MS The World

MS The World is a residential cruise ship. Unlike other cruise ships, which operate like a resort, it is operated like a condominium complex, with large cabins that can be purchased. The residents, from about 19 countries, live on board as the ship travels. Some residents choose to live on board full-time while others visit periodically throughout the year.[1] The ship is operated by ROW Management, Ltd., headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States.[2]

The World in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
History
Name: The World
Operator: ROW Management, Ltd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Port of registry:  Bahamas
Builder: Fosen Mek. Verksteder A/S in Rissa, Norway
Yard number: N.71
Laid down: 2001
Launched: 28 February 2001
Completed: 20 February 2002
Identification:
Status: Not in service (privately owned)
General characteristics
Type: Residential cruise ship
Tonnage: 43,188 GT
Length: 196.35 m (644 ft 2 in)
Beam: 29.8 m (97 ft 9 in)
Draft: 6.7 m (22 ft 0 in)
Decks: 12
Installed power: Marine diesel
Speed: 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h; 21.3 mph)
Capacity: 150-200 passengers average
Crew: 280

The ship has 165 residences (106 apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios), all owned by the ship's residents. Average occupancy is 150–200 residents and guests.

The World is registered in The Bahamas and has a gross tonnage of 43,188. It is 196.35 metres (644 ft 2 in) long, 29.8 metres (98 ft) wide, and has a 6.7-metre (22 ft) draft, 12 decks, and a maximum speed of 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h; 21.3 mph). The crew numbers approximately 280.

As of 28 January 2017 The World holds the world record for the southernmost ship voyage. The record was broken by her Captain Dag H. Sævik, and the 63 residents on board at the time as well as crewmembers. The ship reached 78°43•997´S and 163°41•421´W at the Bay of Whales in Antarctica’s Ross Sea.[3]

In March 2020 the ship was emptied of passengers and non-essential crew because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] As of 4 February 2021, the owners said it will resume service in April 2021.[5]

Original concept and construction

The ship was the idea of Knut Kloster, whose family had a long history in the marine industry.[1] The hull was built in Landskrona, Sweden, by Öresundsvarvet, and it was then towed to Fosen Mekaniske Verksted in Rissa, Norway, for completion. The vessel was launched in March 2002 and purchased by its residents in October 2003.

The management company is responsible for operations and administration of the ship, including hiring the employees. The residents, through their elected board of directors and a network of committees, provide guidance to the management about the ship's itinerary, finances, and lifestyle.[1]

Facilities

The ship has a large lobby, deli and grocery store, a boutique and showroom, fitness center, billiard room, golf simulator and putting greens, a full-sized tennis court, jogging track, a spa, swimming pool, and cocktail lounges.[1]

There are six restaurants for dining that supplement the kitchens or kitchenettes in most of the residences.[1] For on-board entertainment there is a movie theater, library and music performances.[1] In addition to shore excursions, various classes have been offered on board.[1] The World provides internet access in each residence.

Northwest Passage transits

Setting sail from Nome, Alaska, U.S. on 18 August 2012 and reaching Nuuk, Greenland on 12 September 2012, The World became the largest passenger vessel at the time to transit the Northwest Passage.[6][7] The ship, carrying 481 passengers and crew, for 26 days and 4,800 nautical miles (8,900 km) at sea, followed in the path of Captain Roald Amundsen, the first sailor to complete the journey in 1906.[8] In 2019, the ship traversed the Passage from east to west, becoming the 300th vessel to make the voyage, and the largest to do so in both directions.

COVID-19
The ship in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in October 2020

In March 2020 the ship unloaded all passengers and non-essential crew because of concern about COVID-19 infection.[9][10]

In April 2020, the ship was asked to leave the port of Fremantle, Australia. The government of New Zealand received a request to let the ship shelter in a local port. This request was denied, as New Zealand had banned cruise ships (and non-New Zealand residents) from entering the country. As of August 2020, the ship was in lay-berth in Falmouth, United Kingdom.[11] As of 21 September 2020, the ship was in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, the company has announced the ship will resume service in April 2021.[12]

See also

References
  1. Hallman, J. C. (October 2009). "A House Is a Machine to Live In". The Believer. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
  2. "The World — Contact Us". aboardtheworld.com. ResidenSea. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
  3. "New record set for furthest south ship has ever sailed". RNZ. Radio New Zealand. 31 January 2017. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  4. Cruise Industry News: "The World also lays up" 17 March 2020
  5. https://aboardtheworld.com/journey/2021-journey/
  6. "The World gets green light to transit Northwest Passage". nunatsiaqonline.ca. Nunatsiaq News - Nortext Publishing Corporation. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  7. "Shrinking ice makes Nunavut more accessible to cruise ships, but money stays on board". nunatsiaqonline.ca. Nunatsiaq News - Nortext Publishing Corporation. 4 September 2012. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  8. "Northwest Passage with Raul Touzon". 30 September 2012 – via YouTube.
  9. Luxury private cruise ship is making star shapes off West Australia coast. 10daily. Australia. 14 April 2020. (geolocked)
  10. "The World also lays up". Cruise Industry News. 17 March 2020.
  11. Jones, Nicholas. "Covid 19 coronavirus: The World, Residences at Sea ship sought New Zealand refuge, documents reveal". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  12. https://aboardtheworld.com/journey/2021-journey/ (access-date 4 February 2021)
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