America's Cup brings 'The World' to our shores

By REBECCA WALSH

They call it the ultimate address.

The ocean views are to die for, and it comes complete with a tennis court, golf driving range, natural grass putting green, a water sports marina and gourmet market.

Not to mention the Wedgwood china, Christofle cutlery and Frette linen.

If you have a spare US$2.5 million to $US7.5 million ($5.3-$15.8 million) an apartment aboard luxury liner The World could be yours.

Otherwise, you will have to settle for a view of the ship when it berths in Auckland for the start of America's Cup racing in February.

The World, marketed by United States company ResidenSea, is nearly 200m long and contains 110 apartments, ranging in size from 103sq m to 301sq m.

There are also 88 guest suites for rent, starting at US$2100 ($4424) a day.

The Norwegian-built liner has 320 staff ready to cater for every need, be it 24-hour room service or arranging a personal fitness programme.

This is the domain of the incredibly wealthy, or as its website puts it, "an exclusive community of discerning adventurers committed to enjoying life to the fullest".

Residents get to relax in their own home as the ship cruises the globe, stopping to take in major events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco's Grand Prix and the America's Cup.

Forget those memories of the Love Boat or thoughts of making it to the captain's table for dinner.

"In keeping with the sophisticated sensibilities of our residents and guests, traditional cruise activities such as bingo and captain's cocktail parties are happily banished."

The World arrives in New Zealand at the beginning of February after cruising the South Pacific. It will make its way from Fiordland, arriving in Auckland on February 14.

Doug Colaco, manager of non-liner and cruise services for McKay Shipping, said the liner would visit Waiheke, Kawau Island and the Bay of Islands during its stay.

Residents hailed from throughout the world and were mainly older people who had "made their wealth and now they are going backstage". They chose their destinations and cruises to fit in with their lifestyle.

Captain Colaco said it was hard to know how much money they would spend in New Zealand.

"One passenger may just go and buy a diamond ring for his wife that might be $10,000.

"Some people might ask about the price of apartments or land here."

He said an estimated $600 million was pumped into the economy last year by visiting cruise ships.

Further reading
nzherald.co.nz/marine

nzherald.co.nz/americascup