ms The World

The 2002-built MS The World cruise ship is currently the world's largest privately owned cruise vessel. The boat serves as a residential community and is owned by its residents. This relatively small group of extremely wealthy passengers represent about 40 countries, and many of them actually live onboard full time.

The vessel (IMO number 9219331) is Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311213000) and registered in Nassau.

MS The World travels the globe, usually staying 2 to 5 days in each port of call. Her Captain selects ports and destinations based on residents' votes. Some residents live onboard full time, while others embark periodically throughout the year. The ship is operated by ResidenSea, a company headquartered in Miramar, Florida, USA.

Similar “residence cruise ship” concepts include Utopia (2022-built, managed by Utopia Residences), Narrative (2023-built, managed by Storylines Residences), Njord (2025-built, managed by Ocean Residences), and Dark Island (2025-built, by Clydebuilt). CruiseMapper also features articles on the residential vessel Marquette (a USA river cruise ship concept) and How to Buy a Cruise Ship.

MS The World cruise ship

The vessel carries between 100 and 300 residents and their guests. She is owned by 142 families from 19 countries — approximately 50% from North America, 35% from Europe, and 15% from Asia, Australia, South America, and South Africa. Ship residents plan the cruise itineraries and select destinations. Since 2002, the ship has been homeported in Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, FL USA). Between 2002 and 2018, she visited around 900 ports and destinations in 140 countries, each itinerary chosen by the residents.

The concept for MS The World belongs to Knut U. Kloster, whose family has a long history in the cruise industry. The hull was built by Oresundsvarvet Shipyard (Landskrona, Sweden) and towed to Fosen Mekaniske Verksted (Rissa, Norway) for completion. The ship was launched in spring 2002 and delivered to the residents in October 2003.

MS The World is an environmentally friendly ship — the first of her size to burn marine diesel instead of heavy bunker fuel, allowing her to visit areas where heavy fuel is banned. She was also the first vessel equipped with Scanship’s unique wastewater cleaning system, in which waste is filtered through a flotation process.

In January 2016, Wartsila Corporation announced that the ship would be retrofitted with a Wartsila Advanced Wastewater Treatment system and the Wartsila Nacos Platinum system for navigation and external communication.

The Wartsila Advanced Wastewater system replaced an older installation and keeps the vessel fully compliant with IMO (International Maritime Organization) pollution-prevention standards.

Ship statistics

• Identification (IMO number): 9219331
• Flag-state (port of registry): Bahamas (Nassau)
• Shipowner: The World Resident Holdings Ltd (TWRH), with subsidiaries “The World of ResidenSea II Ltd” and “ROW Management Ltd.” Since January 2022, the company’s COO has been Karl Muhlberger. The current President and CEO is Jessica Hoppe, who succeeded Thomas Wolber in July 2024.
• Operator: ResidenSea (address: “14471 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33027, USA”, tel: +1 (954) 416-3644). The original owner was Knut Kloster Jr, former chairman of Royal Viking Line and NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line).
• Ordered in 2000
• Laid down in 2001
• Launched in March 2002
• Builder: Fosen Mek. Verksteder (Rissa, Norway)
• Cost to build: USD 266 million
• Total number of cabins: 198, including 165 apartments (Studio to 3-Bedroom Suite)
• Tonnage: 43,524 GT
• Dimensions: Length 196.35 m (644.2 ft), Beam 29.8 m (98 ft), Draft 6.7 m (22 ft)
• Speed: 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h / 21.3 mph)
• Capacity: 150–200 passengers, 250 crew/staff

The ship has 12 decks (6 with apartments), a Helideck (1 helicopter pad), 2 swimming pools, 1 tennis court, 2 putting greens (mini-golf courses), and 5 restaurants. The Helideck (deck 7 forward) is used in emergencies and for private helicopter landings (arrivals/departures of apartment owners and their guests).

The vessel is managed by the US company ROW Management Ltd (Fort Lauderdale, FL).

