The World comes to NZ

The World at anchor in a tropical south seas destination.

A record-breaking summer cruise season gets underway this evening with the arrival of the colossal luxury liner The World at the Port of Napier.

The 196m-long World is home to more than 160 residents who live on board - enjoying a lifestyle of adventure and luxury in floating apartments.

Its passengers will mainly come from North America, Europe and Australia - with each expected to spend NZ$180-$200 for the day they are in Hawke's Bay.

Port of Napier commercial manager Chris Bain said The World was the first of 26 cruise ships to visit Hawke's Bay this summer.

The record cruise season in Hawke's Bay should see passenger numbers grow 25 to 30 per cent above the 11,000 people who visited the region last summer.

The height of the season will fall in February, with nine vessels expected.

It's not exactly cheap to live aboard The World. Residents on The World pay from US$825,000 to US$7.3 million - and accommodation includes 106 spacious private apartments, 19 studio apartments and 40 studios.

Many private residences are available for rent for a minimum six-night stay starting at US$1300 a night.

The ship carries an average occupancy of 150 to 200 passengers and guests, with an international crew of 250 experienced seafarers and hospitality staff from 28 countries.

The World is 196m long, 30m wide, and draws 6.7m of water, has 12 decks, and a maximum speed of 18.5 knots.

It has plenty of attractions for residents including a jewellery store, a World Boutique and other shops, along with a virtual golf course, tennis court, jogging track, internet café, casino, and four restaurants.

The World started 2006 cruising the US Gulf Coast before moving on to Asia in April through to August. Last month was spent in Australia and this month is scheduled for New Zealand waters.

During this New Zealand-based stint, The World will take in the East coast of the North Island with stopovers at Wellington, Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga, Auckland and the Bay of Islands.

In 2007 The World will visit 35 countries, starting with South America.

She's due in at the Port of Napier at around 5pm today.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY