A LUXURY cruise ship, where residents live onboard, remains anchored in Douglas Bay today (Friday).
The World is a cruise ship with a difference – it serves as a residential community, with residents living onboard, as the ship slowly circumnavigates the globe.
Some residents on the ship live onboard full time, whilst others visit their floating home periodically throughout the year.
The ship likens itself to that of a private yacht, seaside villa or exclusive country club.
Terry Toohey, cruise consultant for Isle of Man Tourism said: "This is a unique vessel effectively being the world’s first apartments at sea. All the suites are in private ownership and passengers decide where they travel."
Measuring 644 feet long and 98 feet wide, the ship has 165 residential units and carries between 100 and 300 passengers. Facilities onboard include a golf club, spa, tennis court, art gallery and six restaurants.
Passengers have had the chance to sample the Island by taking part in three tailor-made itineraries.
On offer yesterday was a chance to learn about the thriving population of Manx Bees with a visit to a local apiary as well as Rushen Abbey and Ballasalla.
Mr Toohey continued: "This is the very first time that we have done this itinerary. Vessels are always looking for something new."
Today passengers will be able to choose between an excursion to Castletown on the Steam Railway and a trip to Laxey.
In Laxey, guests will have the opportunity to visit the Laxey Wheel and Snaefell Mountain Railway with local artist and photographer, John Caley.
Before travelling to the Isle of Man, The World visited Wales and Cork. After its two day stay in Manx waters, the ship will travel to Liverpool, Glasgow, Oban and Reykjavik.
See also: Life onboard The World
"Queen's cruise ship" berths in Peel
