The World of ResidenSea

by Plaza Travel Vice President Marketing, Gary Stevens

Just to give you a little info about THE WORLD OF RESIDENSEA which I had the pleasure to visit with a site inspection in New York. Very different than anything you've seen before. More like a resort hotel than a ship, more like country club living...than a cruise. Holds 700, but they consider it full at 300...and they have a crew of 320 so its like 1 crew for every passenger.

The ship's decor is very Ian Schrager - very W Hotel (which actually surprised me). 4 or 5 restaurants (each one has it's own kitchen, chef and staff). The Marina restaurant retracts and when tendered, completely opens up to the water.

The regular guest staterooms (ones that are not for sale) are more or less the equivalent of a regular cruise ship size, but I found the bathrooms to be a little larger. All of course marble, with Dorn Bracht faucets throughout the ship and lots of ooh-la-la bells and whistles - flat screen TVs and all. The apartments for sale are quite large - many have kitchens and all have washer dryer in the room. Some owners rent them out when they aren't being used (they go up to 5 million in price and their average owner is 57).

There's a luxury grocery store onboard (like a Zabar's type) for those with kitchens who wish to stock up. They cater to golfers, who will find "real grass" outside and a virtual golf course indoors for bad weather. There are golf pros onboard and they use bio-degradable golf balls so the fish can eat them when they land in the ocean. And there's also a very high end spa with a zillion treatments available by Clinique/La Prairie. And a real tennis court. The outdoor space is great. Those were nice touches.

It's not for everyone, though. It's got to suit the right person. The more passive guests who want a lot to do will be bored. It's not a ship where they try to entertain you and keep you busy with activities. Tiny casino, tiny theater (entertainment is only once in a while, with a piano player or special guest). It's really for those interested in the ports...and a more social mingling scene. And its more of a residential feeling, as it was designed to be. By the way A&K staff is on board for all private arrangements, tours, excursions, etc. The nice thing is they require only a 3-night minimum stay and you can do it anywhere. I was shocked to learn the promo rates for the regular cabin are only $300 per cabin per day...($150/per person) for all meals, all booze, gratuities, port charges and a balcony yet! They are practically giving it away. At that price, move over Carnival and Royal Caribbean!

Gary Stevens