This unique ship, the world's very first ocean-going luxury resort, will begin her pioneering odyssey in December 2001. The World combines the comforts of a private home with the best features of cruising and the environment of an exclusive resort

The World's innovative design has been developed by renowned naval architects & ship designers Yran & Storbraaten, who through the years have earned an excellent reputation for combining elegant lines with spacious interiors and state-of-the-art facilities. The ship will have a full-time crew of 252 seafarers and hospitality staff to run the ship and serve the Residents.

The ship is to be built by Fosen Mek. Verksteder A/S (FMV), a medium-sized shipyard located in Rissa, Norway, approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Trondheim. FMV was founded in 1918 as a repair workshop for wooden vessels under the name of Frengen Slip & Motorverksted. FMV today boasts 68 new builds and specialises in technologically sophisticated vessels: RO/RO and luxury cruise ferries, container ships, off-shore, seismic and other special-purpose vessels.