Residensea’s The World will expand its itinerary offerings in 2009, making a maiden call in Papua New Guinea during the winter, and sailing the Bering Sea for the first time in the summer.

The World, the only private residential community at sea, will also expand on its shore excursions, said Nikki Upshaw, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Residensea. “The goal is to have more expeditions in exotic destinations, contributing to an immersive travel experience,” Upshaw said. Many excursions will be walking tours involving as many as 10 experts, she added.

In recent years, several companies have also been trying to build ships with residential properties onboard, but none have gotten off the drawing board.

“With no shipyard slots awarded yet, the soonest someone would enter this market would be 2011,” Upshaw said, “as it would take at least two years to build. But competition is good; it keeps you on your toes.”