Cruise - See The World: From Home

A roving home on the high seas may sound like a thing of fairy tales or pirates, but the world's largest residential cruise liner makes it a reality for its residents.

Aptly named The World, the apartments on this giant yacht range from studios to three-bedroom apartments, and homeowners spend all or parts of the year in their luxury suites.

Different itineraries are chosen each year by vote of every passenger on the boat. The length of time the yacht stays in each port varies from 2 to 5 days, during which time passengers enjoy the culture and experience of each destination.

The World finished up 2007 visiting Spain, the Canary Islands, and Morocco. According to the boat's website, 2008's circuit includes the coast of Africa, Greece, Egypt and the Spanish island of Mallorca, among other inspiring destinations.

The boat is 44,000 tons and built of Norwegian engineering. The 12-story yacht carries, in addition to her passengers, more than 250 crew members. At 644 feet long and nearly 100 feet wide, the yacht clips along at a maximum speed of 18.5 knots. She sailed her maiden cruise in spring 2002; since then at least four more similarly conceived ocean residency ships have been built.

There are a total of 165 apartment or studio units on this luxury liner. The price of an apartment ranges anywhere from just under a million to $6.3 million dollars. Each residence includes all furnishings and appliances, a private veranda, and a gourmet kitchen.

The vessel's website presents the yacht in the light of a community where everyone has equal ownership of the experience. While there is plenty of personal space, there is also the element of a social atmosphere where residents enjoy each other's company. Descriptions of the amenities give the impression of the glittering facets of a shimmering jewel, while simultaneously including the cushion it sits upon. This is luxury at its finest, as well as all the comforts of home.

Residents on boat come from as many as 40 different countries at any one time. While capable of accommodating more than a thousand individuals, the yacht carries a varying number of passengers and their guests that tops off around 300. This honors part of the original concept that drove the creation of The World: to keep a higher crew-to- passenger ratio in order to provide the finest possible service for all onboard.

The liner boasts a library, a business center, even a museum. Food options on board are numerous. Four restaurants are available, and there's even the opportunity to have a chef come to your home and prepare a meal of your choice for yourself or your guests. There is also a small grocery store and a delicatessen and even a poolside grill. In addition to these choices, many ports-of-call have local markets.

For those with a sports bent, a gym, spa and tennis courts, among other amenities, are present within this floating city, not to mention sailboats, kayaks and water skiing. It's all there.

Entertainment on board ship takes many forms. A movie theatre, musical performances, as well as classes scheduled in everything from cooking to photography are available. This says nothing of the exciting possibilities ashore at every port.

Potential buyers who are uncertain about investing in home ownership aboard The World can vacation on the ship in luxury residences for upwards of a thousand dollars a night. Additional guests pay a more nominal fee. Reservations must be for at least six nights, but they may be as long as desired.

And not to worry. There's high-speed internet access in every residence to keep you connected wherever you are in The World.