Luxury Living on The High Seas

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Courtesy of The World

From the luxury homes that serve as private sanctuaries to the vibrant community that thrives within its walls, every aspect of life aboard The World is curated to create an unparalleled lifestyle at sea.

Imagine taking in awe-inspiring, ever-changing views from your home… as it sails the world. One day you’re watching a colony of Antarctica’s King penguins preening and nesting outside your window, and a few months later you’re gazing at Cape Town’s Table Mountain or the French Riviera. That’s what life is like for those lucky enough to own a home aboard one of the world’s most luxurious mega-yachts, aptly named The World.

With only 165 residences onboard, each has its own distinctive narrative when it comes to design. These unique abodes, from elegant studios to spacious three-bedroom homes, are personalised to reflect each resident’s specific interior preferences and individual tastes – think sleek, ultra-modern interiors to the more traditional.

Many homes onboard feature the same design elements as their land-based counterparts, such as full-size kitchens, walk-in wardrobes, luxe sitting areas for lounging, marble en-suite bathrooms with separate tubs and showers – and yes, even a special place for a private wine collection.

Customising one of these homes is a unique experience in terms of logistics as there are numerous “moving parts” to renovating onboard a ship. Strict regulations govern refurbishments and material installations onboard ships, ensuring not only the safety of the vessel but also the utmost comfort for all aboard. Residents can make minor interior tweaks, such as installing new furniture, painting walls, replacing drapery or adding new wall coverings, at any time during the year as long as they meet these maritime guidelines. Major alterations like changing the interior layout of an apartment are completed during designated refurbishment time slots (generally two per year), or when the ship goes into dry dock every three years.

During the renovation process, residents are assisted by members of the ship’s management team. They work closely with a network of top designers and architects familiar with the maritime industry to deliver luxurious interiors that meet the residents’ needs. No two homes aboard The World are alike.

The ship’s common areas exude the same luxurious living experience. Here, every corner of the vessel fosters a deep sense of community. There are numerous cosy nooks, restaurants or informal meeting points like the lobby (often referred to as the residents’ living room) to socialise with fellow residents.

They say it’s not the destination but the journey that matters… and what better way to travel than aboard your own floating oasis? | aboardtheworld.com

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