The World was the world's first purpose-built residential cruise ship, launched in 2002.
Unlike a conventional cruise ship, The World was designed around privately owned residences. Residents can live aboard for part or all of the year while the ship travels between destinations. The vessel also includes restaurants, lounges, fitness facilities, swimming areas, and other amenities associated with luxury cruising.
The ship was built by Fosen Mekaniske Verksted in Norway and entered service under the name The World of ResidenSea. It carries far fewer people than a mass-market cruise ship, creating a more residential atmosphere and allowing it to spend longer periods in ports.
The World is sometimes confused with ships offering long world cruises, but a long itinerary alone does not make a vessel a residential ship. Its defining feature is the private ownership structure of its apartments, rather than simply the length or route of its voyages.