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OCEANS OF ELEGANCE ON SEVEN SEAS
'The World at your fingertips'
By Ann Terry Hill
Imagine sitting in your own living room, on your own favorite couch, wearing your own comfortable slippers. Then while pulling the drapes you have a panoramic view of the Seattle skyline. Imagine a few days later ... same living room, same elegant couch, same slippers, yet you pull the drapes and this time have a view of the City of San Francisco. Impossible? No, this is reality if you cruise on The World of ResidenSea ... You're in 'a world' of your own on each of the Seven Seas.
This unique cruise ship with 110 condominium units and 88 rental suites circumnavigates the globe, offering its passengers a new way of travel in the most elegant format. Ever wonder how Cinderella felt at the Ball? After spending six nights aboard, in the select ambience of my studio suite, I think I now know. From the moment I crossed the gangplank in Vancouver B.C. until I disembarked at the sea wall in downtown Portland last August, I was in a comfort zone usually known only to millionaires and yes, even Billionaires ... I think.
The SARS epidemic of 2003 in Asia persuaded the ship's offices to redirect the itinerary away from that area last spring and summer. It sailed instead to the U.S. West Coast doing a series of short cruises at much reduced rates, so never count yourself out on luxury ... seek discounts on all travel.
I benefited from this steep discount. Realizing it was perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime event, I signed up for the venture from Vancouver to Port Townsend, to Seattle, then Portland. Six nights of absolute sybaritic living.
The fare might have been reduced, but everything else
was up to the standards required for such high living.
There were about 300 passengers on board, with 320 crew. The total capacity is 926 people. A finger could not be lifted without someone coming to our aid. Each of the crew knew our names and recognized us from the moment we boarded. 'No 'Maam', it was "How can we be of help, Miss Hill?" this was the normal on this fantastic voyage.
The ship is understated elegance. No glitz ... very quiet and subdued, but obviously a richness emanated. There are no costume parties or organized events. You are more or less on your own to enjoy the four restaurants and deli aboard. The French restaurant, Portraits, has a 6 Star rating.
One night at dinner there, seated at an oval table for eight, we had eight waiters just for our table! Oh the other restaurants, - a Mediterranean, an Asian, and one featuring contemporary cuisine are more relaxed. You eat where you want, when you want, and with whom you want. As Captain Dag Saevik says, "This ship is not for everyone. It is for the independent traveler, who enjoys doing his/her own thing ... It is private. We do not focus on activities, so it's like owning a prime waterfront home every where in the world." he stated with self-assured pride in his ship, crew and product.
I slipped into 'The World' of refinement the moment I stepped off the gangplank. Settling into my studio suite I was welcomed with a bottle of iced champagne, and a fresh yellow rose by Austrian born Birgit, who would be available without hesitation for the duration of my voyage into Cinderella's world.
The appointments in my apartment were rich blues, gold, mauves, stripes and brocades. The bedspread, pillows, drapes and upholstery on the loveseat and chairs were of the richest fabrics available. The spacious bathroom, which included a tub and a shower, was in marble. The drapes in the living area parted to reveal sliding glass doors that opened on a balcony with two navy and white deck chairs and a table. There was of course ample room to sit outside, feel the sea breeze and inhale the crisp salt air.
What to do first? Enjoy a glass of that iced champagne of course, and ring the 24 hour room service for some fresh jumbo shrimp, which are all included in the fare, to accompany the beverage ... remember, this is Cinderella's world!
Donning the thick white terrycloth robe and slippers provided - I sipped, nibbled and unpacked. Unpacking was easy as there were plenty of closets, drawers and a safe. The suite also had a dry bar which Birgit kept supplied with ice, a refrigerator stocked with alcohol and soft drinks, a TV, video, desk and phone.
We were surrounded by service and wrapped in the luxury of our surroundings. No crowds, no lines and no money changed hands until we docked in downtown Portland. Everything, including tips and drinks was included in the fare. Incidentals like the spa, laundry and items in the boutique were extra to be paid upon check out. We were issued a credit card upon check-in which served as our ID on board as well. For a few days, it was a 'cashless' World of elegant Fantasy ... and I loved it!
This exclusive ship is like a private club. It is the brainchild of Norwegian Knut U. Kloster Jr., former chairman of Royal Viking Line and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Afloat since March, 2002, 80 of the spacious condos are sold. Owners fly in and out depending upon their schedules and the ship's itinerary. One European couple who were owners had been on board for 10 months. They loved the life style and this unique way of seeing the world. The ship has a grocery store just for owners. If they don't have a desired item in stock and can't get it at the next port, they fly it in! No wish goes ungranted.
When polling the group I was with about what they liked best, everyone seemed to have a different preference. "It's the beds. No, it's the bathrooms. Obviously, it's the food. It's all the pillows on the beds. It's the décor ... It's all of this, and especially the food," they all chorused.
'The World' is the only ship afloat with a full-size tennis court, and of course your spa and work out area. It also offers membership in its golf club to any passenger. This allows you to play golf around-the-world on 52 private courses and over 100 public courses while in the various ports.
The library, computer room and study are open 24 hours a day. There are various lounges and bars, a Cigar Club, a nightclub and casino, an art gallery, a meditation room and an arts and crafts studio. What better time to start that painting you've always dreamed about.
If You Seek Luxury
Ellis-Ranian Travel House, of Beaverton, Oregon had the only Portland group on board for this cruise. John and Mila Ellis accompanied the group. Their agency, which is listed by Conde-Nast Travel Magazine as one of the best 125 agencies in the world, was able to offer special rates for this short sail. "From now on the itineraries will be more extended," says Ellis. "However, world conditions or weather could change those plans. Best to call for future itineraries." Rent rates on the condos are available upon request.
Should you be so inclined, condominiums are available for purchase from about $1 million on up, and that's not counting annual maintenance or monthly fees. However, the units come fully furnished and decorated. All you have to do is move in!
NEED MORE INFORMATION:
The World of ResidenSea
www.residensea.com
guestservices@residensea.net
800-970-6601
or
Call Ellis-Rainian Travel House
800-671-9116 or
503-671-9111
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