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When they ask where you’re from: The World

Explore every ocean and continent in luxurious comfort. As an owner aboard The World , you’re part of a unique international community of adventurers living aboard the largest private residential yacht on Earth.

Choosing a Journey of endless exploration.

Every Resident of The World has a voice in choosing the extraordinary destinations and curated experiences of each year’s itinerary.

The most extraordinary Home you will ever own.

Each of the 165 Residences aboard The World is a luxurious, custom-designed private Home. Will you own a stylish Studio, comfortable one-bedroom Residence, or a sprawling two- or three-bedroom Ocean Residence?

Expeditions: Life-changing experiences only The World can offer.

Each year, Residents of The World have the opportunity to join our extraordinary Expeditions. These weeks-long voyages range across some of the most remote and fascinating waters and lands on Earth, led by preeminent experts in ecology, culture, and adventurous exploration.

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Determine whether life aboard The World is the right fit for you. Talk to one of our Residential Advisors today to learn more about this unique lifestyle, details of upcoming Journeys and Expeditions, and ownership opportunities.

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The World residential cruise ship's been sailing around the world for the past 20 years — see what it's like onboard where condos sell for up to $15 million

• The World is a residential cruise ship that's been circumnavigating the globe for the past 20 years.
• About 10 to 12 of its condos go on sale annually, and cost between $2 million and $15 million. 
• In recent years, startups like Storylines and Victoria Cruises Line have announced similar concepts.

Over the last few years, several startups have promised to build residential cruise ships.

Storylines says its 1,000-guest, 547-condominium floating community will sail in 2026 …

Source: Insider

… while Victoria Cruises Line says its Victoria Majestic ship will begin circumnavigating the world in December.

Source: Victoria Cruises Line

But if you're curious about what life could be like at sea, there's no need to wait months or years.

There is only one large residential cruise ship currently in operation, according to the company that operates it. And it's been sailing around the world for the last 20 years.

Source: The World

The World first launched its 644-foot-long floating community in 2002.

Since then, it has been circumnavigating the world with approximately 150 traveling families every two to three years.

Of course, there's no need to live at sea if you want to travel the world. But like any world-cruise itinerary or residential cruise ship, you're paying for the convenience.

Instead of booking your own flight transfers and hotels, unpacking and repacking, and creating your own itinerary …

… residential cruise ships like The World allow travelers to leisurely explore the globe in the comfort of their own floating homes.

The itinerary is decided three years in advance by the management team and a committee of residents.

Every year, the ship travels to over 100 destinations, the company says on its website.

And unlike most non-residential-world-cruise itineraries, The World stays at each port for an average of three days …

… doubling the number of days it spends at port instead of at sea, the company says.

The World and its occupants have already visited over 1,000 destinations across 120 countries as of February 2022.

"People buy on our ship [because] they like to explore the world," Tom Wolber, the CEO of The World, told Insider. "They want to go to the less traveled parts."

Wolber previously worked for companies like Crystal Cruises and the Walt Disney Company, including Disney Cruise Line.

The ship's residents are from about 20 countries, but most are from the US.

According to Wolber, many of the owners are accomplished and active people.

Think business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their respective fields. Not retirees, he says.

The 165 condos cost between $2 million and $15 million, not including the annual ownership fees.

They're as small as a 330-square-foot studio and as large as a 3,242-square-foot three-bedroom residence.

The average age of The World travelers is somewhere in the 60s. This is a result of a mix of newer young residents and people who have held onto their condos since the conception of the ship, Wolber said.

But only a handful of residents live aboard the ship year-round. Most have multiple homes around the world, Wolber said.

So for the most part, travelers spend an average of three to six months on the ship annually.

At any given time, about half — between 150 and 200 — of the residents are aboard the floating community.

And many choose to sail on The World during holidays or to desirable ports, such as Antarctica.

Once a resident is ready to move out and move on, they can sell their residences.

But if you're interested in buying, just know there's not a lot of inventory: About 10 to 12 are resold every year.

Onboard amenities are similar to most expedition cruise ships.

This includes a video game room, a card room, a library, guest lecturers, various workshops, and a 7,000-square-foot spa.

There's even a tennis court, two pools, a track, and a marina with access to the water.

Similar to a traditional on-land community, there's also a nondenominational place of worship, a book club, and conference rooms.

For meals, the ship has four restaurants and more casual dining in bars and lounges.

Some of the ingredients used for these meals are purchased by the chefs at local ports, Wolber said.

But unlike a traditional cruise ship, food isn't included in the annual fees or cost of the condo. Instead, residents have an onboard prepaid food and beverage allowance.

For a private meal, residents can also ask the chefs to cook their meals inside the residents' condo.

The World is undoubtedly an old ship. So to keep it up to date, the vessel enters a dry dock every three years.

During these four to six weeks, residents can't stay on the ship.

But after the renovations are completed, the floating community could have more contemporary amenities, refurbished common spaces, or updated residences.

"The crew and our ship now have over 20 years of lifestyle experience that is incredibly hard to duplicate," Wolber said. "It's one thing to build a ship, but to bring it to life and to deliver on the expectation of very high-demanding and performing residents is not easy."

