Passport to The World

Launched in 2002, the brainchild of Norwegian shipping magnate, Knut Kloster, The World’s 165 Residences comprise studios, two and three-bedroom units (every one with a balcony) and a penthouse positioned sublimely on the bow. Apartment interiors are entirely up to the residents, who frequently carry out upgrades when in port.

Owners hail from 20 countries, sharing an interest in world cultures, history and adventure. There are no rentals, no Airbnb. Some owners live on board all year round, others spend three to six months, joining the itinerary at the point that appeals to them.

In addition to purchase prices, which range from US$2 million to US$15 million, annual ownership costs based on the square footage of the apartments are charged to cover operations, crew, food and beverage onboard, service and maintenance.

The vessel circumnavigates the globe every two to three years, visiting around 100 ports, and residents are able to undertake various expeditions, often accompanied by internationally renowned scientists, explorers, authors or naturalists. Every three years, The World docks at a yard in Barcelona for a one-month period of maintenance and refit.

Docked at Brisbane’s passenger ship terminal, The World exerts a majestic presence. But a cruise ship she is not; more a luxury villa complex that roams the globe seeking all things epicurean, replete with 5-star amenities.

Media are rarely given access to The World and her denizens. It’s their private enclave, their home. And what a home! The ambience on board is one of an impeccably appointed superyacht, with heritage features, such as teak decks and the steel railed glass staircase, melded masterfully with contemporary spaces and styling. The lobby and communal spaces are at once grand and intimate.

More like a neighbourhood than a ship, restaurants are authentic in their street presence and their fare – East is the Pan-Asian inspired restaurant, Portraits the fine dining room with Art Deco elements, while Tides offers Mediterranean cuisine, the Poolside Grill has a burger and salad menu, and Fredy’s Deli is a gourmet marketplace and delicatessen that wouldn’t be out of place in London, New York or Melbourne.

Then at the stern is Marina, which is utterly beguiling like a private club from Hollywood’s golden age. The menu comprises steaks and seafood with an impressive wine and cocktail list, enhanced by jaw-dropping views from the aft deck – indoors over the heated pool, or outdoors at the water’s edge.

Just as in a luxury condominium on land, chefs are at the beck and call of residents who can arrange private dining with a menu to suit for a special occasion or a pleasant night in.

Residents can also enjoy the 15,000-bottle wine cellar, which has earned Best Ship accolade from The World of Fine Wine 10 years in a row, the Cigar Club for connoisseurs of tobacco, cognac and Scotch, bars on various levels, including the Regatta Bar, home to The World Yacht Club which hosted America’s Cup crew celebrations when it visited Auckland in 2003.

There are a dozen clubs and classes on board, catering to sailing, diving, golf, poker and pilates! Colosseo Theatre shows current and classic films, as well as lectures and presentations from authors, professors, scientists and Nobel laureates.

In addition, there are fashion and fine jewellery boutiques, a conference centre, state-of-the-art golf simulator, full-time pro and Golf Club with reciprocal rights for rounds on some of most exclusive international courses, library, art gallery, children’s games room, two pools and the only full-size regulation tennis court at sea.

On the bow, a helipad and chopper are used for medical purposes and as an advance scout when The World visits polar regions, to check for viable routes through the ice and wildlife ahead of guided forays.

The fully-equipped Spa and Wellness Centre employs full-time therapists and PTs, and if all this activity is just too much, Bali Beds at the stern of Deck 12 are the ideal spot to chill for a night under the stars.

Despite this opulence, homely touches ensure The World is warm and welcoming. Plaques from the hundreds of ports they’ve visited over the past two decades adorn the halls on one level, and original artworks feature throughout the vessel, including the owner’s choice of art outside their abode.

“An international community of global adventurers, sharing a thirst for knowledge” is how residents describe themselves, and their itineraries – as voted by a resident committee – would inspire envy in even the most intrepid traveller.

Among their many expeditions are hiking in Grenada’s Grand Etang rainforest, a sunset camel safari in Western Australia, diving in St. Barts, golf at Scotland’s Kingsbarns, watching the running of the bulls from a private Pamplona apartment, kayaking among icebergs and friendly penguins in Antarctica, a private audience with chefs at the three-Michelin-star restaurant el Bulli in Spain, and witnessing tribal dances in Papua New Guinea.

On this latest sojourn in Australia commencing in August 2024, The World visited Darwin, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Thursday Island, Cooktown and K’gari (Fraser Island).

The Australian stopover – the first since 2020 – was part of the ship’s 2024 voyage to six continents including Antarctica, South and East Africa, South Asia, Indonesia, South Pacific and Australasia.

The Australian leg began with an expedition to The Kimberley, exploring the coastline and inlets aboard RIBs, enjoying helicopter flights to Mitchell Falls and light planes to the Bungle Bungles. The landscape, ancient art forms, wildlife, and tidal features at Montgomery Reef were highlights of this ancient and remote region still largely untouched by tourism.

During the four-night stay in Brisbane, residents arranged itineraries that included golf, tours of vineyards followed by lunch, sightseeing in the city and catching up with friends and family, often at private estates in the hinterland.

As an interloper on board, I was greeted by the characteristic charm and courtesy of crew and at every turn, genuine smiles from residents; those reading in the café, browsing the boutique, selecting cheese and fruit from the deli, or heading to the gym for a session.

Along with a thirst for adventure, this is another trait residents share, explained Bowen. When asked by media keen to learn about The World as a real estate venture with ROI on investment, owners are delighted to provide one response: “Happiness.”

aboardtheworld.com