by Linda Coffman
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The World of ResidenSea at anchor
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We gathered at the railing on a late-April morning to watch as the Wind Surf prepared to dock in Portimao, Portugal. Off in the distance, a ship sat serenely at anchor. She was the newly launched floating city, The World of ResidenSea.
An intriguing blend of gracious private residences and luxury suites, The World was set to explore her namesake and enter the Mediterranean on her maiden voyage. She might just turn up anywhere in the world and a week later she arrived in Barcelona, Spain where we got a closer look.
A WORLD OF STYLE & SATISFACTION
On board The World, occupants of the 110 apartments and 88 guest suites experience an extraordinary level of service and the pleasure of visiting the world's most coveted cities, highlighted by extended stays for major events. How about Cannes for the Film Festival? Perhaps the excitement of Monaco's Grand Prix or Carnival in Rio are more your stylejust stay on board as The World takes you there. As we noted while she followed in our wake through the western Mediterranean, there's no rush from port to port. The World focuses on leisurely extended stays in world-class destinations, affording owners and guests the most valuable commodity in travelthe time to delve into the history and culture of the places they visit.
While at sea, The World offers a myriad of amenities to delight and amuse residents. The spacious two and three bedroom apartments range from 1106 to 3242 square feet and include living and dining room areas and balconies, as well as fully equipped kitchens. Owners have everything at their fingertips, but the ship's facilities offer even more. Don't feel like cooking? Have a chef drop in to prepare dinner or pick up something from the gourmet deli. Then spend the evening at a movie or in the casino. Restaurants, shopping, social functions, entertainment, lectures, concerts, fine art exhibitions, and a huge library are but steps away.
For health and fitness, two swimming pools, tennis courts, golf center, and spa await. If a sauna or spa treatment are too tame, jog on the track or head to the retractable marina for water sports. Sound like a typical luxury cruise ship? Yes. And no.
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Guest Suite
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Location, location, location... chic apartments sporting the supreme waterfront address range in price from $2.25 to $7.5 million. Of course, even the most discerning owners won't always be in residence and rentals are available in varying time segments.
Guest suites are an all-inclusive option for those of us who aren't in the market for a vacation home. Including roundtrip economy air transportation, transfers, porterage, port charges, meals, and beverages, including an extensive selection of fine wines and spirits, plan on spending $5,600 to $12,700 per person for a one week pre-planned voyage (depending on the suite accommodations selected). Early booking and advanced payment incentives bring the cost down somewhat. In the ultra-luxury cruise market, those fares are not out of this world.
SPINE FILMS DELIVERS THE WORLD
For those of us who can only dream about a voyage on this lavish vessel, Spine Films delivers "ResidenSeaThe Floating City" to our dens. An exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse of The World, the one hour television show will premier on The Travel Channel on Monday, September 23 from 9-10 PM (ET/PT).
Spine Films was granted exclusive access to this remarkable and revolutionary concept in ocean going living. Don't miss the opportunity for a glimpse into The World lifestyle, with enough interior shots to satisfy the most avid ship aficionado's curiosity.
Fast Facts
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The World docked in Barcelona, Spain
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40,000 GRT
644 feet in length
97.8 feet in width
Draft 22 feet
12 decks
19 knots maximum speed
The World's capacity is a maximum of 1090 people. The estimated average occupancy of the 110 apartments and 88 Guest Suites is 285 residents and guests.
The crew consists of approximately 252 Scandinavian officers, European waiters, and international hotel, housekeeping, and social staff.
During the first two years of service, itineraries will feature ports of call throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, the United States, Caribbean, and South America.
Around the clock services include a concierge staff, housekeeping, security and medical personnel, catering, beauty salon, travel agency, and laundry and dry cleaning services.
A business and conference center features modern communications facilities with office machines and a secretarial service. Apartments have fax and modem access.
"ResidenSea - The Floating City" is a co-production with Spine Films and The Travel Channel; Produced by Amy Miller and Executive Produced by Josh and Jonathan Rosen.
Exterior Illustrations © CruiseDiva.com & Guest Suite Photo Courtesy of ResidenSea
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