2025 Guide to Residential Cruises
August C. W. | Editor
Published on 2025-06-16
August C. W. | Editor
Published on 2025-06-16
The world of residential cruise ships, once a punchline for the ultra-rich and indecisive retirees, is suddenly finding its sea legs in 2025. For two decades, you had exactly one option if you fancied swapping your mailbox for a porthole. Now? The floodgates are creaking open. Suddenly, there's a queue forming of developers and dreamers promising you the keys to a floating kingdom, where the biggest hardship is choosing which sunrise to watch and never having to wrangle a suitcase again. (Your sock will still mysteriously disappear, but that's another story.)
Consider this guide your comprehensive overview of what's out there today and coming soon. I've combed through every current and would-be residential ship: what they're selling, what it'll cost you, and why you might actually want to care. You'll get side-by-side charts, a cost reality check, and straight answers to the questions people only ask after a couple of cocktails. Welcome aboard.
In Service since 2002
The World is the original private residential ship, sailing since 2002. It carries 165 residences (studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments) owned by its residents. Owners hold deeded shares or leases of these apartments and can live onboard full-time or come and go as they please. Co-ownership (50% splits) is also available for those wishing to share a residence. Each residence is a fully furnished private home with a kitchen or kitchenette and personal storage, so residents keep clothes, art, wine collections, and other possessions on the ship.
MS The World Sails at roughly a 1:1 resident to staff ratio.
Although the ship could accommodate over 200 residents and guests at full occupancy, it usually sails with 150-200 residents onboard at any given time (many owners are not aboard year-round). It has a full crew of around 280 staff to operate the vessel and deliver hotel services, yielding an excellent crew-to-passenger ratio and highly personalized service.
The World continuously circumnavigates the globe and Itineraries are planned 1-2 years in advance, often to coincide with major world events (e.g. Carnival in Rio, Grand Prix in Monaco).
Starting at (USD)2.5Mill with annual fees from (USD)60K-(USD)300K
Residences on The World don't hit the market often, but when they do, expect sticker shock-think (USD)2.5 to (USD)15 million, with penthouses at the top end and studios (long gone) that once slipped in under a million. The annual "HOA" bill? Anywhere from (USD)60K to (USD)300K+, covering everything from crew to caviar, and usually running about 5-6% of your condo's value. Want in? You'll need serious liquid assets and a taste for exclusive company. (Yes, that's a real (USD)220K/year fee on a two-bedroom. Welcome to life above deck.)
In Service since 2024
Villa Vie sells cabins to "global residents" for the full cruise or for shorter hops as brief as 35 days up to the full 3.5 year world cruise. Buy in for as little as (USD)129K plus a roughly (USD)5K monthly maintenance fee, or shell out more for a view or a balcony. By the end of 2023, 70% of the ship's 485 cabins were already snapped up for launch. Villa Vie has also recently launched seasonal ownership.
Villa Vie is pitched as the affordable pick in this market: about (USD)100K per person for 3.5 years in an inside cabin (roughly (USD)79/day), with balcony cabins starting around (USD)179K (about (USD)140/day). That price covers food, basic drinks, housekeeping, and even some shore tours-no annual HOA fee like The World unless you opt for owning your cabin outright. When you retinal period is up, you can re-up for another cycle or, if life changes, try to sell or transfer your remaining time (Villa vie offers direct buy back and resale options)
(Note: Another "affordable" residential ship project, Victoria Cruises Line's Victoria Majestic, was attempting a similar long-term rental model in 2024-2025. However, its planned 27-month voyage was postponed in mid-2025 due to insufficient bookings and has reportedly faced major setbacks. The concept was to charter a former Holland America liner and offer stateroom leases starting around (USD)2,400 per month per person with a minimum 6-month stay. As of 2025, the Victoria Majestic has not yet launched service and is reported unlikely to ever enter service.)
