This leviathan, "The World", a luxury residential cruise ship, is coming to Batemans Bay on the 28th of December. The residents, currently from 40 different countries, live on board as the ship circumnavigates the globe. Some residents live on board full-time while others visit their floating home periodically throughout the year.
"The World" flies the flag of the Bahamas and has a gross tonnage of 43,524 tons. The vessel is 644 feet (196m) long, 98 feet (30m) wide, and has 22 foot (6.7m) draft, 12 decks, and a maximum speed of 18.5 knots(34.3km/h) The crew numbers 250. The ship has 165 residential units, 106 apartments, 19 studio apartments and 40 studios, all owned by the ship's residents. The ship carries between 100 and 300 residents and their guests.
"The World" was the idea of Knut U. Kloster Jr. whose family had a long history in the cruise ship industry. The ship was built in Rissa, Norway, by Fosen Mek. Verksteder A/S, and launched in March 2002. In October 2003, the residents of the vessel purchased "The World". ResidenSea in Miramar, Florida, are the management company responsible for operations and administration of the ship, including hiring the hundreds of employees that offer services such as housekeeping, beauty treatments, photography and other amenities on board. The residents, through their elected board of directors and a network of committees, provide guidance to the management about the ships itinerary, finances and lifestyle.
And, yes, before you ask, "The World"'s passengers will go on a Clyde River cruise and come right past "Riverbend"!
