The year 2010 will see three new residential ships making their debuts. These ships are not the first to emerge in this new market. The World of Residensea was the first to come on the scene when she made her debut in 2002. The success of that initial venture sparked interest by entrepreneurs wishing to enter this niche market.
First to announce a foray into residential cruising was Four Seasons Hotels in 2005 and that was followed by the Orphalese and Residential cruise lines, not necessarily in that order.
Owning a residence a ship does not come cheaply. Prices for full ownership are in the millions of dollars plus an annual assessment fee but this does not deter wannabes from taking ownership to explore the world from the comfort of their floating “home.”
Shipsandcruises decided to take a look at this new trend in the world of cruising. Here’s a look at these four vessels—
The World * Four Seasons Ocean Residence * The Orphalese * and the Magellan.
The World
Back in 2002, a new residential ship—The World—made her debut in the cruise world. Only this time it was a cruise ship on which the passengers owned their apartments. The visionary behind the world was Knyut U. Koster Jr., a Norwegian who had a dream to create a ship in which the passengers did not have to disembark if they so chose. And so in 1997, he compiled a working team of professionals to develop the first vessel on which the passengers could travel the globe without leaving home. Five years later The World was delivered to acclaim.
In late 2003, the vessel’s residents purchased The World. Now celebrating its eighth year in 2008, The World is still the only private residential community at sea and the ResidenSea Management Ltd headquartered in Miramar, Florida, is responsible for sales, marketing, operations and administration of the vessel.
There are 165 residences aboard The World. Residences range in approximate price from $825,000 to $7.3 million. Annual maintenance fees are additional and based on square footage As of June 30, 2006, all of the homes aboard the vessel were sold but a select number of resale residences often are available for purchase. In addition, many private residences are available for a vacation rental when the owners are not onboard. A minimum six-night stay is required and rates range from $1,300 to $4800 per night, for two guests including meals, select beverages, port charges and gratuities.
The 165 private residences aboard The World include 106 two-and three-bedroom apartments, 19 one-and two-bedroom studio apartments and 40 studios.
Two- and three-bedroom apartments range from 1,106 to 3,242 square feet, with fully-equipped kitchens, bathrooms, living and dining room areas and verandas with
optional jet pools. All furniture, appliances and equipment, as well as advanced audio and video equipment, are included. One- and two-bedroom apartments range in size
from 674 to 1011 square feet, and include kitchenettes, two spacious bathrooms, and private verandas. Studios average 337 square feet in size and offer sitting areas, entertainment centers, and marble bathrooms. Many studios have private verandas.
Facilities include gift boutiques, business- meetings facilities, a chapel, a casino, a theater for musical presentations, movies and lectures; and an extensive library.
Besides the full-service Banyan Tree Spa and the fitness center, there is a full-size tennis court; a paddle tennis court; golf facilities with a golf simulator and a jogging track. Water sports are available from the ship’s retractable marina and the two swimming pools on board.
Dining-wise, there are four restaurants offering a variety of menus representing different world cuisines. There is also a gourmet grocery store and delicatessen. Chefs are available to prepare meals in residence kitchens, or residents and guests may cook for themselves in their apartments.
A diverse selection of lounges and bars are also onboard, including the Lobby Bar, the Marina Bar, Quantum nightclub, the Cigar Club, the Pool Bar and the Regatta Bar.
A children’s program is offered daily for a fee during the summer months and pre-arranged baby sitting services are also available.
Technically, The World is the first ship of its size to burn marine diesel rather than heavy bunker fuel, making for a much more environmentally friendly ship and allowing The World to call in ports where ships burning heavy fuel are banned. The World is also the first ship to feature the unique Scanship wastewater cleaning system in which wastes are
filtered by means of a flotation system.
The World’s captain and the residents collectively determine the ship’s yearly itinerary, based on the best sea routes and residents’ personal interests. Continuous worldwide journeys with a focus on extended stays of an average 2.5 days in port ensure that both residents and guests have sufficient time to explore their favorite destinations. In 2008, The World will travel to South Africa, the Seychelles, the United Arab Emirates, India, Jordan, Eastern and Western Europe, Bermuda, southeastern United States, the Caribbean and South America.
