When the concept of The World was first mooted, back in the 90s, there was a certain amount of scepticism about the success of the project (not least from me). Even once the ship was built and travelling the world, the experience was not quite what the original residents had in mind, and so it was that they acquired ownership of the vessel from the banks, and took control of its future. Now all of the homes aboard The World, the only private residential community at sea, have been successfully sold. Having reached this milestone, emulation could become the highest form of flattery for this pioneering second-home lifestyle. But what sets The World apart from those who may come after? Is it her amenities or her itineraries, her private ownership or her skilled management team?

Contrary to what many people believe, every unit of accommodation on the vessel is now owned by the residents: whilst they may then choose to make their homes available to others through the rental programme, ultimately they can control who travels on the ship. There are only 165 residences, which include 40 studios, 19 one and two-bedroom studio apartments and 106 two and three-bedroom apartments. At any given time, there is only an average of 150-200 passengers on the vessel, giving unprecedented levels of space and quality of service.

James St. John III, President of ResidenSea Management, Ltd., the management company behind the vessel says “The World is not a concept. We created this new lifestyle category and we remain the only vacation home at sea,”. “While we remain the first and only at this time, we also recognize that the concept is pretty compelling. We’ve been so successful that luxury brands lending their reputation to backing efforts, as well as newcomers, are trying to imitate her. We welcome the competition.”

Regular announcements are made of similar projects, from Magellan in Dallas, to the Four Seasons project, to The Orphalese. Of course, these paper plans do not comprise The World’s only competition – gated communities, private islands, private yachts, clubs and villas as well as five star resorts might all appeal to the very same people who enjoy the lifestyle The World affords its Residents and Guests.

It is important to remember that this is no cruise ship. Residents of the vessel explore the globe taking their vacation home with them. Unlike a conventional cruise ship, The World lingers in each port for several days – sometimes up to seven – to allowing for in-depth exploration ashore. The World welcomes Guests, and they join and enjoy the company of residents with a deeply vested interest in the ship and the onboard lifestyle. For six-night minimum stays, Guests travel aboard The World in a fashion entirely different than aboard a typical cruise ship or resort since they rent private homes. Residents and guests come and go as they choose and may stay onboard for days, weeks or months at a time.

Relaxation and exploration take the lead with offerings such as The World Spa by Banyan Tree, great fitness facilities, and excursions to experience ports that last for several days. Other top amenities include a retractable marina; a gourmet market & delicatessen; an art gallery and art collection; a theatre; four distinct restaurants including East, an authentic Asian restaurant and sushi bar, The Marina, for seafood, steak and rotisserie, Portraits, a haute cuisine restaurant, and Tides, a Mediterranean venue with a Northern Italian flair; a library; a cigar lounge; a lobby bar; two swimming pools; full size tennis courts; putting greens and driving ranges using eco-sensitive golf balls that dissolve in the ocean; a golf simulator; a fully equipped fitness centre, a promenade and a jogging track.

Guests enjoy 24-hour concierge and room services, medical facilities and on board doctors and nurses on call 24-hours a day; and a helicopter landing pad.