ms The World cabins and suites

MS The World has a total of 165 Residences, ranging from Studios to 3-Bedroom Penthouses and a 6-Bedroom Penthouse Suite (accommodating up to 12 passengers). All staterooms have been sold, although some Residences are available for resale and others for rental.

There are also annual maintenance fees based on each apartment’s square footage. The ship offers 40 Studios, 19 One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom Studio Apartments, 106 Two-Bedroom and Three-Bedroom Apartments, and 88 Suites. Prices vary and depend on size, deck location, decor, and market conditions.

Four of the world’s most renowned interior design firms were contracted to style The World’s 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and public spaces. These include Nina Campbell (UK), Juan Pablo Molyneux (JP Molyneux Studio), Di Pilla (TMT Design), and Yran & Storbraaten (maritime design).

Cabin prices (apartment cost, rentals, fees)

This is a modern, large-sized cruise ship you can actually live on. Celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Madonna reportedly own suites onboard. If you can afford the apartment prices below, you may occasionally enjoy the company of such famous neighbors. Apartment sizes vary from 1350 ft² (125 m²) to 3000 ft² (280 m²) — true “cruise ship mansions”.

Short-term rentals are available for select Residences, depending on category, starting at around USD 550 per person per night for a Studio (minimum 5 nights) and reaching up to ~USD 20,000 per month for Suite rentals. Some Ocean Residences can be rented for ~USD 2100 per day. Discounts are offered to repeat guests.

Prospective apartment owners should also know that annual service fees (depending on the property) range from USD 60,000 to USD 300,000. These fees cover onboard staff and crew, fuel, maintenance (including drydocking), port charges, food, and beverages. The entry fee is USD 8 million, which purchases a lease expiring in 2052. Maintenance fees are approximately 5–6% of the apartment’s sale price. Ship occupancy rarely exceeds 200 passengers (owners and their guests).

The following table shows pricing from the ResidenSea brochure (source) for apartments offered for sale during 2016–2018, along with annual maintenance fees.

Below are the rental prices (per night, USD; 2018 rates):

• Studio (290–330 ft² / 27–31 m²) – $1850
• Studio (330–335 ft² / 31 m²) – $1800
• Studio (620–845 ft² / 58–79 m²) – $2400
• 1-Bedroom Apartment (580–675 ft² / 54–63 m²) – $2200
• 2-Bedroom Apartment (870–1010 ft² / 81–94 m²) – $2800
• 2-Bedroom Apartment (1105 ft² / 103 m²) – $3100
• 2-Bedroom Apartment (1135–1390 ft² / 105–129 m²) – $3300
• Penthouse Suite (2470–3240 ft² / 229–301 m²) – $6100

Keep in mind that owners are essentially purchasing a property with a finite lifespan. Passenger ships typically have a service life of 30–40 years, after which they are dismantled (scrapped). This means that apartments on The World are, in reality, long-term leases lasting 30–40 years.

ResidenSea does not publicly disclose the identities of its clients/buyers, but assures that MS The World has no residents with criminal records. Recent updates confirm that all Studios and all 3-Bedroom Apartments are sold out. However, there is always a chance that an owner may decide to sell. To make the offer more appealing, they highlight complimentary perks such as Spa treatments at “Clinique La Prairie,” shopping at Graff’s Boutique, and the ship’s Mini-Golf Course. Prospective buyers must submit a list of their assets, which is verified by ResidenSea’s accountants and lawyers.