Storylines MV Narrative

The 2027-built MV Narrative cruise ship is a newbuild residential vessel operated by the startup company and brand Storylines Residences. The ship is currently under construction at Brodosplit Shipyard (in Split Croatia). The vessel’s (and brand’s) inauguration is planned for Q1 2027 (postponed from Q1 2025).

For similar “residential cruise ship” concepts, you can visit CruiseMapper's Residential Cruise Lines.

In October 2023, Storylines’ CEO (Alister D. Punton) announced that the brand’s startup is planned for 2026, with approximately 50% of MV Narrative’s staterooms (530 total) already sold. The announcement also noted that cruise residences were priced (as of October 2023) between USD 1 million and 8 million, with lifetime lease terms (previously 12 and 24 years), fractional ownership options allowing 25% shares (up to 4 residents per unit), and plans to introduce 50% ownership. A 25% lifetime share costs USD 598,000 (plus USD 26,700 in quarterly fees).

In December 2023, Storylines expanded its co-ownership options to 50% (shared purchase). This option is available for a limited number of residences, with prices ranging between USD 550,000 and USD 4.4 million.

History - construction and ownership

Storylines is a company founded in 2016 and run by Alister Punton and Shannon Lee, both previously involved in land-based real estate and construction projects. After two years of market research, they established a new cruise brand under Storylines Corporation. The company was initially registered in the UK and later in the USA (Delaware, with headquarters in New York City).

In mid-March 2018, Shannon Lee and Alister Punton (Storylines’ co-founders) announced plans to purchase a second-hand liner and convert her into a residential ship, targeting active adults and affluent retirees. According to the initial plans, the vessel would have 302 staterooms (available as cruise condos), offering the opportunity to live at sea part-time or full-time.

Initial condo prices ranged between USD 255,000 and 990,000, with cabin sizes from 185 ft2 (17 m2) to 625 ft2 (58 m2, duplex apartment with balcony on two levels). Monthly service fees ranged between USD 4,770 and 9,600 per person and included onboard dining and entertainment, as well as all operational costs (maintenance, repairs, fuel, port fees, gratuities, professional crew, and financial reserves for unforeseen expenses). Some suites were planned with up to four bedrooms.

In 2018, Storylines contracted Dick Rosman to identify a suitable second-hand vessel among more than 12 cruise ships. Candidates included Grand Celebration, CMV's Magellan and Marco Polo, but negotiations failed and the vessels were eventually sold for scrap.

In late March 2019, Storylines released renderings for its cruise ship, to be named "MV Narrative." Based on these renderings, the 14-deck Grand Classica, owned and operated by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, was rumored as a potential candidate. Initial plans targeted a June 2020 inauguration (departing from Miami Florida) for a 5-year around-the-world voyage, following a USD 40 million drydock refurbishment (3–4 months, January–May) that would reduce cabin capacity by 25% (to 630 condos). Apartments were priced from USD 300,000, with an average entry price of USD 475,000.

In late May 2020, Storylines appointed Paul Read (CEO of Gelen Marine Ltd, specializing in shipbuilding and marine consultancy) as Newbuild Project Manager.

In late July 2021, Gelen Marine announced that the project was progressing well, with the initial ship design nearly completed, full specifications expected in Q4 2021, and construction at Brodosplit planned to begin in Q1 2022.

In mid-September 2019, Storylines confirmed that acquiring a second-hand vessel was no longer an option and that the company would instead build a new ship with a passenger capacity exceeding 1,000 and LNG-fueled propulsion. The vessel design was commissioned to Tillberg Design of Sweden (responsible for interiors and public spaces). Technological features include antifouling hull coatings, artificial intelligence systems, LNG hybrid propulsion (with battery and fuel cell options), WHRS (waste heat recovery system), and a waste cold recovery system using LNG to support HVAC operations.

According to updated plans, the newbuild has a gross tonnage of 55,000 GT, LOA length of 226 m (741 ft), beam of 30 m (98 ft), 17 decks, 627 staterooms (87% with balconies), and a crew of 450+. She also features an aft marina platform for launching watersports craft (speedboats, jet skis, sea kayaks).

