MS The World

MS The World is a private residential cruise ship operated like a condominium complex, with large apartments available for purchase. Launched in March 2002 and purchased by its residents in October 2003, the vessel is one of a kind. She holds 165 residences spanning studios to three-bedroom apartments, all owned by residents from many countries, some of whom live onboard full-time while others visit periodically.

Unlike traditional cruise ships, The World is defined by the people who own her. This relatively small group of extremely wealthy passengers represents about 40 countries. The vessel usually stays two to five days in each port of call, with the captain selecting ports and destinations based on resident votes, giving the ship a unique character shaped by the collective interests of those who live aboard.

The World offers facilities similar to a traditional cruise ship, with additional features tailored to residential life, including four main restaurants: East, serving Asian cuisine; Marina, featuring seafood and steaks; Portraits, offering haute cuisine inspired by culinary ports; and Tides, serving Mediterranean and Northern Italian dishes. Residences range from studios to three-bedroom penthouses and a six-bedroom penthouse suite accommodating up to 12 people. Four renowned interior design firms styled the ship's apartments and public spaces: Nina Campbell, Juan Pablo Molyneux, Di Pilla, and Yran and Storbraaten.

The World holds a place in maritime history. Setting sail from Nome, Alaska, in August 2012 and reaching Greenland that September, she became the largest passenger vessel at the time to transit the Northwest Passage, carrying 481 passengers and crew across 4,800 nautical miles over 26 days. In 2019, she traversed the Passage from east to west, becoming the 300th vessel to make the voyage and the largest to do so in both directions.

Life aboard differs profoundly from conventional cruising, with average occupancy running between 150 and 200 residents and guests. The World was also the first ship of her size to burn marine diesel instead of heavy bunker fuel, allowing her to visit areas where heavy fuel is banned.

Sailed aboard this one-of-a-kind residential ship? Log your MS The World voyage on The Cruise Globe to trace the exact route your cruise took!