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Inside a resident’s apartment on board the 196m The World

Just like any modern luxury condominium or private superyacht, the only fixed element of a home on board the world’s largest private residential yacht, The World , is the square footage. Beyond that, residents of The World can redesign and customise as much as they want to make their apartment feel like their own.

“ The World is not like a cruise ship or a small yacht, where guests have little cabins and will sit in the public areas all day just to give themselves space,” explains The World’s Residential Director Andy Dinsdale. “You’ll never get that feeling of it being overcrowded here, because our residents have beautiful homes and they want to spend time in them.”

With 165 private apartments on board owned by 150 families from about 20 countries, residents discover how those living on this 196.35 metre yacht make The World truly feel like home.

Custom-designed apartments

There are 12 different styles of homes spread throughout The World ’s 12 decks, starting from studios and progressing to three-bedroom apartments spanning 301 square metres. The interior of the yacht was designed by Petter Yran and Bjørn Storbraaten, in collaboration with five original designers who worked on the interiors and apartments. Each designer of the apartments has a distinctive style; TNT Milan apartments feature yellow wood finishes, for example, while Nina Campbell-styled residences are more floral and homespun. 

Once a resident purchases an apartment they can design, renovate and decorate their home in their own unique style with the help of their preferred designers – those who have styled apartments on board The World have included List GC, Jenan Interior Design, Nordic studio Luttenberger Design, AD Associates Design, YSA Designs and Interiors Idea. Over the years multiple owners have chosen to carry out refurbishments, including combining apartments, adding to the range of available configurations.

For residents planning home alterations, there are two refurbishment slots a year and many chose to schedule works during The World ’s dry dock period every three years. In 2022, 62 residents had their apartments renovated and restyled to create their dream home on board. 

Another way that residents choose to add personal touches to their place on board The World is by expressing their tastes through artwork. Paintings and sculptures purchased by the residents adorn the yacht’s common spaces, while each home has a wall space directly opposite the front door where residents can hang a piece of art to personalise the welcome area. During the ship’s recent dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, 12 new art installations were received from world-renowned Saatchi, Grimaldis, and Artsy Galleries representing artists from Venezuela, Romania, Japan, Israel and the United States.

The Jensens, an American-Austrian couple who have owned a home on board The World for more than 15 years, have decorated their apartment with items from their global travels. Their living room is decorated with a glass and wood sculpture from Bali and other exotic memorabilia from their extensive travels, while a Japanese Fusuma door decorated with oriental imagery is featured in the master bedroom.

Residents chose the view

The World’s adventurous cruising itinerary has seen the superyacht traverse the globe from Antarctica to the North Pole and everywhere in between, calling in at over 1,000 ports in over 120 countries. “We are essentially a floating luxury condominium. On board The World , you can travel and take your home with you. So there’s no jet lag, and minimal customs and immigration inconveniences,” explains long-time resident and itinerary committee chairman Mr Jensen.

Not only does this mean that the ever-changing apartment views on The World satisfy residents’ wanderlust, but the sights seen out of the windows of The World are chosen by residents themselves. Itineraries are mapped out by a committee formed by residents, the two Captains and the company’s itinerary planning department and then voted for by everyone else who lives on board. Being a resident on The World means you have a say in where this superyacht cruises and the experiences that can be undertaken at each destination.

Even though there is a set itinerary, residents can easily choose to leave the ship when it suits them, with crew able to arrange all transportation necessary. “The lovely thing is that we stay in each place for a few days and we can either go out, or not go out, or book a tour, or go further inland and meet the ship at the next port,” Mrs Jensen adds.

You can host friends and family on board

“Just like in a private home or on a yacht, you can invite your friends and family to stay,” explains The World’s Dinsdale. As residents average three to four months (combined) on board during the year, they have the option of participating in The World’s guest stay programme whereby their unoccupied residence can be used by guests visiting other residents who require more space to accommodate the entire group. The guest stay programme is also available by invitation only to potential residents who would like to sample the experiences and unique lifestyle of The World before investing in an apartment.

Private chefs

There are plenty of options for food and drink on board The World , with four fine-dining restaurants and plenty more casual eateries and bars offering delicacies influenced by itinerary destinations. But for inspired residents wanting something not on the menu, The World constantly changes the dining experience by inviting guest chefs on board. Notable chefs who have boarded The World as she cruises close to shore have included multi-Michelin star holders Curtis Duffy of Chicago, Kiko Moya of Alicante, Suriname-born Soenil Bahadoer and northern European chefs Jonas Andre Navik, Viki Geunes and Silvio Nickol.

For residents who want to host a party with a specific menu in mind, The World can offer residents a private culinary experience in their home. One time Mrs Jensen used the private chef service was when The World was in Russia as she wanted to taste an authentic beef stroganoff served by local chefs. What she describes as a “very memorable dinner” was completed with a silver-service dining setup organised entirely by The World’s crew, who serve residents in the same capacity as yacht crew and private home staff.

A small selection of homes on board  The World, Residences at Sea  are available for resale every year. To learn more about ownership opportunities and the unique residential lifestyle of this one-of-a-kind mega yacht, contact  The World ’s Residential Advisor by calling +1 954 538 8449 / +44 20 7 572 1231 or clicking here . For more information visit  aboardtheworld.com .