Shipboard dining options – Food and Drinks

The World offers facilities similar to those on a traditional cruise ship, with additional features tailored to residential life. Her four main restaurants are: East (Asian cuisine), Marina (seafood, rotisserie specialties, prime steaks), Portraits (haute cuisine inspired by culinary ports), and Tides (Mediterranean cuisine with Northern Italian influences).

Six restaurants are available onboard, supplementing the full kitchens found in most apartments and residents' preference for dining ashore. The restaurants offer a variety of light options and cater to special requests, including vegetarian and diabetic diets. Onboard dining is not complimentary (not included in annual residence fees).

Additional venues include Fredy's Deli (tea, coffee, salads, sandwiches, pastries, gourmet market with fresh local products), Pool Grill (light meals, salads, burgers), and The Garden (tea room and bar lounge).

The ship’s bars and lounges include:

Cigar Club (English-style cognac and smoking lounge), Lobby Bar (wine, champagne, bourbons, signature cocktails), Marina Bar (full-service bar with wines and cocktails), Pool Bar (light lunches/dinners), Quantum Night Club (international liquors), and Regatta Bar (featuring spectacular views).

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

MS The World offers extensive leisure facilities: two swimming pools, a retractable marina for water sports, a jogging track, a full-size tennis court, a paddle tennis court, golf simulator and driving ranges, and a full-service fitness center offering exercise classes, personal training, and saunas.

The ship’s Spa, “Clinique La Prairie,” is a spacious 7000 ft² (650 m²) facility inspired by centuries-old Asian traditions. Residents and guests can enjoy a full range of treatments including aqua spa therapies, massages, body scrubs, hair services, facials, makeup, hand, nail and foot treatments, tropical rain mist, and waxing.

Other amenities and services include expeditions and land programs, an art gallery, chapel, library, concierge services, Medical Center, theatre, night club, video-on-demand, boutique, small grocery store, and delicatessen. Enrichment classes are offered in navigation, dance, languages, cooking, music, computers, arts and crafts, and photography.

The World provides Internet access in every residence, allowing passengers to stay connected in their “Office Away From Home.” Residents can conduct business via phone and internet from the comfort of their apartments while traveling across the globe.

MS The World cruise ship apartments (cabins)

The ship’s 165 residences range from Studios to 3-Bedroom Penthouses and a 6-Bedroom Penthouse Suite (for up to 12 passengers). All staterooms have been sold, but several residences are periodically available for resale or rental. In 2020, Residence 801 (a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom aft apartment with wraparound balcony on deck 8) was listed for sale.

Additional annual maintenance fees apply, based on each apartment’s square footage. The ship offers 40 studios, 19 one- and two-bedroom studio apartments, 106 two- and three-bedroom apartments, and 88 suites. Pricing varies depending on size, deck location, décor, and market conditions.

Four world-renowned interior design firms created the décor of the ship’s 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and public spaces. Designers include Nina Campbell (UK), Juan Pablo Molyneux (JP Molyneux Studio), Di Pilla (TMT Design), and Yran & Storbraaten (maritime design specialists).

MS The World ship prices – apartment cost, rentals, fees

This is a modern, fully operational cruise ship that you can actually live on. While not affordable for most, celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Madonna reportedly own suites onboard. The 165 luxury apartments range from studios to 3-bedroom suites.

Studio prices start around USD 600,000 (initially sold at USD 90,000). Two-Bedroom (Ocean Residence) apartments cost USD 2–3 million. Suites are priced at approximately USD 12–13 million (initially sold at USD 6 million).

Short-term rentals are available: from ~USD 550 per person per night for a Studio (5-day minimum) to ~USD 20,000 per month for Suite rentals. Some Ocean Residences can also be rented at ~USD 2,100 per day. Discounts apply for repeat guests.

Annual service fees vary by residence size and typically range from USD 60,000 to USD 300,000. These fees cover onboard staff, fuel, maintenance (including drydocking), port charges, food, and beverages. An entry fee of USD 8 million provides a lease valid through 2052. Annual maintenance fees are generally 5–6% of the apartment’s sale price. The ship’s occupancy rarely exceeds 200 passengers (owners and guests).

