Experience World Cruising
In The Comforts Of
Your Private Home
By Beth Nielson

The World of ResidenSea is the world's first luxury residential community, which remains at sea or within ports around the globe. It's like owning a home in over 100 countries or as ResidenSea puts it, it's the “ultimate address.” Through Barbados is a common destination (the company headquarters is located in Freeport, The Bahamas), the ship continuously navigates the globe and includes major world events in its itinerary, such as the Cannes Film Festival, Grand Prix of Monaco and the British Open in Scotland. Voyagers also have the opportunity to experience castles in Denmark, salsa lessons on the Mexican Rivera, world-renowned vineyards in Italy and France, the rare artisanship of the San Blas Islands and New Year's Eve celebrations in Hawaii. The list of possible adventures goes on and on.

Comprised of 110 private apartments, some of which are available for rental, (ranging from 1,106 to 3,242 square feet which include a kitchen, at least two bedrooms and two baths, a dining area, a living area and a balcony-with an optional jet pool), ResidenSea combines the comforts of private home with the best features of ocean travel and the environment of an exclusive resort. Each “home” has its own computer and Internet access. Phone and mail service are also provided. Priced from US $2.25 to $7.5 million, these residences have elegant, stylish interiors that incorporate beautiful fabrics and furnishings combined to create aesthetically pleasing, yet practical homes. Residents may select from five standard floor plans and several interior design concepts developed exclusively by four internationally renowned signature designers: Nina Campbell, J.P> Molyneux, Luciano Di Pilla and Architects Yran and Storbraaten.

Though apartments (or “homes”) are often for rent, an additional 88 guests suites (ranging from 259 to 648 square feet) are available for vacationers who wish to stay a minimum of five days. Vacation suites feature a private balcony, and most include a walk-in closet. All suites include remote controlled television with satellite remote controlled television with satellite transmission and a video cassette player; direct dial telephone; a marble bathroom with separate tub and shower; Frette linens, feather-down pillows, luxurious bath amenities and complimentary in-suite beverages. Residents may stay in their apartments any time of the year while the guest suites are available for specific vacation excursions. Unlike traditional cruise ships, however, ResidenSea offers passengers extended stays (from two to five days) to experience the world's port cities in-depth. In additions, special low fares have been established for new voyages (check with ResidenSea or your travel agent for details). As anyone would expect, the ship abounds with excellent restaurants as well as entertaining bar areas. A well- equipped health spa (Clinique La Prairie of Switzerland) offers a range of treatments and personal trainers for those interested and aerobic and dance classed, as well as a retractable marina for water sports. An extra perk are the reciprocal privileges at private clubs around the world. Two large swimming pools, a full-six tennis court, a paddle tennis court, a jobbing track and golf facilities (with a driving range, putting green and golf simulators) round out the fitness possibilities onboard. Voyages can also expect top quality medical services with a doctor and nurse on call 24hours a day, as well as X-ray and operating facilities and an emergency helipad. In addition, sophisticated security systems are located throughout the ship and there is a 24-hour security staff. For further security, built-in safes are located in every bedroom and a central vault optimizes protection for valuables. Finally, a business and conference center with modern communications facilities and office machines provides not only professional convenience but proficient secretarial services as well.

The “enrichment program” onboard this ship includes a distinctive art gallery featuring exclusive rotating and destination-specific exhibits as well as dozens of permanent and commissioned art pieces. Nils Rykken, vice president of product experience, directs all aspects of the enrichment program. He contributes 25 years of combined international experience in arts and enrichment while his dedication to the cultured lifestyle melds perfectly with ResidenSea's goals for those who live on and travel the seas onboard. There are lectures, classes and performance arts (concerts, dramatic presentations and films). Class and lecture topics range from history and geography to astronomy and oceanography. Other enriching courses are offered on fascinating subjects such as navigations, cooking, bridge, dance, arts, crafts, music and photography. There is an equally enriching onboard library which features a collection of more than 3,000 books, videos and interactive CDs that highlight destinations the ship will visit during its continuous tour of the world as well as providing residents and travelers with the opportunity to stay abreast of the most current films and entertainment in the privacy of their own “homes.” Of course, traveling the globe offers its own cultural highlights. Residents and guests can embrace the full flavor of each port of call through comprehensive shore tours the introduce local culture and history, such as touring art museums, locating historical sites or simply breathing in the atmosphere.

Also available are customized pre- and post- voyage travel opportunities organized by international luxury travel specialists Abercrombie & Kent, tennis pros and the opportunity to play the best and most challenging golf courses around the globe. As you can see, whether residing onboard for a week, a month or a lifetime, ResidenSea promises a plethora of experiences and activities.