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Life Onboard The World Residences at Sea

The largest privately-owned residential ship is home to around 150 families.

By Kim Ayling

When it comes to buying a new home , for most people, location comes first. What’s the neighborhood like? Is it near the ocean or the countryside? Can I get to work easily? With  The World ship, however, that problem obscures into non-existence – you live everywhere.

Since launching in 2002,  The World  has traveled around the globe’s vast oceans, calling at over 1,000 ports in 120 countries – each of which was selected by a resident committee and the Captain, and eventually decided via vote.

This summer, the ship’s route took it to the UK, where it embarked on a mini tour of the south coast and Wales, before arriving in Greenwich, London . It was here that I boarded for a night. After passing through The World’s strict security (passports have to be given in even if you’re only visiting for the evening, and each guest must take a Covid-19 test), I was on – and first impressions remind me of a cruise ship . But, “This isn’t a cruise,” I was quickly corrected.

[See also: First Look Inside the Owner’s Residence Onboard Explora 1]

Measuring in at 196 ft with a total of 12 decks and 165 residences,  The World  is actually the largest privately-owned residential yacht – and yes, people really live on it. Currently, there are approximately 150 families onboard. While most assume owners are predominantly older couples with more time to spare, there are young families too, some of which opt to home school.

While residents do legally need to have a permanent land address, many spend the vast majority of their time at sea. “I sold my house to buy my apartment,” one resident (who wanted to remain anonymous – discretion is of the utmost importance to residents) told me over dinner at one of  The World’s  four restaurants. Instead, she bought a much smaller property on land, choosing to spend most months of the year on the ship.

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Naturally, such novel luxury comes at a price. Residences vary from one-bedroom studios to sprawling three-bedroom apartments, and go from $2m to $15m, not including annual ownership fees, inclusive of a service fee.

[See also: Secret Atlas Founder on Creating a New Type of Cruise]

“No money exchanges hands on the ship,” I’m told by multiple people I meet during my short 12-hour stint onboard. Instead, the slick cohort of staff discretely keeps tabs on each guest’s expenditures – from meals and drinks to spa treatments – which becomes an annual bill.

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Like any other type of home ownership, residents are free to decorate their apartments however they please. I stay in a colorful modern studio; I’m also shown a lavish three-bed apartment owned by interior designers. Each one has its own balcony.

While the idea of cruising around the world in  literally  the comfort of your own home might sound like the dream lifestyle for many, there are plenty of practicalities to consider. “How do you buy new clothes, or make online orders?” I ask my dinner host. 

[See also: How Millennials are Changing the Superyacht Industry]

Easily, if a little more slowly than we’re used to on land, it turns out. “We order to  The World’s  offices in Fort Lauderdale, then they can ship to us, or we wait until one of the team is on board,” she explains. Deliveries can take up to a month, so residents often shop where they port.

And what about seeing family and friends? This too is seamlessly catered for – those residents with larger apartments can host friends and family as they would in a normal home. If you’ve got a bigger group coming to stay, there’s an option to rent currently vacant apartments, too. “I’ve got a friend who comes to stay for a month at a time!” my friendly resident tells me.

Naturally, residents have become a close-knit bunch over the years. I’m told a few owners are a little more reserved, but most embrace the unique sense of comradery that could only come with living on a boat together. 

[See also: Heesen Unveils its Biggest Ever Steel Superyacht: Sparta]

Through this community atmosphere, a number of clubs and groups have been born – my dinner companion is an active member of the book club, loves the regular karaoke sessions and even recently went on a songwriting course onboard. There’s also a poker club, wine-tasting sessions, a golf club and movie nights.

When I left  The World  residents and crew were gearing up for one more day in London, before they departed for Antwerp on their way to more northerly shores. This fall, the ship is destined to skirt the Arctic Circle, calling at ports throughout Norway, Iceland and Greenland before reaching Canada.

By December, the ship will have traveled down the east coast of North and South America, ready for a holiday season in Antarctica. My unnamed host will be onboard for much of this. “I’m living the dream!” she says. 

aboardtheworld.com

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The World's Largest Cruise Ship Is Coming in January—Here's What It's Like Inside

By Jessica Puckett

The biggest thing to ever hit cruising is coming in January 2024, when Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas —which will be the largest cruise ship in the world —will debut to passengers for the first time.

With capacity for nearly 10,000 passengers and crew, Icon of the Seas is billed as part all-inclusive resort, part theme park, and a massive destination unto itself . Clocking in at 250,380 gross tons and measuring nearly a quarter mile long (1,198 feet to be exact), the vast ship will sport a total of 20 decks, 18 of which will be accessible to guests.

The ship will be divided into eight different “neighborhoods,” each with their own distinct atmospheres, dining options, and activities. “ Icon of the Seas is truly what we call a white paper ship,” Anna Drescher, manager of architectural design, new building and innovation for Royal Caribbean group, said in a video statement . “The reason that we call it that is we start with a blank sheet of sketch paper, so it truly is starting fresh.”

In June 2023, the ship hit a major milestone when it completed its first sea trials outside the shipyard in Turku, Finland. Next up is the colossal new ship’s first voyage, slated to depart on January 27, 2024. It will sail roundtrip from Miami to the Caribbean islands of St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas.