ResidenSea does not publicly disclose the identities of residents, but confirms that none have criminal records. All Studios and 3-Bedroom apartments are currently sold out, though owners may list their properties for resale. Additional perks include complimentary Spa treatments at “Clinique La Prairie,” shopping at Graff’s Boutique, and unlimited use of the Mini-Golf Course. Prospective buyers must submit a detailed statement of assets, which is verified by ResidenSea’s accountants and lawyers.

The World is considered a tax haven for those able to spend most of the year at sea. While living onboard may have tax benefits, residents remain subject to the tax laws of their home countries.

The table below shows pricing (from a ResidenSea brochure) for apartments offered for sale between 2016 and 2018, along with annual maintenance fees.

Nest are shown rental prices (per night in USD, rates 2018) for:

• Studio (sized 290-330 ft2 / 27-31 m2) - $1850
• Studio (sized 330-335 ft2 / 31 m2) - $1800
• Studio (sized 620-845 ft2 / 58-79 m2) - $2400
• 1-bedroom apartment (sized 580-675 ft2 / 54-63 m2) - $2,200
• 2-bedroom apartment (sized 870-1010 ft2 / 81-94 m2) - $2,800
• 2-bedroom apartment (sized 1105 ft2 / 103 m2) - $3100
• 2-bedroom apartment (sized 1135-1390 ft2 / 105-129 m2) - $3300
• Penthouse Suite (sized 2470-3240 ft2 / 229-301 m2) - $6,100

Keep in mind that the owners are essentially purchasing a property with a finite lifespan (the projected service life for passenger ships is 30–40 years). Eventually, the vessel will be dismantled (scrapped). This means the ship’s apartments are effectively leased for 30–40 years.

Drydock refurbishment 2025

The ship’s 6-week drydock refit in 2025 included a series of structural, mechanical, and interior upgrades.

The installed High Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC) system enables the use of shore power while the vessel is docked.

Hull efficiency was enhanced with the replacement of the bulbous bow. The new design, optimized for reduced operating speeds, decreases water resistance by ~10%. The hull was cleaned and repainted with a silicone-based antifouling coating to further reduce hydrodynamic drag and marine biofouling, improving fuel efficiency and minimizing maintenance requirements.

The machinery overhaul also included new chillers and fan coil units (FCUs) to improve the efficiency of the HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).

Deck 11’s Pool Bar & Grill was reconfigured to optimize food service operations and increase guest capacity. The venue now features a larger bar, an expanded pantry, and upgraded galley equipment. A watertight canopy and new furnishings were also added.

Deck 12’s putting green was resurfaced and re-contoured to more closely replicate land-based greens. Adjacent to this space, a golf simulator was installed within The World Golf Club, offering residents a virtual experience of 100+ courses worldwide. The simulator includes ball-tracking technology for enhanced training and recreational play, as well as additional sports-related functions.

Wellness area upgrades included the addition of a cold plunge pool in the Aqua Spa to support thermal therapy circuits. Treatment rooms were fitted with heated flooring for added comfort, while the onboard salon received resurfacing and updated equipment.

KONE upgraded the elevator systems to improve safety, ride quality, and maintenance reliability.

A new, custom-configured Zodiac Pro 850 (10-seat motorized rigid inflatable boat) now supports shoreside and expedition activities, including inland waterway wildlife observation.

Approximately 50 staterooms/residences were renovated with new flooring, cabinetry, soft furnishings, and modern appliances. Selected bathrooms were upgraded with new sanitary ware and walk-in showers.

MS The World itinerary

How is The World’s itinerary selected? The annual route is chosen through a voting process by the Resident community and is based on residents’ interests and the most favorable sea routes. The itinerary is usually finalized two years in advance in collaboration with the Captains, the Resident Itinerary Committee, and the Director of Itinerary and Destination Planning.