Website: www.aboardtheworld.com
Ship Statistics
Shipyard: Fosen Mek. Verksteder A/S, Rissa, Norway
Entered service: 2002
Gross Tonnage: 43,524 gt
Length: 644.2 feet. (196.35 m)
Beam: 97.8 feet. (29.8 m)
Draft: 22 feet. (6.7 m)
Maximum speed: 18.5 knots
Registry: The Bahamas
Decks: 12
Residences: 165
Medical facility: Yes
USPH Sanitary Rating: 97
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Rendering of Four Seasons Ocean Residence
The Four Seasons Ocean Residence, which will be built by Aker Yards, is being developed through a joint venture between Florida-based BV International Ocean Holdings, Ltd and the Ocean Development Group. Construction on the vessel is expected to begin in the fall of 2008 with a projected delivery date of late 2010. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will be responsible for the management of the residential portion of the vessel, including all guest services and amenities.
The ship from early renderings looks like an extension of a land-based Four Seasons hotel—coolly minimalist and sophisticated luxury. Mid-sized and nimble in design, the vessel features ice- and green-ship classifications, making her capable of entering smaller, less-visited ports, as well as arctic waters and environmentally sensitive areas. The 48,600 ton ship features 13 decks, of which five decks are allocated for 112 fully furnished Four Seasons Ocean Residences. Each of the 112 homes, as they are called, are accessed through generous five-foot-wide corridors running through the interior of the vessel, allowing unrestricted views through their floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious terraces. The homes have a large entrance foyer leading to the living and dining areas, a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances to allow residents the novelty of cooking at sea. Wide plasma HD televisions and wireless internet access are also on hand. The master suite features his and hers walk-in closets, and a signature Four Seasons bathroom with separate shower and deep-soaking whirlpool tub.
The homes range from one to three bedrooms starting at 797 square feet and six penthouse residences offer three or four bedrooms with up to 7,860 square feet. Prices range approximately from €2 million ($2.9 million) to €20 million ($29 million). No fractional ownership is being offered nor will there be guest accommodations for transient passengers. In addition there will be monthly assessment charges assessed.
Residents will have daily housekeeping service, in-residence dining, grocery stocking, and laundry and dry cleaning. Residents will also have the option of preparing their own food in their high-end kitchens in their homes or catered in-residence dining 24/7.
The other eight decks on the ship are dedicated public areas. Dining and recreation are focused on Decks 5 and 6, as well as on Decks 11, 12 and the top-level Sky Deck. The heart of the ship is the Lobby located in the main boarding area on Deck 5 where Four Seasons reception and concierge services are located.
Four dining areas are planned for the ship: the signature Four Seasons restaurant with an adjoining wine cellar; the Rotunda dining room and adjoining Grill; an Asian restaurant with an authentic sushi bar; and a casual Mediterranean restaurant at the top deck with an outdoor terrace.
For children traveling onboard, there is a planned colorful children’s playroom with supervised activities for those aged three to 12. A Teen Center is also planned with a multimedia technology lounge which transforms at night to an energetic nightspot.
An on-board tutoring program for those youngsters on an extended stay on the ship is also planned with guest lecturers and instructors. The classroom will feature four computer workstations, a large study area, a library and plasma viewing screens for interaction with land-based teachers.
Just like a regular cruise ship, a grand promenade is on the drawing board that includes high-end boutiques, a gourmet food store and a coffee shop for espressos or lattes.
The Spa includes seven treatment rooms – three designed for couples – surrounding two relaxation rooms and the requisite workout equipment. Saunas, ice rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and hair/nailcare salons complement the facility. On the same deck, the fitness center will have the requisite strength-training machines and free weights in addition to exercise classes or a one-on-one session with a personal trainer.
There will be a digital Golf Simulator, spanning 441 square feet (41 square meters), the simulator allows you to drive a golf ball toward a sensitized screen showing a choice of world-class courses. A 360 degree jogging track will also be in place while a large outdoor pool with gentle waterfalls is graced with fresh flowers and semi-submerged lounges.
A variety of public lounges are planned ranging from the Top Deck Balinese Bar overlooking one of the ship’s two pools to the Orchid Lounge and Club designed as a two-tiered, contemporary nature conservatory. Another lounge is the wood paneled Connoisseur Club and Gaming Room, where cigar smoking will be allowed as well as gaming tables.