The ship's typical seven-day itineraries include three at-sea days, so passengers have time to fully enjoy the endless choices of amenities on board. “We want guests to walk up to the ship and just have this moment of: I can’t believe that’s where I’m going ,” said Jennifer Goswami, the line’s senior manager of product development.

Here's a look at the enormous scale of the new ship and what to expect on board.

When it begins sailing, the Icon of the Seas will offer a total of 2,805 staterooms that can hold 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or a maximum of 7,600 guests. Passengers can choose from a whopping 28 different room types, including Sunset Suites with wraparound balconies and Family Infinite Balcony staterooms with bunkbeds fit for a family of up to six.

The largest suite on board will be the three-story, 1,772-square-foot “Ultimate Family Townhouse,” which comes with its own movie theater, ping-pong table, karaoke, and a slide between floors. It can sleep up to eight people and costs approximately $75,000 per week.

Among the eight "neighborhoods," or sections of the ship with distinct ambiance, are Central Park, which offers greenery and sidewalk cafes, and The Hideaway, which aims for a European beach club aesthetic. There's also The Suite Neighborhood, Surfside, Thrill Island, Chill Island, The Royal Promenade, and the Aquadome.

The ship's 2,350 crew members will also get their own neighborhood, complete with amenities like a gaming room and hair salon.

Another superlative for Icon will be sporting the largest waterpark at sea. The park, called Category 6, features six different record-breaking waterslides, including the tallest onboard waterslide. There will also be a free-fall slide, plus a raft-style slide for four passengers to ride together.

Alex Erdekian

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Charlie Hobbs

Seven pools and nine whirlpools will be located throughout the ship, including the first infinity pool on a cruise ship to be suspended in the air. The Royal Bay pool, located on the 15th deck, will break the record for largest pool at sea, holding an astounding 40,000 gallons of water.

Across the towering vessel, there'll be more than 20 food venues and 15 bars and nightlife experiences, including a sweeping three-level main dining room.

Among the options for grabbing a drink will be the line's first onboard swim-up bar, a walk-up Champagne bar, and a bar specializing in coffee cocktails like espresso martinis.

On the entertainment front, Royal Caribbean has hired 75 performers to titillate guests across three cavernous theaters. The Absolute Zero ice arena will feature shows with Olympic-level skaters, while the AquaTheater will combine the talents of divers, robots, and skateboarders.

In the Royal Theater, a 16-piece orchestra (the largest one at sea), will accompany shows like the Wizard of Oz.

In smaller venues throughout the ship, like the dueling piano bar, 50 live musicians and comedians will perform each night, making it possible for every type of passenger to find something that fits their style.

• CruiseMapper

ms The World cabins and suites

Ms the world staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

ms The World cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by ResidenSea (Small Cruise Lines) en-suite amenities and services.

The ms The World cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

3-Bedrooms 3-Baths Penthouse Suites

Layout (floor plan).

3-Bedrooms 3-Baths Residences 1

3-Bedrooms 3-Baths Residences 2

2-bedrooms 2-baths residences 1.

2-Bedrooms 2-Baths Residences 2

3-Rooms 2-Bedrooms 2-Baths Ocean Studio Residences

2-Rooms 1-Bedroom 1-2-Baths Ocean Studio Residences

Studio Apartments

1-room ocean studio apartments.

ms The World cabins review

MS The World ship has a total of 165x Residences ranging in types from Studios to 3-Bedroom Penthouses and 6-Bedroom Penthouse Suite (for up to 12 passengers). All staterooms have been sold, but there are a number of Residences which are available for resale and some for rental.

There are also additional annual maintenance fees based on apartments' square footage. The cruise ship provides 40x studios, 19x 1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom Studio Apartments, 106x 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Apartments, 88x Suites. Prices vary and are based on size, deck location, decor, market conditions.

Four of the world's most renowned interior design companies have been contracted to shape styles and design The World ship's 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and public rooms. Names list includes Nina Campbell (UK), Juan Pablo Molyneux (JP Molyneux Studio), Di Pilla (TMT Design), Yran & Storbraaten (maritime design).

Cabins prices (apartment cost, rentals, fees)

First of all, this is a modern big-sized cruise liner you can actually live on. Celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Madonna, for example, own suites on the vessel. So if you can afford the below apartment prices, you'll buy yourself the pleasure to enjoy a celebrity company - once and awhile. Apartments sizes vary from 1350 ft2 (125 m2) to 3000 ft2 (280 m2) "cruise ship mansions".

Short-term rentals - you can rent some of MS The World's apartments (depending on category) for between ~USD 550 Studio (per person per night, min for 5 days) and ~USD 20,000 (Suite rentals, per month). Some Ocean Residences are also available for rent at ~USD 2100 a day. Discounts are available for repeat customers.

Future apartment owners on The World should also know that ship service fees (depending on the property) start from USD 60,000 and go up to USD 300,000 a year. These fees cover onboard service staff/crew, fuel, maintenance (including drydocking ), port charges, food and beverages. USD 8 million is the entry fee. This amount of money buys you a lease expiring in the distant 2052. As to the maintenance fees mentioned above - they are ~5-6% of the Apartment's sale price. As to the ship's occupancy - it rarely goes above 200 passengers (owners and their guests).

