Life aboard 'The World' cruise ship - My new retirement plan

The World is the name for a luxury cruise ship which slowly travels the world, spending 2-5 days at each port. It is a not a typical holiday cruise liner. On this cruise ship, it is owned by its residents. People buy their apartment, and can live on board, or call it their holiday home.

The World has a crew of 250 people, and 165 accommodation units - including, studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments, and a 6 bedroom penthouse suite. It also has a grocery store, five restaurants, a movie theater, among many other amenities.

For those seeking a daily routine a bit more fulfilling than relaxing, being entertained, working on your fitness level and golf score, there are also many classes for which you can take part in. Need to learn a new language? Some new cooking skills? How about some dance lessons?

Do you ever wonder how best to spend your retirement years? Perhaps not, though I still have a wonderful proposition for you. How does it sound to wake up every morning in your own apartment - which just happens to have a sea-view. Then making your way upstairs, past the library, to decide if you feel like stopping for some rooftop golf, a trip to the spa, or to stay in shape with a trip to the gym. From there you can decide where to dine for lunch, fancy some french food today? A light, gourmet, soup or sandwich? How does this sound while making a tour of the world?

Too good to be true? Well not for some.

If you're looking to rent one of these rooms, one night in the studio apartment will cost you between $1300-$2300.  Purchasing an apartment on board starts at $2 million, plus the annual maintenance fees which can range from $60 000 to $270 000.  Likely if you have to ask 'how much?', it will cost too much. 

It does sound great - a life of travel, while still returning home at night. However, having to dress in your best for every meal in order to 'keep up with the Jones' could be quite tiring.

I do enjoy my stays in humble hostels or bed and breakfasts, with guests eager to share their cost saving tips, and share taxi costs to the nearest train station. I would much prefer to schmooze over a home cooked meal than a fancy gastronomic meal each night, and not worry if my clothes are of the latest designer fashions.