Storylines initially announced that fully furnished cruise residences would start at approximately USD 350,000. Owners can lease their Residential Units for 12 to 60 years. With an estimated lifespan of around 40 years, once the ship is decommissioned, owners can transfer into another Storylines vessel without repurchasing, effectively maintaining long-term ownership of their "cruise property." Upon sale of the vessel, proceeds will be distributed among the owners.

In late March 2021, Storylines announced that Croatia’s Brodosplit Shipyard had been contracted to build MV Narrative, and official renderings were released. The announcement stated that the ship would offer fully furnished residences ranging from 235 to 2410 ft2 (22–224 m2), with prices between USD 300,000 (~EUR 250K / GBP 220K) and USD 8 million (~EUR 6.735M / GBP 5.8M) for a duplex penthouse with a two-deck terrace.

Decks and Cabins

Storylines MV Narrative staterooms (547 total) are divided into 5 main cabin types, all categorized as RU (Residential Units).

• RU1.1 "Discover" condos are interior cabins sized 235 ft2 (22 m2) and do not have balconies.
• RU1.3 "Oceanfront" condos are oceanview cabins sized 235 ft2 (22 m2) and do not have balconies.
• RU1.2 "Breeze" condos are balcony cabins sized 335 ft2 (31 m2), including the balcony.
• RU2 "Explore" condos are sized between 375-440 ft2 (35-41 m2), including the balcony.
• RU3 "Indulge" condos are sized 570 ft2 (53 m2), including the balcony.
• RU4 "Breeze" condos are sized between 755-1150 ft2 (70-107 m2), including the balcony.
• RU4.1 "Dream" condos are sized 1315 ft2 (122 m2), including the wraparound balcony.
• RU5 "Global" (2-deck suites / duplex apartments) are sized between 1530-2120 ft2 (142-197 m2), including the terraces.

Note: In August 2022, the number of residences was reduced from 627 to 547, allowing for larger staterooms.

All staterooms are fully furnished and feature full kitchens. Most (87%) include private step-out balconies. The largest accommodations are the forward-facing apartments (2410 ft2 / 224 m2, including an 800 ft2 / 74 m2 terrace with Jacuzzi).

Standard amenities in all staterooms include smart HDTVs (premium satellite package, Wi-Fi Internet, wireless surround sound system), electronic safes, adjustable mood lighting, double beds with queen-size luxury mattresses, under-bed storage (drawers), bedside cabinets, wall-mounted reading lamps, motorized Murphy beds, spacious wardrobes with large mirrors, 4-seat tables, contemporary designer furniture, and luxury bathrooms (wall-hung WC toilet, glass-door shower, single or double vanity with storage).

RU3-RU4-RU5 (tier 3-4-5) condos feature a dedicated workspace (small room with LAN point, high-speed Internet, phone), double sofas (convertible 3-seater couches), walk-in closets, two bathrooms (Master and Guest, one with bathtub), and a dining area (with dry bar, wet bar, 4-seat table, buffet cabinets).

Condo owners can live onboard or rent their properties through Storylines.

The vessel has 16 decks, of which 13 are passenger-accessible and 11 include cabins/apartments.

How much do Storylines condos on MV Narrative cost?

As of 2021, condo prices start at USD 297,000 (EUR 250K / GBP 215K).

Prices (for 12-year leases, including resale values) by cabin type are as follows:

• RU1.1 (335 ft2) USD 340-370K / EUR 286-312K
• RU1.2 (335 ft2) USD 530-580K / EUR 446-488K
• RU1.3 (335 ft2) USD 430-460K / EUR 362-388K
• RU2 (375 ft2) USD 650-700K / EUR 547-590K
• RU3 (570 ft2) USD 910-960K / EUR 766-808K
• RU4 (755 ft2) USD 1.57 million / EUR 1.32M
• RU4 (970 ft2) USD 1.6 million / EUR 1.35M
• RU4 (1075 ft2) USD 1.7 million / EUR 1.43M
• RU4 (1315 ft2) USD 1.85 million / EUR 1.56M
• RU5 (2120 ft2) USD 3.24 million / EUR 2.73M
• RU5 (2175 ft2) USD 3.29 million / EUR 2.77M
• RU5 (1530 ft2) USD 2.8 million / EUR 2.358M

Prices vary not only by type but also by deck location.

