Imagine never having to pack for a trip because you're already on one—permanently. That's the reality for the residents of MS The World, a luxury cruise ship that's been circling the globe since 2002 with people actually living on it full-time.

Unlike a typical cruise where you're a temporary passenger, The World operates like a floating condominium building. The ship has 165 privately owned residences ranging from 290-square-foot studios to sprawling 3,240-square-foot four-bedroom apartments. Some owners live aboard year-round, while others treat it like a vacation home and visit periodically.

Democracy on the High Seas

Here's where it gets interesting: the residents literally vote on where they go next. Through an elected board of directors, they guide the ship's itinerary, deciding which ports to visit and how long to stay (usually 2-5 days per location). In 2025, their voyage spans five oceans and about 100 ports across six continents.

It's essentially a homeowners association that happens to cross international waters.

What It Actually Costs

Owning a piece of this floating real estate isn't cheap. Residences sell for $2.5 million to $15 million, and that's just the purchase price. Annual maintenance fees range from $60,000 to $300,000 depending on your apartment size, covering everything from fuel and port charges to onboard staff, food, and beverages.

Think of it as the world's most expensive HOA fee—except it includes your groceries and keeps you sailing to Antarctica.

Life Aboard a Moving Country

The ship houses 150-200 residents and guests at any given time, creating an intimate international community. Onboard amenities include:

Gourmet deli and full grocery store
Fitness center, tennis court, and golf putting green
Swimming pool and jogging track
Movie theater, library, and cocktail lounges
Billiard room for when you're tired of ocean views

The World isn't alone anymore, either. Other residential ships like Villa Vie Odyssey have launched, offering more affordable options for permanent life at sea. But MS The World remains the largest privately owned residential yacht on Earth.

For these residents, "home" isn't a place on a map—it's a vessel that refuses to stay in one spot. And honestly? That sounds like the ultimate retirement plan for anyone who's ever looked at their landlord and thought, "What if I just... left?"

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