Next table shows ResidenSea brochure (source) pricing on apartments for sale in 2016-2018 and the property's annual maintenance fee.

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 actually purchase a property with a finite lifetime (the projected lifespan for passenger ships is between 30-40 years) and eventually, this vessel will be dismantled ( scrapped ). This means that The World ship's apartments are in reality leased for 30-40 years.

The ResidenSea company has the policy of not revealing who the clients/buyers are, but they assure that MS The World doesn't have residents with criminal records. Latest news confirms that all the ship's Studios and 3-Bedroom apartments are sold out. But there's always a chance some owner to decide to sell, right? And to sweeten the deal, they advertise that you can enjoy on The World ship - for absolutely free - Spa treatments at "Clinique La Prairie", to shop at the Graff's Boutique or to leisurely play at the ship's Mini-Golf Course. If you are a prospective buyer, you also must submit a list of your assets, which will be duly verified by the ResidenSea's accountants and lawyers.

ms The World cabin and suite plans are property of ResidenSea (Small Cruise Lines) . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

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The Harmony of the Seas features several multistory waterslides, including the tallest one at sea. The Cyclone and Typhoon have clear sections so riders can see outside and spectators can look in.

Quirky Photos of the World's Largest Cruise Ship

Welcome to Alice’s Wonderland at sea.

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas —the world’s largest cruise ship—is perhaps the epitome of excess. It’s heavier than 17,000 African elephants, taller than Mount Rushmore, more than twice as long as the Washington Monument, has more horsepower than seven Ferraris, and hosts more works of art than the Louvre has paintings on display.

Launched in 2016, the 226-thousand-ton ship boasts seven neighborhoods, multistory waterslides, and robot bartenders—Alice’s Wonderland at sea. It can accommodate nearly 7,000 guests and more than 2,000 crew members, earning it the title, “the floating city.”

Harmony of the Seas isn't an anomaly. The cruise industry is one of the fastest growing travel markets worldwide, and ships are increasingly becoming bigger and flashier. Scientists warn that these ships—which operate in fragile marine ecosystems around the globe—can have detrimental environmental and public health effects due to their significant release of sulfur dioxide and water pollutants.

Photographer Alberto Bernasconi wanted to document this high style hospitality with a dash of of sarcasm. “More than ever, it doesn't matter where you are going, but how you are reaching your destination,” he says. The resulting images are an ode to the fantasy—and at times, irony—of luxury on the high seas.

Two FlowRider surf simulators pump 34,000 gallons of water per minute, allowing guests to stand-up surf and boogie board.

Harmony of the Seas’ 23 pools, waterslides, and surf simulators contain more than 94 times the water of one eruption of Yellowstone National Park’s iconic geyser, Old Faithful.

A zip line suspended 10 decks high takes guests on a thrilling, 82-foot ride across the ship’s open-air atrium, where they have a view of the Boardwalk below.

The Harmony of the Seas—whose art collection features more than 3,000 works by artists from 60 countries—hosts art auctions aboard the ship.

High rollers on the high seas can try their hand at cards, slot machines, and roulette in the ship’s glitzy onboard casino.

As part of special DreamWorks programming, costumed characters from Shrek , Madagascar , and Kung Fu Panda pose with guests for quirky souvenir photos.

Entertainment Place houses the ship’s own nightclub district, which boasts karaoke venues, a theater, ice-skating shows, and a comedy club.

Guests can enjoy sweeping ocean views from one of 16 guest decks on Harmony of the Seas. The ship also comes equipped with a helipad.

Alberto Bernasconi is an Italian photographer based in Milan. Follow him @alberto_bernasconi .

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Photo tour: The world's 25 biggest cruise ships

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Photos: See the New World’s Largest Cruise Ship (Icon of the Seas) Sail for the First Time

The excitement around the world’s new largest cruise ship continues to grow. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is still under construction in Finland, however, it just reached an important milestone.

The cruise line released photos of Icon sailing for the first time as the ship departed the Meyer Turku shipyard to begin multiple days of sea trials. The ship won’t sail with paying passengers until early 2024, but this marks its initial time to ever cruise to the open water.

During the trials, Royal Caribbean says there are “more than 450 specialists carrying out crucial, preliminary tests with Icon’s main engines, hull, lifeboats, thrusters.” This is ahead of a more strenuous test later in the year when the ship “will be pushed to its limits.”

In the images, you can see some of the onboard features that have the entire industry talking about the groundbreaking new ship. Most noticeable is the new AquaDome, sitting at the front of the ship. This structure houses a forward lounge area and also serves as the home to the cruise line’s famous aquatic shows.

Also noticeable is the ship’s vertical hull, enormous name along the side, and the introduction of “infinite balconies” along the mid-section of the ship. The unique balconies feature a large windowed wall that closes to give more space in the cabin or drop down halfway to create a balcony space for the entire room.

Toward the back of the ship you can see some of the slides that are part of the all-new Category 6 waterpark in the Thrill Island area of the ship.

But there is still plenty aboard the ship that we will have to wait a little longer to see. For instance, the pool deck is still obscured, as are several new neighborhoods like the family-friend Surfside that sits in the split of the ship at the back.

