The World Ship: A Floating Home for 20 Years

The MS World has been a floating city since 2002. Just 165 people occupy its 165 apartments. Collectively, they fork out millions with no tourists among them, and do not check out or fly home on Saturday.

The Inside of a Mobile Real Estate Venture

The MS World is more than a glorified cruise; it is a mobile, cooperative housing community. Traveling in a 502 ft. by 73 ft. steel hull, residents own their homes, but instead of a home address, they have a ship. This unlikely real estate venture is nontraditional even for cruises. Cruise ships are temporary homes for tourists, but the MS World is permanent for the owners. Built in 1972 as the Castle Hercules, the ship was even used for her military service before its new life as a cruise ship. The ship hosts diversified real estate. Apartments range from 300 to 700 square feet, plus five owner-owned townhouses. Ownership fluctuates. In 2017, an apartment sold on the market for 1.7 million USD. Since the owners are from all over the world, the ship sometimes contains vacant units. While the MS World may change locations, it is a mounting financial investment. Residents pay $20,000 for each week of travel. This includes meals, drinks, and activities. As practical as this sounds, the cost of living aboard the ship is expensive. The ship costs are not cheap for those aboard. Residents pay a 3.2% commission when they sell their unit. Residents also pay to travel. The ship requires $300,000 a month for fuel. Annual repairs can also be costly. The ship is accountable for its own insurance. All the aforementioned cost may be enough to discourage some from living aboard the ship, but residents have their own lounge, library, and spa. The ship also has a fitness area and swimming pool. Plus, all meals are provided for the residents. Markets evolve. Residents work for others living on the ship. This can include service jobs in the bar or in the office in the library. Inhabiting the world is not for everyone. With no healthcare amenities available, those who are sick may be forced to go to a hospital at the next port of call. The ship also has no laundry facilities. It has limited internet and the residents must pay for their own phone service. Plus, storage space is at a minimum. The ship sometimes costs millions for the residents to build a relationship with their new community.

The ship's schedule is for voting members

The ship is a democracy that elects a board of directors. The directors are voted on in annual elections. While the ship may have two captains, all direction is for the board of directors. Decisions are voted on by the members and the power shifts residents owning more than one apartment. Aboard the MS World the ship's schedule is democratic. The residents vote on where to travel next. Next week it might be the Galapagos Islands or a small island in Fiji; it might be a month in the Caribbean or a year in the Mediterranean. These all political nuances aide in a possible misconception of the role of the ship. The ship is not for tourists. The residents are not visiting anywhere. The MS World is their home. They vote on where they want to live next. The ship's political system allows for a customizable itinerary. The itinerary in the lower breakout areas is debated in such detail that the community "elects" a captain. Residents are listened to by the captain of the ship. While the itineraries are observed by the captain, the community makes the final choice. The itinerary is based on what the locals would like to do. The democratic nature of the community is an advantage for the frequent traveler. The ship can stay weeks or months before moving on.

The Ship is More Than Just a Home

The MS World is a destination for the adventurous, yet the ship does not stay in one place. The ship moves from one local place to the next. The ship is a mobile community that allows for new adventures. Residents are eager to show what is new in their culture to other residents.

The Democratic Household

In 2010, 600 people applied for the rights to come aboard the MS World. The ship is more than a floating home. Traveling the world for residents means that it is a democratic community. On the ship, residents make decisions based on voting. The vote comes together for what the MS World is all about: democracy. The voting process requires 24 hours for residents to vote. Voting can occur by voting ballots. The residents are issued a voting card. The ship makes an itinerary for two weeks. The democratic process is not perfect. There are limits to what the ship can vote on. For instance, some members like to go to the golf course on the ship. The members that enjoy golfing may choose to go to spend time on the golf course. But the ship does not stop in a harbor for months. The democratic process can also cause indecision. If the residents cannot come to an agreement, the ship stops in the harbor for a week. This is where the residents come to a decision about their next course of action.

What to Expect as a New Owner

Prospective residents wishing to know what it is like aboard the MS World can take an anniversary cruise. This is a month-long voyage that allows residents to experience life aboard the ship. This is an opportunity for the residents to meet the locals and see what the ship is all about. The cruise is booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. The ship is not for everyone. This can mean a significant departure for most of the residents. Some have sold their land houses. The residents must also consider their health insurance. Since there are no doctors or emergencies aboard the ship, the residents must take care to be healthy. The ship's birthdate and weight are over 700 feet. The ship buys supplies and jobs for the crew. This is the MS World—a vast leap in regular life. Those who want to pursue the dream are advised to do their research. The ship offers freedoms that you may have not yet known. Anyone interested the World can visit the world website to find out more information about the ship and how to purchase a place on the MS World.