The World, the only private residential community at sea, first set sail in 2002 and has since visited over 250 countries.  The vessel has announced its itinerary for 2009, and will be offering its Residents and Guests a year of thrilling journeys, including a stop in Seoul, South Korea – the ship’s first ever visit to this populous capital city.  The striking, 12-deck, 644 foot-long floating home is a pioneer in the luxury vacation home industry and remains the largest private yacht at sea.  The vessel is owned by her Residents, who play a decisive role in planning and choosing the ship’s yearly voyages.  With a continuous worldwide itinerary that enables the vessel to span the globe every two-three years, the ship is a complete floating city, equipped with high-end facilities and luxurious amenities that create an intimate, refined atmosphere for Residents and Guests.

A month-by-month breakdown of the itinerary follows:

JANUARY

The World begins 2009 with the ever-popular Captain’s Choice, which are planned – although unannounced – stops sprinkled throughout the year.  By January 3, the vessel will arrive in Barbados’ capital city, Bridgetown, before making stops in Castries, St. Lucia, and Roseau, Dominica.  A visit to Frederiksted, St. Croix, will mark the ship’s maiden call to this town in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  After brief journeys to the British Virgin Islands and Turks & Caicos, the vessel arrives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a two-week dry dock period.  During this time, the ship will receive significant refurbishments with renovations taking place in signature restaurants Tides and East, updates to the ship’s verandahs and pool areas, addition of new furniture in public spaces, and more.  Following, The World will spend the rest of the month in Florida, where Residents and Guests can enjoy a number of fine museums and dining along the water in Fort Lauderdale, and the Busch Gardens amusement park, the Lowry Zoo, and sea parks in Tampa.

FEBRUARY

In February, The World will first visit New Orleans for a few days of enjoyable Creole food, 19th-century architecture and antiques, and days spent strolling Bourbon Street and the French Quarter.  The vessel will then spend some time exploring Mexico, with stops in Tampico, Vera Cruz, Dos Bocas, Progreso, Cozumel and Belize City.  During the brief stop in Tampico, Residents and Guests will experience historic architecture and landmarks including The Chairel Lagoon-Club de Regatas Corona, San Pedro Park, the House of Culture and Espacio Cultural Metropolitano.  Heading south, the ship docks in Veracruz, from where passengers will have the opportunity to travel into Mexico City.  This metropolis’ historic center is the second largest public square in the world, and is the heart of the city.  The Metropolitan Cathedral and a boat ride to Xochimilco, the floating gardens of the Aztecs, are among the experiences offered.  From Veracruz, The World moves on to Dos Bocas, a new port under development, followed by a three-day stay in Progreso, where Guests will experience tranquil beaches and Mayan ruins.  Rounding out the trip to Mexico is a final stop in Cozumel, known for its extensive history and coral reefs.  During the last days of February, The World moves on to explore Belize City, Belize, the world’s premier diving spot, where excursions to Belize jungles, home of the only jaguar reserve, waterfalls and limestone rainforest caves, will be offered.

MARCH, APRIL

The month of March begins in Roatan, Honduras, a mountainous island surrounded by coral reefs.  The ship will continue its stay in Honduras for a few days, for the ever-popular Captain’s Choice, which are planned – although unannounced – stops sprinkled throughout the year.  “Breathtaking beaches” is the theme for the months of March and April, with a round-trip through Colombia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Peru.  Diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and other water activities will all be offered to Residents and Guests as they make their way through these tropical locations.  A nine-day visit to Peru will allow for a detailed experience of pre-Inca archaeological sites, impressive museums and nature-watching.   Following a stop in Arica, Chile in early April, The World makes a returning path through these same countries, visiting Esmeraldas in Ecuador, Puntarenas in Costa Rica and several ports in Nicaragua, before ending the month in Antigua, Guatemala.

MAY

The entire month of May is devoted to experiencing Mexico.  The resort town of Huatulco begins the journey, where Residents and Guests can travel overland to Oaxaca while enjoying a picturesque, mountainous drive.  The vessel will also call in to Acapulco and Zihuatenejo – both traditional Mexican cities with numerous options for shopping, dining and nightlife, followed by a stop at the seaside paradise of Puerto Vallarta, where they can take part in dolphin tours, hikes, horseback riding and golfing.  Mid-May marks the beginning of an 11-day round-trip Sea of Cortez voyage, beginning and ending in the bay of Cabo San Lucas, where the sea meets the Pacific Ocean.  Stops during the voyage include La Paz, Guaymas and Los Mochis.  The World’s last Mexican exploration in May is the fishing port of Ensenada, situated in the heart of a wine country that is widely regarded as the best in Mexico.

