It is described as a residence at sea and believed to be the only cruise ship of its kind offering private residences to guests enabling them to experience a community on board. The World was launched in 2002 and has since been to over 125 countries and most recently transported guests on this ‘floating city’ around Europe.

Following an extensive tour of the Middle East in April, The World sailed into Europe to discover the delights of Greece, Turkey and Croatia and on to the Mediterranean to extensively tour of Italy, France and Spain with leisurely stops at ports including Venice, Syracuse, Portofino, Nice and Barcelona. The World offers an incredible itinerary for the remainder of 2010 sailing to Brazil and Argentina culminating in a two week expedition to Antarctica at the end of the year. Extensive tours of the Caribbean, Seychelles, Madagascar and South Africa take place in 2011.

Life aboard The World is like no other sailing experience: Elegant and intimate surroundings, impeccable service and excellent onboard facilities make it feel like a home away from home. The World is also known for its intriguing itineraries and unique voyages to some of the most exciting places on the planet. With longer stays in port and well researched excursions in smaller groups, The World offers the chance to travel at your own pace in utter luxury in the company of adventurous and like-minded fellow Explorers.

For the remainder of 2010 the following expeditions are available:

Greenland Expedition:
The World comes to Greenland in September 2010 - the “birthplace of icebergs” and largest island in the world for a ten day exploration. Viking ruins stoically mark the arrival of Nordic settlers many centuries ago; thousands of years before that, prehistoric Paleo-Eskimo tribes found their way here. This time of year, numerous whale species ply the arctic waters, from the colossal blue and fin whales to the somewhat more diminutive minke, beluga, sperm and pilot. Large seal colonies and herds of walrus bask in the waning rays of the sun along the jagged shoreline.

Antarctica Expedition:
The World explores Antarctica in Christmas 2010 - “The Ice” is the world’s fifth-largest continent, technically an ice-encrusted desert nearly 1.5 times the size of the United States. Fractured chunks of polar ice bob in the crystalline waters and sculpted ice bergs serve as giant pool floats for colonies of Penguins and seals. Kayaks and Zodiacs allow you access to land, your footsteps dwarfing those of the tuxedo-clad natives.

The all new 2011 itinerary is as follows:

Andes Exploration – February 6 to 24, 2011 Valparaiso (Chile) • Iquique • Pisco • Callao (Lima) • Salaverry (Trujillo) • Guayaquil (Ecuador)

South Caribbean Crest – March 9 to 19, 2011 Oranjestad (Aruba) • Kralendijk • Willemstad • Isla Margarita • Bridgetown (Barbados)

Sunny Side to the Big Apple – April 11 to 28, 2011 Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) • Key West • Fort Lauderdale • Nassau • New York City

Vineyard Treats – May 16 to 24, 2011 Lisbon (Portugal) • Oporto (Leixoes) • Gijon • Bordeaux (France)

From Dickens to Shetland Ponies – June 5 to 17, 2011 London (England) • Newcastle • Edinburgh (Scotland) • Lerwick (Scotland)

Principalities & Masquerades – September 23 to October 7, 2011 Monte Carlo (Monaco) • Lefkada Island (Nydri) • Hvar • Trieste • Venice (Italy)

Turkish Delights – October 31 to November 09 2011 Istanbul (Turkey) • Canakkale • Dikili • Izmir • Kusadasi • Chania, Crete (Greece)

There are 165 residences aboard The World.  Residences range in approximate price from US$825,000 to US$7.7 million.  As of June 2006, all of the homes aboard the vessel have been sold. There are a select number of resale residences currently available for purchase.  Annual maintenance fees are additional and based on square footage.

Many private residences are available for a vacation stay.  A minimum six-night stay is required and rates range from $1,400 - $4800 per night, for two guests including meals, select beverages, port charges and gratuities. 

There is always time to unwind onboard The World. Soak up the scenery from the pool deck, dine in one of the four signature, gourmet quality restaurants or pamper yourself in the 7,000 square-foot Banyan Tree Spa. Hone your golf skills with the onboard golf pro who can also arrange outings to some of the world’s best courses.