A number of ambitious residential vessels are on the horizon, though none have launched yet as of 2025. These projects vary from large condo-style cruise ships to ultra-luxurious private residential yachts. Below is a rundown of the notable planned ships and their specifications:
| Ship (Operator) | Status (Launch) | Residences | Unit Purchase Price (USD) | Monthly Fees / Includes | Passenger Capacity (approx) | Notable Amenities & Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS The World (ResidenSea) | In service (2002) | 165 homes | (USD)2.5-15 million resale | (USD)5k-25k/month HOA per unit *All-inclusive onboard* | ~150-200 on board (max ~300) | 6 restaurants, 2 pools, tennis court, spa, golf sim, market. Owners govern ship; global itineraries by resident vote. |
| Villa Vie Odyssey (Villa Vie) | In service (2024) | 485 cabins | ~(USD)100k (inside) - (USD)300k+ (suite) for 3.5-year voyage | No monthly fee: Fares include meals, housekeeping, excursions | 924 (full capacity) | 3 restaurants, 8 bars, theater, library, pool, sports deck. 3.5-year **world cruise**; mid-market "all-in-one" pricing model. |
| MV Narrative (Storylines) | Under construction (2026-27) | ~540 condos | (USD)1-8 million (ownership) or 24-yr lease from \(USD)647k | (USD)4k-9k per person/month dues *Covers dining, operations* | ~1,000 residents | 20 dining venues, 10k sq ft spa, school, library, bank, post office, marina, bowling alley, hydroponic farm. LNG-powered green ship. |
| Somnio (Somnio Superyachts) | Fitting out (2024/25) | 39 apartments | €20 million+ (≈(USD)22M) invite-only | (Fees not public; ultra-inclusive service) | ~100-200 (owners + guests) | 6-star luxury yacht; 10k-bottle wine cellar, gourmet dining, spa, beach club for water sports, onboard medical center. Intimate, \~50 owners; secret itineraries. |
| M/Y Njord (Ocean Residences) | Planned (2026) | 117 apartments | (USD)8.5-70 million | ~5% of purchase price/yr (covers all services) | ~500 (residents + guests) | 6 restaurants, jazz club, 10k-bottle cellar, spa, 2 pools, helipad + hangar, 2 subs, research labs, kids club. **Scientific mission** + philanthropic focus. |
| MS Utopia (Utopia Residences) | Planned (on hold) | 190 residences | (USD)4-36 million (planned) | (HOA TBD, likely (USD)200k-(USD)500k/yr) | ~900 residents + guests | Resort-liner: Casino, 175-room luxury hotel, 16,000 sq ft spa, night club, multiple restaurants. World events itinerary (e.g. Grand Prix, Olympics). |
| Dark Island (Clydebuilt) | Planned (2028) | 236 suites | Multi-million (TBD by size) | (HOA TBD) Likely all-inclusive | 724 residents | Classic ocean liner style; 3 restaurants, grand atrium, large spa, theater, putting green, library, expedition vehicles. Built in Scotland; 3-year world cruise & explorer routes. |
| Ulyssia (Residence Yacht) | Planned (2029) | 133 residences | €10-€80+ million (avg €18M) | ~3% annual fee (≈€540k on €18M) Covers crew, fuel, etc. | ~300 residents | 15 decks, multiple restaurants, school, theater, 2 helipads, 2 submarines, car garage, night club. **320m** futuristic yacht; Meyer Werft build. |
| Victoria Majestic (VCL) | Delayed (was 2025) | -as-you-go rental | No purchase: Cabins leased **\(USD)2,400/mo per person** (inside) | (Monthly rent includes meals, basic drinks) | 1,350 passengers | Former HAL Veendam repurposed. Aimed at retirees: dining rooms, theater, gym, WiFi for remote work. "World's first affordable residential ship." |
Notes: "HOA" refers to Homeowners Association-type fees (covering operating costs). Capacities listed are approximate maximum passenger counts (not including crew). Pricing is cited in USD unless otherwise noted (Somnio and Ulyssia in EUR). The Victoria Majestic model differs by being rental-only (no ownership), hence no purchase price.
As the table shows, existing ships vs upcoming ones differ significantly in scale and market segment. The World and Villa Vie Odyssey are the only operational examples: one an ultra-luxe owned ship and the other a long-term cruise rental. Future launches split into two categories:
Mid-market residential cruises: Storylines' Narrative (and to an extent Villa Vie and the now defunct Victoria Cruises Line) aim to broaden access to the live-at-sea lifestyle with smaller units, lower buy-ins or rental models, and a more casual community vibe. These still cost several hundred thousand to a few million dollars, but are relatively attainable compared to the ultra-rich options.
Ultra-luxury private residence yachts: Somnio, Njord, Utopia, Ulyssia, and Dark Island target the wealthiest clientele, with multi-million dollar apartments and lavish amenities rivaling any land-based mansion or resort. These ships are fewer in residents (dozens to a few hundred) and focus on exclusivity, privacy, and in some cases specialized missions (scientific research, philanthropic endeavors, or event-based travel).
In terms of size and capacity, upcoming vessels like Utopia and Ulyssia (nearly 1,000 feet long with hundreds of residents) far exceed The World (644 ft) in scale, while Somnio and Njord also surpass it, but with far fewer units on board, meaning even more space (and crew attention) per resident. Many new projects also emphasize sustainability (LNG or alternative fuels, waste reduction) and enhanced technology (state-of-the-art smart home systems in residences, advanced satellite connectivity, etc.), reflecting a trend to future-proof these floating communities.