The World sails to destinations across the globe—and continuously. Her journeys emphasize extended stays, averaging three days in each port, giving residents ample time to explore. Unlike most cruise ships, MS The World spends twice as many days in port as at sea.

From the Canary Islands and Madeira, you may cross the Atlantic and enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean, experience the transit through the Panama Canal, cruise along the west coast of South America, and island-hop across the Pacific to New Zealand. Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands follow on an expert-led expedition. The itinerary continues through some of Asia’s most exotic destinations. The Sea of Okhotsk wildlife expedition is another rarity. A unique highlight aboard MS The World is the opportunity to visit both South Korea and North Korea.

MS The World ship itinerary by ports, countries, destinations

The vessel operates worldwide, visiting destinations (islands and port cities) in Europe, the Caribbean, South Pacific Islands (including Australia and New Zealand), Asia, Africa, and North America (USA and Canada). Routes also include Transatlantic crossings and transits through the Panama Canal and Suez Canal.

• Funchal, Madeira – Portugal; Los Cristianos, Tenerife, and Las Palmas, Canary Islands – Spain; Guadeloupe, Iles de Saintes, and St. Barts – France; San Juan – Puerto Rico; New Orleans – USA.
• Caribbean, South America
• Tampa – USA; Progreso – Mexico; Belize City – Belize; Bocas del Toro – Panama; Panama Canal Transit; Flamenco Island (Panama City); Isla Saboga – Panama; Esmeraldas and Guayaquil – Ecuador.
• Pacific Islands
• Callao – Peru; Easter Island – Chile; Raivavae, Papeete, Moorea, Huahine, and Bora Bora – French Polynesia.
• South Pacific
• Aitutaki and Rarotonga – Cook Islands; Norfolk Island – Australia; Bay of Islands, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Kaikoura, Lyttelton, and Akaroa – New Zealand.
• Australia New England
• Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Stewart Island, and Fjord Cruising – New Zealand; Sydney, Brisbane, Hamilton Island, Port Douglas, and Cairns – Australia.
• Asia
• Solomon Islands Expedition; Port Moresby – New Guinea; Dili – East Timor; Kupang – West Timor; Benoa – Bali; Surabaya and Palau Karimunjawa – Indonesia.
• Semarang (Borobudur), Jakarta, and Krakatoa – Indonesia; Singapore; Tioman Island – Malaysia; Kuching – Malaysia; Muara – Brunei; Labuan Island, Kota Kinabalu, and Sandakan – Malaysia; Boracay Island and Manila – Philippines.
• Keelung (Taipei) – Taiwan; Naha, Okinawa, Amami, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Kanazawa, Hakodate, and Otaru (Sapporo) – Japan; Sea of Okhotsk Expedition – Russia.
• Otaru (Sapporo) – Japan; Vladivostok – Russia; Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Shingu, and Kobe – Japan.
• Takamatsu and Hiroshima – Japan; Busan, Sanji, Cheju, and Incheon – South Korea; Dalian and Tianjin (Beijing) – China; Nampo – North Korea; Nanjing and Shanghai – China.
• Zhenhai (Ningbo), Hong Kong, and Sanya, Hainan Island – China; Ha Long Bay (Hanoi), Chan May (Hue and Da Nang), Nha Trang, and Saigon – Vietnam.
• Phu Quoc – Vietnam; Sihanoukville (Phnom Penh) – Cambodia; Ko Samui – Thailand; Pattaya and Bangkok – Thailand; Redang Island and Kuantan – Malaysia; Phuket and Phi Phi Island – Thailand; Malacca – Malaysia; Singapore.

The World’s 2025 global cruise features a journey across five oceans. The itinerary (from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to Hobart, Tasmania, Australia) includes ~100 ports across six continents.

Land-based activities include sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, coastal scenic cruising by Zodiac, sea kayaking, hiking, and both guided and independent shore excursions. Educational programs are offered by expert guides and scientists, including marine biologists.