The World: Life on the largest privately owned residential mega-yacht

When Jenny Smith* and her late husband bought a home on The World “residential yacht” they knew they were in for a life aboard filled with luxury.

But, what she didn’t expect was the embrace of the ship’s community, “and that’s something you can never, ever, put a price on”, she says.

“My husband and I loved travelling and living on The World, I mean look around – how could you not!” Smith says.

“You become so close with all the other residents, families and crew. When my husband passed away, it was like coming back to one big hug and I am truly grateful for that. It’s so special.”

Another resident agrees, saying, “As time passes, neighbours become travel companions and travel companions become good friends.

“Above all, we offer each other comfort, good company, and lots of laughter.”

It’s a floating home away from home for Smith, whose main residence is in blue-chip Mosman, Sydney.

She points out her house to the crowd during the much-anticipated sail into Sydney Harbour – one of the 100-or-so ports of call around the globe the ship visited this year.

“We have residents from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and South Africa,” says The World residential director Eddie Wong. “They’re all very active and love adventure and travel.

“Some of the world’s most successful, most powerful people own homes on here, but once you embark on the ship, none of that matters.

“It really does feel like one big family.”

It’s a sentiment that rings true from the captain’s bridge to the galley and the luxury private residences in between – and boy, were there some incredible homes to admire when we joined them for a few days.

If dreaming of prestigious houses on land doesn’t quite scratch that itch for you, if transacting property in Sydney’s Point Piper, Melbourne’s Toorak or Brisbane’s New Farm falls short of satisfaction, then set your sights to sea.

Join us aboard The World. Launched in 2002, it’s the world’s largest privately owned residential mega-yacht and the only operating concept of its kind.

It has 165 luxury residences and an unimaginable lifestyle of global exploration that’s renowned for its journeys to many of the world’s most remote and undiscovered regions.

It’s hard not to get swept up in all the glamour. The grand entrance into the lobby makes you feel like you’re stepping into a whole other world.

A smile and glass of champagne greets me at the impeccably-styled reception and I’m handed the keys to a $6.5 million apartment for the next three nights. Goodbye old me, for now.

“Cruise” is a bit of a dirty word on here, “because the life you live on The World is incomparable to that”, says senior general manager Thomas Legner.

“On a cruise, nobody knows each other, people pass during the day without a blink, they don’t stop to say hello, they are strangers. That is opposite to what we offer.

“The vision behind The World was to create a way in which travellers never had to leave. Residents can sail for as long as they wish and from the comfort of their own home. Best of all, they don’t need to unpack.”

The World Australia ambassador Craig Bowen says residents spend their days exploring, then return to the comforts of home.

“You’ll sleep in your own bed surrounded by family photos … and other personal possessions. You’ll be pampered from sunup to sundown by knowledgeable and experienced staff who know your personal preferences.”

On sailing days, there is plenty to do on the ship. The spa and wellness centre is a favourite with residents, who can book in for a massage, a manicure, a haircut and more.

There are four restaurants, six more casual dining options and five bars, a gourmet deli with delicious snacks, and an extensive library with daily papers from around the globe.

The fitness centre has a fully equipped gym with group classes and personal training, and there’s a golf putting green and pickleball court.

Add a medical centre and a theatre for shows and movie nights – and how could I forget the top-deck pool that glows at night.

Honestly, that’s just scraping the surface.

Every day, Bulgari hand soap immaculately wrapped in pleated tissue paper appears in the bathroom and the fragrance of fresh flowers fills the apartment.

The ship’s daily newsletter, Our World Today, awaits in your letterbox with port information, on-board news, the entertainment, events, sport and fitness programs, and the chef’s daily specials.

There’s also a section with Wong’s residential showings for the day.

“Homes range from fully renovated Ocean Studios with marble floors and open-plan living, to the Ocean Residences with three bedrooms and a prime mid-ship location,” he says.

“Each apartment can be customised to suit owners’ tastes. Just like you can change the interior design of a house, residents can make cosmetic alterations to their homes during dry dock.

“The only part they can’t change is the kitchen, for safety reasons.”

The residences include 106 apartments, 19 studio apartments and 40 studios, and they range from a 30-square-metre one-bedroom to a 301-square-metre three-bedroom.

Prices range from $US2.5 million to $US15 million, plus annual ownership costs based on the square footage. But there are a limited number available for resale.

The World’s captains and residents collectively determine the ship’s yearly itinerary three years in advance by a community-wide vote.

This year, it’s been on a thrilling expedition to Antarctica, before heading to South America, east and south Africa, the Maldives, south and east Asia, Hawaii and Papua New Guinea – just to name a few.

“Through the window in my living room, amazing views of the Amalfi Coast, the cliffs of Hawaii, and the icefields of Antarctica glide past,” a resident says.

Bowen adds that every few days you’ll walk out of your front door “to a new and exciting part of the world – it’s the ultimate adventure in total luxury”.

Owning a home on The World is far more than an escape from reality for we mere mortals but a very real sanctuary for an exclusive few.

The ultimate in unbothered luxury where you can indulge to the utmost degree, yes, but also where you can share in memories from around the globe which will last a lifetime. Now that’s the kind of richness I want in my life.

On The World, the world is truly your oyster.

*Name has been altered for privacy reasons.