A: In many ways, yes - owning a residence on a ship like The World or MV Narrative is analogous to owning a condominium, except the "real estate" is a moving vessel. Owners typically receive a long-term lease or deed for their unit (for example, The World reportedly sold 50-year leases initially, and Storylines offers up to 60-year ownership terms). There is an owners association or similar governance structure, and owners pay monthly or annual fees for ship upkeep (like condo maintenance fees). You have the right to resell your unit on the secondary market (subject to the company's approval of the buyer). Notably, you do not own a piece of the ship's hull - you own the rights to your apartment and a proportional share of common areas. In some cases (like The World after reorganization), the residents collectively own the vessel through a company, and the ship is managed on their behalf. In new projects, often the developer retains ownership of the ship and you lease the unit for the vessel's lifetime. Each model differs slightly, but fundamentally you own/lease a home and have usage rights very much like a condo or vacation property.
A: Usually, yes, with some restrictions. Many residential ships allow owners to place their unit into a rental program or lend it to family/friends. For instance, The World permits rentals of units to vetted guests for short periods (some advertised rental rates are (USD)2,000+ per night for a suite). Storylines explicitly allows owners to rent out their condos through its management when they are ashore, providing potential rental income (though the logistics and profit-sharing aren't publicly detailed). The ship's management will typically require renters to abide by all rules and might screen them for security. On the more exclusive yachts like Somnio or Ulyssia, rental is likely discouraged or limited to known guests - those ships are marketed as private communities, so owners generally only let personal acquaintances use their residence. Always, an owner remains responsible for fees whether or not the unit is occupied.
A: Cruise ships have a finite lifespan (usually around 30-50 years of service before they become economically or physically obsolete). Different projects handle this in their ownership structure. Storylines has stated that after MV Narrative (lifespan ~40 years) is decommissioned, they plan to roll over owners to a new vessel without requiring a new purchase - effectively transferring ownership to an equivalent unit on a future ship. The World is now 20+ years old but has been continually refurbished; the owners will likely decide on a significant renovation or eventual replacement in the future (with 100% resident ownership, they could collectively fund building a new ship if ever needed). If a project fails or the ship has to be sold/scrapped, usually the terms allow for some compensation: for instance, if the ship is liquidated, owners might receive proceeds proportionally. For maintenance, ships go to dry-dock every few years; the downtime is often used as a chance for residents to travel on land, or the company may arrange an alternative (Villa Vie, when delayed in dry-dock, sent residents on complimentary land trips while awaiting repairs). Big refits are paid from reserve funds that fees have been contributing to.
A: These ships are well-equipped for practical living. Healthcare: Most have a medical center with at least a doctor and nurse on board 24/7. They can handle routine care and minor emergencies. Some, like Somnio and Narrative, are touting high-end medical clinics and even anti-aging treatments. For serious conditions, evacuation to a hospital on land is arranged. Residents typically maintain health insurance that covers international care (some insurers have special policies for cruise residence). Visas & Immigration: The ship's staff assists with immigration paperwork at each port - residents may need visas for certain nationalities in certain countries, but traveling by cruise ship often simplifies entry (sometimes the cruise line arranges a group visa or landing permit). Long-term residents need to ensure they comply with any visa rules (e.g. not overstaying in any one country - which usually isn't an issue when the ship moves every few days/weeks). Some residents maintain multiple passports to ease travel. Mail and Logistics: Yes, you can get mail! Ships have arrangements to receive mail and packages at port agents in major ports. There is typically a mail forwarding service - residents can have mail sent to a fixed office (often the company's HQ) and then forwarded to the ship's next port. Internet connectivity on board is usually excellent (satellite broadband), so residents handle bills, banking, and even work remotely while at sea. Laundry and Housekeeping: Provided by crew (with frequency varying by ship; e.g. weekly housekeeping on Villa Vie, daily on The World). Many residences also have their own washer/dryer and kitchen if they wish to cook; otherwise, dining venues and room service take care of meals.
A: Policies vary. Children are generally allowed as residents or guests, but the lifestyle tends to cater to adults. The World has no dedicated kids' facilities and sees few children (residents must accompany any minors, and there's an expectation they won't disrupt the quiet atmosphere). Storylines, on the other hand, is marketing to some families - they plan to have a school on board and family apartments, so children will be part of the community. Pets are a special case: The World in early years did allow certain pets (there was famously a resident cat on board), but it's unclear if that continues; many ships have strict quarantine rules when crossing borders with animals. Storylines has not publicly confirmed pet policy yet; given many retirees might want a pet companion, they may allow small pets with proper documentation. Ultra-luxury yachts like Somnio or Ulyssia might allow pets on a case-by-case basis, since owners effectively rule those ships, but they'd have to manage port regulations (some countries require pets stay onboard or have vaccination proof). Always, any pet would need to be well-trained and not disruptive to other residents.
