Traveling on a cruise has become a passion that in the last decade has gained followers all over the world. According to industry sources, the number of passengers grew from 17.8 million in 2009 to 29.7 million in 2019. After two years of low activity caused by the pandemic, the future looks optimistic.
There are many travelers who hope to embark for the first time or to repeat the experience. The offer is abundant and varied: affordable journeys of a few days, proposals for tours that will last for months and that will literally allow you to go around the world or… live on a cruise ship permanently traveling around the planet.
Every thousand days the ‘MV Narrative’ will circumnavigate the globe
Although it might seem to more than one reader that the third option is a crazy idea, the truth is that there are initiatives of this nature. This is the case, for example, of The World, an ultra-luxury ship occupied by permanent residents that has been sailing the seas for almost two decades and that at the end of 2021 moored in Barcelona. In its beginnings, the expected euphoria did not accompany them, but today it does not have any of its 165 apartments -of between 3 and 15 million dollars (between 2.7 and 13.5 million euros)- available.
Storylines ‘MV Narrative’, an ‘affordable’ vessel
One of the common spaces at the stern of the ‘MV Narrative’.
With a similar philosophy and with more “affordable” rates, in 2024 the MV Narrative, a residential ship 30 meters wide and 225 meters long, is scheduled to set sail, which will travel around the world. The shipping company Storylines has put its 547 residences up for sale for a price ranging between 1 and 8 million dollars (between 900,000 and 7.25 million euros). And, according to statements to CNN Travel by Alister Punton, founder and CEO of the company, the pace of sales suggests that, by the end of the year, they will all be sold.
Thinking of those who do not want to make such an outlay, Storylines has provided the possibility of rentals for periods of 12 to 24 years, starting at $400,000 (365,000 euros). Rates include all services, from meals to cultural and educational activities. And it is that the profile of the buyer is heterogeneous: from people of a certain age to families with children, through digital nomad professionals.
Library for residents of the ‘MV Narrative’.
In all luxury
To respond to all needs, the residences that have been put up for sale have from one to four bedrooms, and sizes that range from 22m2 in the case of the smallest apartments, to 183m2 in the largest. Equipped with all kinds of comforts, most of them have outdoor terraces.
Can you imagine what can be done on board when the MV Narrative is fully operational? The answer is everything (or almost). It will have 20 high-level bars and restaurants, a microbrewery, cinema, art studio, outdoor athletics track, swimming pools, bowling alley, gym, yoga sessions, library, beauty salon and spa area, golf simulators, dancing…. and even a small jetty for jet skis!, among other services.
The ‘MV Narrative’ has its own jet ski dock.
In addition, it will also have other useful features for the day-to-day life of its residents, such as a business center, a training center and a school, the first of these characteristics in the world. And it is that if among the inhabitants of this peculiar floating city there are children and young people, offering an educational program has been considered an unavoidable requirement.
The apartments of the ‘MV Narrative’ will have all kinds of comforts.
Well-being and health are other aspects that have been taken into account. A clinic has been planned on board, with doctors, nurses, nutritionists, physiotherapists and pharmacists, and a helicopter landing strip for eventual medical evacuations.
On board
Living on the ship means being able to maintain habits and relationships like in any other environment. So, unlike most boats, the residents of the MV Narrative will be able to travel in the company of guests, and even rent their property to third parties in case of temporary non-use.
Detail of the bedroom of one of the ‘MV Narrative’ apartments.
Itineraries will be designed through the six continents, and those who live on board will be able to take part in the decisions about the routes and the length of stay in each port, which may last for several days. And it is that the ship is scheduled to circumnavigate the globe every thousand days.
The ‘MV Narrative’ features a helicopter landing pad.
In order to cause the least impact on the environment, the shipping company emphasizes that the ship will be one of the most ecological in operation. It will use liquefied natural gas (LNG), convert the waste it generates into energy, grow products on board in a hydroponic garden powered by solar energy and opt for the consumption of local products. A challenge!