Even so, it gives the first real glimpse at how Icon of the Seas looks in real life after only seeing renderings for months and years. Still, there is plenty of work to do as the ship won’t begin passenger voyages for roughly another six months.

One other thing that does stand out? At more than 250,000 gross tons, Icon of the Seas’ size in these photos is staggering. The ship will carry more than 5,600 passengers at double occupancy, and more than 7,500 when completely full. That’s in addition to nearly 2,500 crew members.

Even so, according to our list of ships ranked by size per passenger , Icon of the Seas will still have a roomy space ratio of 44.7. That ranks it near the top of our list, proving that more people doesn’t always mean more cramped on today’s mega-ships.

If you want to sail aboard Icon of the Seas, bookings have seen record demand according to the cruise line. Just be prepared for some sticker shock. Given the excitement about its arrival and all the new amenities, sailings are considerably more expensive than on other ships in the fleet. We found them to be an average of $850 more per person for the lowest-priced interior cabin aboard Wonder of the Seas, the current newest ship in the fleet.

Still, those higher prices are appearing to do little to dampen demand for what promises to be the most revolutionary new cruise ship in years.

More on Icon of the Seas:

• Icon of the Seas: What to Know About Royal Caribbean’s New Ship (Read Before Booking)
• Icon of the Seas’ $75,000 Cabin Already 55% Booked… A Year Before it Sails!
• Guide to Thrill Island & Category 6 Waterpark on Icon of the Seas

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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What I Wish I Knew About My Cruise Cabin Before I Sailed

Carnival cruise live blog (day 4): a final day at sea featuring… whales plus final thoughts, carnival cruise live blog (day 3): blow holes & golden trophies, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

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I stayed in a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's 2 newest and largest cruise ships. One was clearly better — and $900 cheaper.

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

• Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ships.
• I stayed in both of their balcony staterooms — a $130-per-person-per-day difference.
• Icon's pricier cabin looked more modern but lacked the functionality and comfort of Wonder's.

Do you know what $900 could buy you? More than three years of Netflix's premium plan, a new Gucci purse, or 2,059 spicy chicken McNuggets.

Or, in the case of Royal Caribbean's two largest and newest cruise ships , the cash could mean the difference between a cheap but functional balcony cabin and, ironically, a more expensive but less comfortable one.

Staterooms with balconies are the most popular cruise cabin category. After all, if you're going on a vacation at sea, wouldn't you want to be able to feel its breeze from your room?

But not all cabins with private outdoor spaces are created equal, even on two new mega-ships owned by the same cruise line.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in 2022 and its larger successor, Icon of the Seas, in January.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony cabin for both complimentary sailings, the longest of which was three nights on Icon.

Both ships are operating seven-night cruises around the Caribbean in 2024.

About 66% of Wonder's cabins fall under the 'balcony' category. On Icon, they make up half of the staterooms.

Wonder of the Seas' balcony cabins start shy of $1,110 per person in 2024.

Even with nearly identical itineraries, the ones on Icon are, at their cheapest, a little more than $2,000 per person this year — or double that for the a New Year's cruise.

Wonder and Icon are the most boisterous, flamboyant, and overwhelming vessels I've ever boarded.

The pool decks were intensely colorful, the crowds were inescapable, and the long lists of activities and dining options were paralyzing.

So imagine my surprise when I unlocked my doors to find surprisingly bland rooms.

The neutral tans, blues, and whites did not scream "we belong on the world's biggest and most colorful cruise ships."

The vessels have an almost two-year age difference, as evidenced by some of their decor (mainly Icon's recessed mood lights and the more chic, darker wood tones).

But besides the light fixtures, rugs, and — frankly negligible — wall art and pillows, both cabins were fairly underwhelming compared to everything outside their front doors .

Aesthetics aside, let’s talk functionality.

Both had furnished 50-square-foot balconies.

Regarding the interior space, my 204-square-foot cabin on Icon of the Seas was 22 square feet larger than mine on Wonder.

In retrospect, I would've thought Icon's was smaller. More on that in a bit.

Both king-sized beds faced a television and some wall storage.

And both were flanked by light fixtures with built-in USB outlets, as is expected on most modern cruise ships.

The cruise line says the ships' balcony cabins use two twin mattresses that have been "converted" to make a king bed. It's a common practice I've never had an issue with — until Icon.

On Wonder, the plush pillows enveloped me the moment I laid down. I slept great. No complaints.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the new ship.

I (my back pain) could feel the hard ridge where the two mattresses met, making for a pretty miserable and uncomfortable sleep.

So much for starfishing — I kept to one side of the bed to avoid rolling over the bony bump.

For the most part, the living “rooms” were the same.

Both had the same furniture I see on almost every mass-market ship: a couch that could convert into a bed and a desk that extended into a dresser.

But storage, a high priority for cruisers, was organized differently.

Two thin wardrobes with drawers, hangars, and shelves surrounded either side of my bed on Wonder .

Icon, on the other hand, had one large wardrobe next to the living room.

Unfortunately, it had noticeably less shelving. And the metal bins let out ear-piercing screeches at every move — a lazy and annoying detail that the designers could've easily fixed with cheap felt pads.

So far, the differences have been small. But not for long.