A: Residential ships tend to continuously travel, but at a slower pace than typical cruise liners. They often spend multiple days (2-5 days, sometimes longer) in each port to allow deep exploration. The World famously has no "homeport" - it keeps moving year-round, usually circling the globe roughly every 2-3 years (with routes often planned to chase fair weather). It does revisit favorite ports periodically. Some ships may "circle" a region for a season (for instance, spending summer in the Mediterranean, winter in the Caribbean). Because they don't have to sell tickets to new passengers each week, they can stay longer in places and visit unusual ports. Occasionally, a residential ship might dock for an extended time: e.g. The World sometimes books multi-week stays for events (it anchored off Rio for the Olympics). But generally, residents didn't sign up to stay in one port - the constant travel is the appeal. One exception might be if the ship undergoes maintenance; e.g. The World during drydock is stationary and many residents temporarily disembark. The upcoming Ulyssia project envisions anchoring for "extended periods" in select spots to engage with local communities, so perhaps they might spend a month or two in a given port before moving on. Ultimately, itineraries are typically set by either resident committees (on resident-run ships) or by the operator with resident input. These ships also often try to circumnavigate the globe in a way that avoids extreme climates (staying in milder regions and dodging hurricanes, for instance).
A: The key advantage is consistency and convenience: you have your own home with you at all times, eliminating the packing/unpacking and logistics of travel. Your bed, your belongings, even possibly your pets are with you, while you wake up to a new view frequently. There's a comfort in familiarity - the same crew (often they learn your preferences closely), same neighbors, and a sense of community develops, all while exploring the world. Another advantage is depth of travel: residential ships often visit more ports and stay longer, enabling immersion in destinations beyond what a one-week cruise allows. They also venture to exotic locales that standard cruises might not (since residents are seasoned travelers). From a lifestyle perspective, many find it appealing as a luxurious retirement option - like an upscale oceanfront retirement village that just happens to move. All daily chores (cooking, cleaning, etc.) can be handled by the staff, freeing time to pursue hobbies or exploration. There is also an aspect of safety and healthcare - during events like pandemics, being on a ship with strict health protocols and the ability to reposition could be seen as safer. And socially, it combats loneliness that some retirees face; there's a built-in community of like-minded adventurers. Residents often describe the experience as unparalleled freedom, with the world at their doorstep (literally) and a comfortable home base always to return to after each shore excursion.
A: First, cost is the major barrier - this lifestyle is expensive, certainly more so than traditional retirement communities or regular cruising in most cases. Even the "budget" options require a solid financial base (e.g., (USD)30k+ per year per person for Life at Sea or Victoria cruises). Second, it's a niche lifestyle that might not suit everyone: you're in a somewhat insular community and you must be okay with the rhythms of life at sea (limited space to roam compared to land, dealing with occasional rough weather, etc.). Healthcare, while good on board, is still limited - serious medical issues may force one to disembark for treatment, meaning one might need a land base or contingency plan. Another challenge is operational reliability: as we've seen, many startups (Storylines, Victoria, Life at Sea) have faced delays or cancellations. There's a risk in buying into a ship that isn't built yet - delays can stretch years. Even after launch, ships can have technical problems (Villa Vie's Odyssey was stuck for months in refit). So early adopters face uncertainty. Additionally, while travel is continuous, residents must comply with various jurisdictions' laws - e.g., some found during COVID that ports closed and ships struggled to find refuge, which could be disruptive. Finally, privacy could be a concern; you are living in close proximity to neighbors and with crew around - some might find that lack of a traditional neighborhood setting or car-based mobility confining (on a ship, you can't just drive somewhere - you rely on the ship's schedule or tenders).
Despite these considerations, the surge of new residential ship plans indicates robust demand. As of 2025, we're at the cusp of seeing whether these ambitious projects can materialize. If even a few launch successfully, the concept of "a home at sea" may move from novelty (with only ~200 families worldwide doing it today) to a more mainstream retirement or lifestyle option for affluent travelers in the coming decade.
Sources: Company websites and press releases for each project; Cruise Industry News and Business Insider for industry analysis; CruiseMapper data for specifications; Cruise Critic and CNN Travel for firsthand details. All information is up-to-date as of 2025.