Why settle for a house when you can live on the ocean and travel the world? By Deborah Geiger.
An expansive cobalt sea, a new city each day, and a horizon full of possibilities; what could be better? The newest luxury condominium-style cruise ships aim to please both onboard and off.
Orphalese “The Orphalese is an event-driven cruise ship,” says ship developer Donald V. Allen. “The ship has an 18-month itinerary, from Cannes Film Festival to Wimbledon, the Gold Cup in Dubai to Fashion Week in Paris; the idea is to go to the greatest events every year.” The vessel offers live onboard entertainment, a 7,000-square-foot casino, a movie theater, a spa, and an onboard shopping mall, as well as 200 permanent residences and 265 guest suites, making it the largest ship of its kind to date. Homes range from $1.8 to $10 million. 888-287-7447, theorphalese.com.cn.
The World Making history as the first residential cruise ship with its debut in 2002, the 644-foot-long, 165- home ship, The World, has remained true to its vision with big plans for 2010, from Australia’s Kangaroo Island to St. George in Bermuda. This grand piece of floating real estate seems to have it all, including four major upscale restaurants, nightlife venues, a fitness center, a spa, and even a fully equipped business facility. Ports of call include Bali, Egypt, Croatia, Portugal,  Antarctica, and more. While homes start at an accessible $1.4 million, you might consider The World’s $17.5 million, 4,000-square-foot residence your next “liquid asset” at sea. 954-538-8400, aboardtheworld.com.
Magellan If space explorer (and future Magellan resident) Buzz Aldrin will be onboard the $750 million, 210-unit ship, perhaps it is worth an exploration on your part. An upscale ship catering to a distinct resident, Magellan includes onboard amenities such as racquetball and tennis courts and a retractable marina. Other highlights include four fine dining restaurants, spa services, a casino, a microbrewery, and a 430-seat theatre. Starting at $2.34 million for full ownership, the liner also offers fractional ownership of one month or two weeks per year, beginning at $140,000. You wonÂ’t miss the terra firma one bit. 480-497-8833, residentialcruiseline.com.
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Party the night away into the morning at Pacha Ibiza, one of the top 10 nightclubs in the world, where high profile DJs are regulars. With five rooms incorporating different music and a capacity to hold 3,500 people, there’s never a dull moment. Ibiza, Spain, pacha.com/ibiza, 34-971-31-36-12. “Residence-meets-nightlife” at Mansion, where some of the most famous people, including Diddy, have hosted parties. Multiple levels and rooms, chandeliers, sweeping staircases, and a stage for top performers all make it the hottest spot in Miami. Miami Beach, mansionmiami.com, 305-695-8411. Celebrities frequent Zen in Trinidad, one of the hippest clubs in the Caribbean. Premium drinks, glamorous theme nights, and performances by artists such as Akon and One Republic make this a club you’ll never forget. Port of Spain, Trinidad, zen.tt, 625-9936