I had two gripes with my Wonder bathroom: the lack of hair conditioner and the ill-positioned faucet that flooded the counter whenever I washed my hands.

I had the same issues on Icon. But that was the least of my concerns.

My bathroom on the older ship was well-sized for 1 person, but maybe too small for 2.

On Icon — the world's largest cruise ship — my bathroom was too compact for even one body.

Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told reporters in January that 80% of Icon's 2,805 cabins were designed for families, a sharp increase from previous vessels like Wonder.

I'm not sure a family of four could coexist in Icon's balcony cabin — solely because of the bathroom size. There's no way two people could fit in there simultaneously. A fight over who gets priority access to the toilet could ruin a peaceful family vacation! (Which is to say, I'm glad I was traveling alone.)

With the bathroom door closed, I accidentally elbowed the walls more times than I could count.

The spare towels had to be stored on a shelf inside the shower. Because the counter was so small, I had to keep most of my toiletries and products on the shelves or in the drawer.

Surprisingly, that's where Icon excelled. Its bathroom had more storage options than its older counterpart, which didn't even have a drawer.

However, the older ship's shower had a clothesline perfect for drying swimwear. It's a small but crucial amenity, especially on a vessel with so many pools and waterslides.

Unfortunately, both were stocked with two-in-one body wash and shampoo — and no hair conditioner

Let’s go through our checklist.

My balcony cabin on Wonder looked less modern than its successor (the TV on Icon had Chromecast, after all).

But it was significantly more functional and comfortable. The bed was incomparably more pleasant, the closets had more defined storage components, and the bathroom was considerably larger, even if it lacked additional shelving and drawers.

The question is: Which one is more worth its price?

Icon's cheapest balcony cabins are currently $900 more than the most affordable ones on Wonder — an almost $130 per person and day difference.

Based on the quality of the staterooms alone, if you prioritize functionality, comfort, and affordability over modern decor, consider saving money and going with the two-year-old ship .

But let’s not forget that cruise fares include unlimited food, on board activities, and nighttime entertainment.

Both ships have a fairly similar list of amenities. But only the newer one has a waterpark , an adult-only infinity pool club, and a swim-up bar, to name a few unique amenities.

So yes, Icon's balcony cabins are more costly. But the staggering price difference — and tiny bathroom — could be worth it if you think the its surplus of additional amenities is worth paying for.

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10 Around-the-world Cruises for the Trip of a Lifetime

These world cruises offer the ultimate itineraries.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Want to island hop around French Polynesia, visit Africa's incredible cities, and cruise through Asia without ever switching hotels or repacking your bags? An around-the-world cruise provides the ultimate itinerary, packed with exciting international destinations (some even visit hard-to-reach destinations like Easter Island and Antarctica), and luxury cruise lines provide comfortable accommodations, specialty restaurants, and plenty to do on and off the ship.

There are two main things you need before booking a world cruise: plenty of time and some spare cash. Prices range from around $20,000 to upwards of $100,000 per person, and all our top picks are more than 100 days (one is even a whopping 275 days), so they're ideal for retired travelers looking for their next big adventure. Pack wisely for a range of destinations and climates, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime, filled with postcard-perfect destinations and new friends (because you're bound to meet a travel buddy or two after 100-plus days on a ship). If an around-the-world cruise is at the top of your travel list, you'll want to book sooner rather than later — these journeys frequently sell out because many cruise lines only offer a limited number of sailings.

Here are ten of the best around-the-world cruises you can take in 2023 and 2024.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking world cruise.

See 28 countries on the 138-day Viking World Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to London. After departing from Florida, the Viking Sky will sail the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, stopping in sunny destinations before crossing the Panama Canal to reach the Pacific. From there, the ship will visit destinations in Mexico and the continental United States, continuing on to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, and Australia. Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and India are among the ports in Asia, then it's on to the Middle East before traveling to Europe, where final destinations include Italy, Spain, and Portugal en route to London. Fares start at $59,995.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Moments in time: world cruise 2024.

Sail around the world in 132 nights aboard the Seven Seas Mariner on a round-trip journey from Miami. You'll spend the days at sea enjoying the luxury ship's amenities, including the spa and several restaurants and lounges, between stops in destinations like Costa Rica, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, UAE, Israel, and Italy, among others. This 2024 world cruise , with fares starting at $73,499, is officially sold out , but you can join a waitlist to be notified of cancellations.

Royal Caribbean

The ultimate world cruise.

Royal Caribbean pulls out all the stops — and there are more than 150 of them — on this 274-night cruise to all seven continents. The itinerary aboard the Serenade of the Seas begins in Miami on December 10, 2023, and visits more than 60 countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, Nicaragua, French Polynesia, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Romania, and Greenland, before ending in Miami on September 10, 2024. Travelers who don't want to commit to the entire cruise can book shorter segments. Fares start at $59,999 for this cruise that gives travelers the opportunity to visit 11 of the great wonders of the world, including the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and Chichen Itza.

World Cruise 2024

Enjoy 133 days on Silversea's Silver Shadow with this round-trip sailing from San Francisco. During that time, the ship will visit 65 ports in 14 countries, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Japan, and Canada. Fares start at $66,000 for this 2024 sailing, which currently has waitlist availability.