Note: In August 2022, it was announced that 24-year lease pricing starts at USD 647,000.

In October 2021, Storylines introduced more affordable accommodation options by reconfiguring some apartments into smaller residences. A total of 84 new staterooms were created, ranging from 910-1415 ft2 (85-132 m2), with prices starting at USD 2.455M. Larger units were also subdivided into studio and 1-bedroom residences sized between 235-755 ft2 (22-70 m2), with prices starting from USD 350,000.

In November 2022, Storylines announced the release of a limited number of residences for shared purchase. Fractional ownership is offered at 25%, allowing up to 4 residents per unit. Shared ownership includes the same amenities as full ownership, with no maintenance responsibilities.

The shared-purchase cabin types include:

• RU4 Dream (67 m2 / 720 ft2, balcony condo) - introductory price for a 25% share is USD 1.275M, with quarterly all-inclusive fees of USD 37,000 (USD 6,167 per person per month based on double occupancy)
• RU2 Explore (35 m2 / 375 ft2, balcony condo) - introductory price for a 25% share is USD 0.598M, with quarterly all-inclusive fees of USD 26,700 (USD 4,450 per person per month based on double occupancy)

Shares are divided by season: March-May, June-August, September-November, and December-February. Fees include food and beverages, housekeeping, laundry, and all onboard amenities.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The new ship design features 45 lounges (private spaces for relaxation, reading, cooking, and bar service, some equipped with Jacuzzis and cabanas), 5 viewing platforms (indoor and outdoor), and 3 swimming pools. Aft-facing lounges overlook the watersports marina. The vessel also features a hydroponic garden farm (5400 ft2 / 502 m2) for growing fresh produce. Instead of a single large dining room, the ship offers 8 smaller dining venues (up to 50 seats each) serving a variety of cuisines prepared from locally sourced ingredients, along with a restaurant dedicated to produce grown onboard.

The total number of restaurants, lounges, and bars is 20.

The Storylines vessel Narrative features the following signature facilities:

• Infirmary (hospital with advanced medical equipment, staffed 24/7 by physicians and nurses; services at extra charge), Pharmacy
• Helideck (forward-located helipad used for tours and emergency transport)
• IMAX Theatre & Show Lounge (two-deck cinema/theater)
• Casino Bar Lounge, Cigar Bar Lounge, Champagne Bar Lounge, Observation Lounge, Sports Bar (with billiards tables)
• Atrium (6-deck-high open space, midship)
• Lounge & Library (3-deck venue with 10,000+ books and board games)
• Resident Artist Studio & Lounge, Education & Enrichment Studio, Founders Circle Concierge Lounge
• Microbrewery (800 L daily capacity)
• Retail Square (duty-free shops and boutiques)
• Classic Arcade (gaming room), Kids Rumpus Room (indoor playground)
• Workspaces (shared and private), meeting rooms, and boardrooms
• Desks and offices (Banking & Postal Services, IT Services, Shore Excursions, Reception, Tech Support)

In October 2021, Storylines announced a deck plan redesign adding new cabins and amenities, including:

• Media Studio (music and video production)
• Kid's Zone (supervised educational and recreational space)
• Laboratory
• Infinity Pool/Jacuzzi
• Pickleball Court, Bowling Alley, Fishing & Tackle Shop, Golf Simulator, Golf Pro Shop
• (Sundeck) Outdoor Cinema, Bali beds (for overnight stargazing)
• Pet Zone (dog walking promenade, daycare, kennels, veterinary and grooming services)

On July 1, 2023, Storylines announced that children onboard MV Narrative can participate in a global learning program (floating school), both onboard and ashore in port destinations.

The vessel features a modern Wellness Center (~930 m2 / 10,000 ft2) including a SPA, gym (with power-generating equipment), anti-aging clinic, beauty salon, massage studio, aerobics studio, smoothie bar, and indoor lap pool. Resident instructors and personal trainers provide yoga and fitness classes.

