#TheWorld - The World revisits Dublin where the capital continues to change, notably in the ongoing developing 'Docklands' financial quarter, a stone's throw away to where the largest private residential ship on the planet is docked, writes Jehan Ashmore.
Prior to the arrival in the Irish capital, The World operated by Residences at Sea, had sailed from Lerwick, capital of the Sheltands and the Norwegian fjords. In addition in the Arctic Ocean as far north as Spitsbergen, the largest and only permanently populated island of the Svalbard archipelago. The territory belongs to Norway.
On this Irish visit, The World which arrived on Monday as part of a four day visit, docked along the North Wall Extension, next to the Tom Clarke toll lift-bridge. The bridge formerly known as the 'East-Link' is where the working port meets the financial services quarter located in the old 'Docklands'.
It is here along the Docklands northern banks of the Liffey's waterfront is where the Central Bank of Ireland relocated to new headquarters in 2017. The commercial property occupies part of a bustling high-rise cityscape which can easily be afforded to those observing from the aft decks of The World.
The 43,000 gross tonnage luxury ship is home to an exclusive elite of just 165 'Residences' each with a private veranda. Residents and guests have an exclusive environment and lifestlye to match that exists nowhere else on earth, but set on board The World that continuously circumnavigates the globe seven seas, spending time in the most exotic and well-traveled destinations. Only the very well heeled get to the experience the ultimate in luxury by being able to return on board to a place that is regarded as home.
So what has The World to offer, firstly the private yacht and luxury vacation home provides those you can, to enjoy the novelty while at sea and visiting numerous ports of call. Subject to the port of call, be it a secluded bay, on marina days sailing and kayaking is organised from The World's 'marina' platform, which lowers from the stern of the Bahamas flagged vessel to faciliate easy access to the water.
Also residents experience the only regulation-size tennis court at sea in addition to be able to hone skills on the outdoor putting greens with a resident professional. Or to take practice using 80 famous courses through a state-of-the-art golf simulator.
As for fine dining, there is a choice of six unique restaurants, Michelin-level or perhaps better still? a meal prepared in your own private Residence!
If that World is not enough!... among the amenities, residents can relax and catch the latest film in Colosseo, The World’s full-size theater. Asides the silver-screen, those can dive into a great novel or catch up on the latest global news in the study or try a hand by taking up billiards.
According to The World's itinerary for the period July to this month of September, the ship is next to call to Cork (Cobh) cruise terminal for overnight calls (21-23 September) in addition a port of call for the West Country in the UK, the Channel Islands and more sunny climes along the coast of Iberia.
Earlier this year The World made maiden voyages to several Brazilian destinations, proving that certain destinations had yet to be ticked-off by the 2002 built ship. As for further forthcoming exotic places to visit, The World rounds out the year in the middle of the Atlantic. This is to involve visiting volcanic islands of Ascension and St. Helena (see: the island's last 'RMS') as previously reported on Afloat.ie
The World is to welcome the first light of 2019 on the southern tip of Africa. Following this introduction of the New Year, Residences at Sea have set out an extraordinary journey that will take the residents to 91 ports of call across the Indian Ocean, South East Asia and China.