JUNE

Following its return to the U.S. in late 2008, the vessel will re-visit North America and Canada.  When the vessel stops in Los Angeles, travelers will delight in visits to famous landmarks such as Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Hills and Venice Beach.  In Monterey, Residents and Guests will be able to experience the annual Summer Jazz festival and for the first time in almost six years, The World will dock in San Francisco, home to scenic architecture, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and cable cars.  Heading north to Oregon, the vessel will dock for three nights in Portland, allowing passengers to enjoy local delicacies at the seasonal Farmers Market and visit the Classical Chinese Garden, before visiting Astoria, known for its multitude of museums and state parks.  A stop in Seattle, Washington will be followed by a voyage into Canada.  In Vancouver, the Lookout at Harbor Centre provides for 360-degree views of the harbor, mountains and downtown and the Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a unique mix of adventure, history and culture.  The Bohemian art community of Salt Spring boasts artisan studios open to visitors, local wine and honey tastings, in addition to sea-kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, wildlife watching and golf.  At the final stop for the month, Chemainus Bay, Guests and Residents will be charmed by this seaside village’s nearly 40 outdoor murals and live year-round professional theatre.

JULY

The month of July continues The World’s journey through Canada and the U.S.  After celebrating Canada day in British Columbia, the vessel will make another brief stop in Seattle to celebrate the 4th of July.  It will then cover numerous ports throughout Canada including Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, Queen Charlotte Islands and Prince Rupert.  The month comes to a close in the U.S. with stops throughout Alaska, where the ship will visit the Misty Fjord, a pristine home to a multitude of wildlife, Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world, and Sitka, where Residents and Guests can go kayaking, enjoy hikes in the Tongas rainforest, and more.

AUGUST

This month, the vessel will visit unique locations such as Icy Strait Point, where The World will have the distinct honor of being the only ship in port during its time there.  A stop in the major port city of Anchorage provides for breathtaking views and photo opportunities of glaciers, waterfalls and fjords.  Visitors will be able to experience a multitude of wildlife as well as visit the Botanical Gardens, Eklutna Tribe Historic Park, and the Anchorage Museum of History & Art.  Starting August 13, The World will embark on a 13 day-long Bering Sea Expedition.  Stops in Nome, Alaska, home to Native Alaskan Eskimos, followed by a visit to the southern shore of Anadyr, Russia mark the end of August and the beginning of an expedition throughout Asia.

SEPTEMBER

Residents and Guests will explore Russian and Japanese ports throughout September, including stops in Petropavlovsk and Vladivostok, Russia as well as Otaru, Aomori, Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Nagasaki, Japan.  In Petropavlovsk and Vladivostok, Guests and Residents can experience the Avachinsky Volcano, and the largest Military Museum in northeast Russia, and visit the historical Railroad Terminal.  Traveling west, the vessel makes its way to Tokyo, home to the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower and traditional tea ceremonies, which Guests can be a part of.  In Kobe, Residents and Guests can enjoy an exclusive Kobe Beef experience, the Arima Onsen Hot Springs and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Museum.  A final stop in Nagasaki, home to the Glover Garden where Madame Butterfly was set, concludes the month.

OCTOBER

The World continues its journey southward this month, to South Korea, China and finally Vietnam.  The vessel will make its maiden call in Seoul, South Korea, and will provide an opportunity for those onboard to experience Korea’s only Chinatown, Yeongjong Island’s beaches and hot springs, as well as Ganghwa Island.  The ship will also dock in Shanghai for four nights.  The skyscrapers of Pudog and the Orient Pearl TV Tower make for fantastic photo opportunities, as do the Donghai Bridge and the many temples that.  The World’s final stop in China is the shopping mecca of Hong Kong, where the exclusive Sound and Light show can be enjoyed every evening during the vessel’s extended five-night stay there.  Ending October in Haiphong and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Guests and Residents will be sure to enjoy the latter’s Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnel excursions.

NOVEMBER

The first stop in November takes travelers to the Philippines, where stunning limestone cliffs, rich marine life and fun-filled hiking and kayaking await.  Both El Nido and the capital city of Manila will be embarked upon before the vessel heads on a 23-day journey through Papua New Guinea, where former World War II battle sites will be visited.  The National Art Gallery gardens in the Solomon Islands as well as the monoliths at mysterious Babeldaob Island are a sampling of other sites to be seen during this expedition.

DECEMBER

The World ends 2009 with a month-long visit in Australia.  The vessel will first call into Cairns, where passengers can explore night markets and rainforests, followed by a stop in Port Douglas, where kite surfing along Four Mile Beach awaits.  Throughout the month, Residents and Guests will have opportunities to experience the Great Barrier Reef.  Also sprinkled throughout the month are several Captain’s Choice stops, a visit to Hobart’s Summer Food & Wine Festival, as well as stays in the picturesque Whitsunday Islands and Brisbane.  Finally, the New Year will be celebrated in Sydney, well-known for the Harbour Bridge climb, wildlife sanctuaries, fine dining and bustling nightlife.