For live performances and lectures, the Studio will provide the venue. Cooking lessons from international chefs taking place in the Demonstration Kitchen and wine-tasting classes in the Wine Cellar are also on the agenda as well as horticultural seminars in The Orchid Lounge.
With rotating exhibitions, the Four Seasons Art Gallery will showcase paintings and sculptures, as well as art indigenous to specific ports of call. In addition, real-time links to major international galleries and live auctions at Sotheby’s and Christies are also planned
For quiet contemplation, a Meditation Garden and a chapel with a stained glass skylight are also in the design scheme.
Four Seasons Ocean Residence will be in port 250 days of the year as she circumnavigates the globe on a two-year long itinerary. On her maiden voyage, in late 2010, the Four Seasons will set forth on a two-year itinerary around the world. After the initial two-year schedule, the itinerary will be determined in part by Four Seasons residents and confirmed two years in advance.
To facilitate travel, the ship will dock near a substantial airport every seven days. For transfers, a helipad is located on the Sky Deck, or one can board the ship by Riva-style luxury tender.
Website: http://www.fourseasons.com/private_residences/oceanresidences/
Ship Statistics
Owner: Joint venture between BV International Ocean Holdings, Ltd and Ocean Development Group
Shipyard: Aker Yards
Projected Delivery: late 2010
Gross Tonnage: 48,600
Overall Length: 720 feet (220 meters)
Number of Decks: 12 plus Sky Deck
Cruising Speed: 18.5 knots
Residences: 112
Owner Guest Suites: 18
Butler/Staff Suites: 11
Maximum Capacity: 550 residents
Typical Capacity: 120 to 250 residents
Crew: 220
Registry: The Bahamas
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Rendering of The Orphalese
The Orphalese, slated to make her debut in the fall of 2010, is being developed by Orphalese Holdings, Inc. the managing company in a family of companies, which includes, Orphalese Cruise Lines, Inc. based in Beverly Hills, California and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Now in construction at the Aker Finnyards in Helsinki, the ship is named after the mythical city in Kahlil Gibran’s masterpiece The Prophet. The Orphalese will be the largest residential ship afloat at 86,000 gross tons; and the first residential ocean liner to offer 200 permanent ocean residences as well as 265 suites for cruise passengers.
Ranging in size from 1,000 square feet to a Grand Master Estate of 4,000 square feet, the fully furnished residences will include two, three or four bedrooms; two to four-and-a-half baths; a dining room, and a gourmet kitchen. Prices range from $2.5 million for a two bedroom/two and a half baths home to $13 million for a five bedroom/five and a half baths penthouse.
The monthly common charges are lower than those assessed by the other lines, an Orphalese spokesperson points out. For example monthly common charges for a layout costing $2.5 million to purchase are approximately $2,700 per month compared to upwards of $12,000 for the other lines. This includes all meals, utilities, urgent medical care, and full use of The Orphalese's common facilities.
The Orphalese’s extensive onboard spa facilities will feature 21 luxuriously appointed private treatment rooms including four double treatment rooms catering to couples or friends. A unique meditation room will invite guests to experience tailored individual spa and wellness activities, including guided meditation and Tai Chi, while they circumvent the globe. A fully equipped gym offering fitness, Pilates and yoga programs will also be available. The company has entered into an exclusive partnership with Bangkok-based Six Senses Spas that will provide all spa and health services to guests and residents onboard.
The new ship will offer several distinctive restaurants; two nightclubs; a 7,000-square-foot casino; a movie theater; and a theater for live concerts, plays and events.
A variety of water sports including storage for the owner’s personal watercraft and a golf practice green planned along with an 80,000-square foot Mall Deck offering high-end retail venues. A fully equipped business center open 24/7 will include direct satellite communication systems, secure data transmission lines, ISDN service direct to each residence and direct satellite, cable service and XM Radio
Environmental and green initiatives are paramount on the new vessel from alternative power sources to recycling programs to golf balls that dissolve into fish food once they fall into the ocean. Instead of chlorine, The Orphalese will use salt, as the catalyst in its ocean-based water desalinization units for recycling used water. In addition, solar panels will be used for the generation of energy for the ship’s exterior lighting, while a unique regeneration system utilizes exhaust gases from the vessel’s engines to heat water and provide heat for onboard residences.
