152 | theceomagazine.comtepping on board The World takes you out of this world. Literally. This
floating luxury apartment block – circumnavigating the globe every two
to three years, and with nearly 300 crew catering to its residents’ every
whim – is a world most will never experience. Those who do, have a unique
understanding of this private sphere.
The residents who live in this exclusive world own it, forming a fiercely
protective community where mundane chatter about private jets, yachts and
multiple homes is bandied about while passing the salt. To be eligible to buy
one of the 165 apartments on board, a net worth of US$10 million – or a net
income of US$1 million – is required in order to honour financial commitments
on board and protect the residents from unstable economic climates.
Built by Norwegian shipping magnate Knut Utstein Kloster and launched
in 2002, this 196-metre long, 12-deck-high residential ship, boasting six
restaurants, multiple bars and the only full-size tennis court at sea, was
purchased by its own residents the following year. It’s owned today by 142
families from 19 countries, with on-board occupancy usually ranging from
150 to 200 residents and guests. Surprisingly, the average age of residents
is relatively young, between 50 and 60, with many flitting back and forth from
the ship to meet business commitments around the world.
Organised up to two years in advance by the residents and the captain,
voyage itineraries incorporate a varying wish-list of global destinations and
provide notice for those with tight schedules. »INDULGE | A life at seaTRAVELLING THE WORLD WHILE STAYING
AT HOME IS THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR
A SELECT GROUP OF MULTIMILLIONAIRES
WHO COMBINE BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE.WORDS WENDY KAY • IMAGES THE WORLDs
Step into
another
world