The World, a plush 43 000 ton ship with 12 decks and 106 private apartments, 19 studio apartments and 40 studios, docked in the East London harbour recently to have maintenance work done.
The Eastern Cape Tourism Board (ECTB) was there to welcome the guests in style – with the red carpet rolled out and the entertainment ready to wow the guests.
The vessel is an exclusive cruise ship which spends 115 days a year at sea, giving its residents a chance to travel the world without ever leaving the comfort of their homes.
It boasts a full-size tennis court, two swimming pools, a golf simulator, theatres, restaurants and even an Internet cafe.
According to a fact sheet on www.aboardtheworld.com, the ship also has its own hair and beauty salon, gourmet market and delicatessen, gift boutiques, a health spa and fitness centre, a library as well as a casino.
But all the luxury associated with living on the ship, comes with a price tag. According to The Property Magazine, a one-bedroom apartment costs about R7,6 million, a two-bedroom goes for R10,3 million and a three-bedroom apartment will set you back a staggering R25,4 million.
The magazine also said the property does not belong to anyone, but residents get “an exclusive 50-year leasehold”.
Some of the guests and residents made good use of the overnight stop in East London to do some sight-seeing.
The luxury ship’s last stop along the South African coast was at Richard’s Bay, after which it would head off to Mauritius.
Article posted on 08 February 2008
Supplied courtesy of Daily Dispatch.
Supplied courtesy of Daily Dispatch.
