, The World traverses the seas, spending 2 to 5 days in each port to allow passengers ample time to explore.
Destinations: Passengers participate in shaping the itinerary, with destinations selected two years in advance to include a diverse array of cultures and landscapes.
Residency: Some passengers call The World home year-round, while others opt for seasonal stays.
Sustainability: Leading the charge in eco-friendly practices, The World boasts innovative wastewater cleaning systems and strives to minimise its environmental footprint.
South Africa is a favoured destination among the passengers, with the yacht having visited on seven previous occasions. Several South African families call The World home.
On what makes the yacht unique, one South African said: “We as shareholders decide and establish the ship’s annual itinerary of countries to visit well in advance, and include expeditions to remote areas. In my opinion, having a private apartment on The World is far better than, and less challenging than, the responsibilities associated with private ownership of one’s own super yacht.”
Saturday Star