Orphalese designers are planning to outfit the residences on-board with state-of-the-art environmentally friendly appliances that conserve energy and water such as washing machines that use sound waves to clean clothes and conserve gallons of water. In addition, an on-board recycling plant that will recycle 100 percent of all solid waste products and a wastewater treatment plant will be in place. Water reclaimed by these systems will be used for external ship cleaning purposes only.
Itinerary wise, the ship will circle the globe and is expected to visit 200 ports a year.
Website: www.theorphalese.com
Ship Statistics
Owner: Orphalese Holdings, Inc
Shipyard: Aker Finnyards Helsinki
Projected Entry: Fall 2010
Registry: Marshall Islands
Gross tonnage: 86,000 tons
Length: 294 meters
Breath Maximum 260 meters
Height: 260.6 meters
Crew Capacity 860
Speed 22 knots
Speed Max 24 knots
Power: Diesel-Electric, Azipod Propulsion
Residences: 200
Guest suites: 265
Medical Facility: Yes
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Rendering of the Magellan
Billing itself as the world's largest private residential cruise ship in permanent-resident capacity, Residential Cruise Line Ltd.'s Magellan will feature 210 units of different sizes. The estimated $750 million vessel with 15 passenger decks is being built at the Aker Yards in France and is expected to be delivered in spring 2010. Her inaugural cruise will depart from Lisbon.
The Magellan's residences, offering unhindered ocean views, will feature fine wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and granite surfaces in the kitchens, marble baths, and china and crystal for in-residence dining. Prices for full-ownership residences located on Decks 6 to 11 start at $3.78 million for a two-bedroom unit and go as high as $16.425 million for a four-bedroom residence. Residences in the ultra Platinum ownership category, located only on Decks 10 and 12, will also have the services of a private chef and a personal shopper to fulfill requests. Owners may also rent out their residences when they are away.
Magellan also offers the unique opportunity to buy fractional ownership of either one month or two weeks duration per year. The units, located on Decks 6, 7, 8 and 9 start at $215,000 for a one-bedroom unit and up to $995,000 for a larger four-bedroom residence for the one-month ownership. Annual assessment rates for vessel operating expenses apply in all three categories.
Dining facilities will include four restaurants with varying themes that include Asian as well as European, Mediterranean and American cuisines. A New-York-style deli is planned as is a gourmet marketplace for food purchases, and there will be a microbrewery.
Shipboard amenities will include a tennis court, two swimming pools, a retractable marina with, two putting greens, 430 seat theater, greenhouse, observatory, disco and several bar lounges, an all-weather heliport with two Bell jet helicopters, Aqua Spa, casino, 450-seat Broadway-style theatre, two pools and more. There will be five multipurpose meeting and conference facilities. When the ship is in port, Magellan will feature a unique retractable marina with a small swimming pool, sunning area, and fully equipped Bertram fishing boats and Scarab speed boats for use.
Owners, Residential says, will be able to journey to their private residences via the ship’s two executive jet helicopters, Venetian-style tenders as well as boarding directly dockside from one of 300 ports around the world the ship visits.
The Magellan will circumnavigate the globe every two years, visiting 150 countries. Scheduled ports include Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Istanbul, Stockholm, New York, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, Acapulco, Vancouver, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Bali, Honolulu and Alexandria, Egypt.
The entrepreneur behind the new ship—Randall Jackson, chief executive officer of Residential Cruise Line, Ltd.— is a prominent Arizona real estate developer, former luxury motor yacht dealer, and former commercial and military pilot. Jackson developed the Magellan concept of richly appointed residences and five-star service. “I was touring the Strait of Magellan during a holiday cruise with my family, he recalls, when I envisioned the possibility of a home-away-from-home touring the seven seas in the greatest of luxury.”
The ship will be managed by V.Ships, an international company that provides of independent ship management and related marine services to the shipping industry.
Website: www.ResidentialCruiseLine.com
Ship Statistics
Owner: Residential Cruise Line Ltd.
Shipyard: Aker Yards/France
Projected Delivery Date: 2010
Registry: The Bahamas
Gross tonnage: 76,000 gt
Length: 860 feet
Width: 106 feet
Decks: 15
Crew: 500
Capacity: 1100 passengers max capacity
Cabins: 210
Medical facility: Yes
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Reported by P W Mooney, Editor
Shipsandcruises.com (2/28/08)