The ship offers the following restaurants and bars:

• Steak House
• Roadhouse Diner
• Wine Cellar & Bar
• Coffee Roaster Bar
• Bakery, Chocolate Shop, Ice Creamery (patisserie)
• French Bistro
• Italian Restaurant
• Oyster Bar
• Open Kitchen (Hamburger Bar, Snack Bar, Greek Tavern, Mexican Cantina, Tea House, Seafood, Sushi, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Dumplings)
• Food Market & Deli (Lido restaurant with organic farmer’s market)
• Resident Kitchens & Classes, Open Kitchen Dining Area
• Fresh Juice Bar & Health Foods (sundeck)
• Cigar Lounge & Pool Lounge (sundeck)
• Hobby Lounge, Open-Air Tropical Lounge

The aft-located Pool Deck features a marina platform (for watersports activities), Marina Lounge & Cafe, Nightlife & Live Music venue, outdoor swimming pool, and a mudroom (storage for bikes, sports gear, water toys, and scuba equipment). The midship Pool Deck includes one swimming pool, four Jacuzzis, massage jets, Pool Bar & Lounge, and Fish Shack & Burger Grill Bar.

The vessel includes 30 residential lounges with kitchens, 17 laundry rooms, an infirmary with pharmacy, hydroponic garden installations, a pet zone, a helideck with helicopter, and 8 service boats (2 tender boats, 4 lifeboats, 2 rescue boats).

Forward and aft lifts (passenger elevators) and staircases interconnect all decks.

Storylines MV Narrative is an all-inclusive cruise ship offering the following complimentary amenities and services:

• All beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits
• All meals (8 dining venues)
• 24-hour room service
• Access to premium dining (complimentary once per month)
• Use of Chef’s Table kitchen entertainment areas
• Shipwide Wi-Fi Internet and satellite television (smart HDTVs)
• Onboard events and activities, including gratuities
• Home-airport-home transfers
• Self-service laundry (on each cabin deck) and laundry pick-up service (wash and fold)
• Full use of gym facilities and onboard fitness classes (stretching, Tai Chi, yoga)
• Twice-yearly visits with the onboard physician (health check and vaccinations)

Additional inclusions for Tier 1-2-3 condo owners:

• Priority dining reservations and unlimited access to premium dining
• Room service and butler menu service (multi-course)
• Concierge services
• Premium spirits and wines
• In-cabin minibar (replenished weekly)
• Personal trainer and customized wellness program
• Priority embarkation and disembarkation
• Door-to-door baggage delivery
• Premium meet-and-greet airport transfers

Itineraries

MV Narrative was originally scheduled to begin cruising in June 2020 with a 3-year global circumnavigation. However, due to a shift from a second-hand vessel to a newbuild project and the COVID-19 pandemic, Storylines postponed the launch to Q4 2024.

The ship’s itineraries (ports of call) will be determined by residents (owners/tenants) through voting. The vessel is expected to spend extended periods in ports, typically between 3 and 7 days per destination.

The inaugural cruise date has yet to be announced. However, the maiden voyage is currently planned for the Adriatic–Mediterranean region, starting from Civitavecchia-Rome (3-day stay), followed by calls in Italy (Naples/3 days, Sapri, Lipari Island), Sicily (Messina, Palermo/4 days, Marsala, Sciacca, San Leone), Malta (Valletta/4 days), Italy (Bari/2 days, Pescara, Castello di Gradara, San Marino/2 days, Venice/5 days), Slovenia (Koper/3 days), Croatia (Rijeka/2 days, Krk Island, Sali Island/2 days, Split/2 days, Korcula/2 days, Slano/2 days, Dubrovnik/2 days), Montenegro (Kotor/2 days), Albania (Durres/2 days), Greece (Corfu Island/2 days, Ithaca Island/3 days, Patras/3 days, Gytheio, Spetses Island, Piraeus-Athens/3 days, Mykonos/2 days, Santorini/2 days), and Turkey (Gallipoli, Tekirdag, Istanbul/3 days).