2024 World Cruise: Extraordinary Horizons

Climb aboard the Seabourn Sojourn for a 145-day world cruise from Los Angeles to Athens, visiting 72 ports in 28 countries. The cruise departs Los Angeles and goes to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Japan, and China — just to name a few places — before ending in Greece. Visit the website for booking details and shorter segments.

Oceania Cruises

Around the world in 180 days.

Travelers on Oceania's 180-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles to New York aboard the Insignia will see some of the world's most impressive sights. Highlights include stops in stunning French Polynesia, Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt, Spain, France, and Iceland. Fares start at $48,499 for the 2024 sailing .

MSC Cruises

Msc world cruise 2024.

The MSC Poesia will take guests to 56 destinations on this 120-day cruise starting in Rome. Countries visited during this journey include Argentina, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and Jordan. When you're not exploring each port, you can relax in the swimming pools and hot tubs, visit the many restaurants, bars, and lounges, or go to the spa. Fares start at $17,199 per person; find booking details on the MSC website.

Princess Cruises

111-day world cruise.

This round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on the Island Princess will visit 47 ports in beautiful places like New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Sri Lanka, UAE, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Bermuda, Mexico, and more. Fares for this 2024 sailing start at $19,497.

Holland America Line

128-day grand world voyage.

Explore the world on this 128-day round-trip journey from Fort Lauderdale on the Zuiderdam . This cruise's itinerary includes a trip down the Amazon River, stops in the Caribbean, a Panama Canal crossing, and stops in cities like Honolulu, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and more. Fares start at $23,599 for this 2024 cruise .

Azamara World Cruise

This 155-night itinerary to more than 40 countries kicks off in Fort Lauderdale and finishes in Barcelona. The itinerary features ports for experiencing some of the great wonders of the world, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, as well as Petra in Jordan and the Colosseum in Rome. Travelers can also choose to join segments of the cruise aboard the Azamara Onward for as few as 10 nights. Fares for this 2024 sailing start at $36,379.

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Residential World Cruise Ship Delayed Two Weeks, Company Secures Financing

• May 5, 2024

Residential cruising brand Villa Vie Residences has secured additional financing as it gears up to the launch of its 3.5-year world cruise. It has gained a Term Loan Facility from funds advised by NRP Maritime Asset Management AS, a Norwegian maritime fund manager.

Villa Vie Residences’s ship Odyssey is on dry dock in Belfast, Northern Ireland, prepping for its launch. An extensive refurbishment is underway and expected to be completed by May 21.

World Cruise Launch Pushed Back Two Weeks

Due to the work required, the departure date from Southampton, May 15, has been pushed back to May 30, now sailing out of Belfast. The ship was purchased from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines when it was called the MS Braemar.

Due to the rescheduled departure date, Villa Vie Residences has set up a dedicated hotline to assist booked residents. The company says it will cover all change fees they incur.

The delay has made some guests nervous about the launch after the Life at Sea Cruises mishap last fall, where cruisers lost their money, and some were left homeless. To give customers peace of mind, the cruise company invites them to tour the ship before the launch date to view the enhancements.

World Cruise Over 80% Sold

According to Kathy Villalba, Chief Operating Officer of Villa Vie Residences, more than 80% of the available cabins are sold. “This continues to increase everyday as we near our departure,” Villalba said.

The Villa Vie Residences continuous 3.5-year world cruise is scheduled to visit more than 425 ports in 147 countries. Customers have two booking options on the Villa Vie Residences world cruise: owning a villa at sea or booking shorter cruise segments ranging from 35 to 120 days.

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Cruise line canceled while guests were already onboard

• Published: Apr. 29, 2024, 4:53 p.m.

Royal Caribbean Cruise canceled while guests were already onboard. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) AP

• EmilyAnn Jackman | [email protected]

So much for thinking they had crossed their final hurdle.

Guests onboard the Royal Caribbean cruise line were told their trip was canceled and were being sent home despite already being aboard the ship.

Royal Caribbean International notified guests onboard Radiance of the Seas that the ship would not continue on an already-abbreviated Alaskan cruise. The trip was canceled, and guests had to disembark, CruiseHive.com reported.

The ship was set to leave from Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 26, but an earlier adjustment due to technical difficulties allowed guests to board on embarkation day while the ship was to spend two days in port undergoing repairs.

The revised plan features a Sunday departure and an adjusted route, with calls to Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan and scenic cruising in the famed Inside Passage before returning on May 3, which was the original completion date.

But it was later announced that the trip was being canceled due to repairs for a technical issue. Guests had to leave the ship by 4 p.m. Sunday.

“As you are aware, our teams have been vigorously working to have Radiance of the Seas prepared to set sail on our shortened April 26th sailing,” the letter given to passengers in their staterooms read, the unofficial cruise site RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com reported.

“Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further. As a result, we’ll regrettably have to cancel our April 26th, 2024, cruise,” the letter concluded.

Guests will receive a 100% refund of their cruise fare and a 100% future cruise credit that may be applied to any future Royal Caribbean sailing. Internet service aboard the ship was also open free of charge to allow for easier travel planning and offered a free open bar until debarkation.

The ship began to develop propulsion difficulties last week during a repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, causing multiple stops to be scrapped due to a slower speed.

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