The World, Residences at Sea, the largest privately owned residential mega yacht on the planet and the only one of its kind in operation, has successfully completed its most ambitious dry-dock to date – ushering in a new era of environmentally responsible and elevated luxury living at sea.
The six-week, $30+ million transformation at Navantia Shipyard in Cádiz, Spain marked a milestone in the vessel’s ongoing commitment to continuous innovation. Over 200 projects were completed with the expertise of nearly 1,500 personnel across vendors, crew, and technical teams.
Driving Sustainability at Sea
A centerpiece of the ship’s environmental upgrades is the installation of a High Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC) system. On 12 July 2025, The World made company history with its first successful shore power connection in Valletta, Malta—allowing the ship to shut down its engines and draw clean electricity from the port grid. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also significantly cuts noise pollution while in port, marking a major step forward in sustainable cruising.
Further improvements strengthen the vessel’s environmental credentials. A newly engineered bulbous bow reduces hull resistance by up to 10 percent and improves ice navigation, while a layer of eco-friendly silicone paint applied to the hull deters marine growth and decreases drag, enhancing overall efficiency. Energy use onboard has also been reduced thanks to the installation of high-efficiency HVAC chillers and fan coil units, which deliver improved climate control with a lighter environmental footprint. Meanwhile, expanded IT infrastructure – including Starlink satellite technology, IPTV, and enhanced Wi-Fi – ensures residents enjoy faster, more reliable digital connectivity even in the world’s most remote destinations.
Enhancing Life Onboard
The dry-dock also introduced a wide array of lifestyle and leisure enhancements designed to elevate life at sea. The pool deck and grill area have been completely reimagined, now offering acoustically enhanced spaces, contemporary seating, and a striking canopy inspired by nautical sails, along with expanded gourmet cooking facilities. In the Spa & Wellness Center, residents can now enjoy a new cold plunge pool that completes the thermal circuit alongside the sauna and steam room, while treatment rooms feature heated floors and refreshed salon areas for added comfort.
Golf enthusiasts benefit from a redesigned putting green and a state-of-the-art golf simulator that brings PGA Tour courses to sea, while exploration has been enhanced through the addition of a new 10-seat Zodiac Pro 850, perfect for venturing into remote coastlines and wildlife habitats. Notably, approximately 50 private Residences onboard also received refurbishments ranging from new cabinetry and flooring to entirely modernized kitchens and bathrooms—ensuring that personal homes at sea remain as contemporary and comfortable as any on land.
“From reducing our environmental impact through shore power to elevating Resident life through modernized amenities, this achievement belongs to our entire community,” said Jessica Hoppe, President & CEO of The World. “Our Residents have once again shown that they are deeply invested in the Ship’s future – and in the future of responsible global travel.”
Life Onboard: Private Residences at Sea
Beyond these technical and lifestyle enhancements, what truly sets The World apart are its 165 private Residences – each a unique home at sea. From elegant studios to expansive three-bedroom homes, every Residence may be customized to reflect the personal tastes and preferences of its owner. Residents return not to a cabin, but to their own fully furnished retreat – complete with personal art, wardrobes, wine collections, and all the comforts of home.
- Ocean Studios provide intimate luxury with private verandas and spa-like marble bathrooms.
- One- and Two-Bedroom Residences feature spacious lounges, kitchens, and multiple verandas for entertaining or relaxing.
- Three-Bedroom Residences represent the pinnacle of life at sea, with expansive living and dining areas, designer kitchens, walk-in closets, and sweeping ocean views from private verandas.
Each year, a very limited number of Residences are offered for resale, priced between USD $2.5 million and $15 million.
Ownership options include both full ownership and 50% co-ownership partnerships, giving flexibility to those who may divide their time between multiple homes.
Every detail is designed to create a bespoke living experience, where five-star service – including personalized concierge care, tailored wellness programs, and gourmet dining – meets the intimacy of private ownership.
With its transformative dry-dock complete and its Residences continually evolving, The World continues to set the benchmark for residential life at sea. Earlier this year, a DNV evaluation determined that the vessel has a fatigue age of just 5.6 years – only a quarter of its chronological age – earning the rare Statement of Extended Life and further proof that this one-of-a-kind ship remains years ahead of industry standards.
Pictures courtesy of The World Residences at Sea.
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