Millionaire cruise sells cabins for $86m each

News.com.au

01-05-2025

Cruise companies are embracing the growing trend of people who want to live full-time at sea by building residential ships instead of pure holiday vessels.
More and more people, particularly retirees, are choosing a full-time cruise ship life as a way of seeing the world without the nuisance of maintaining a home and other associated costs of living on land.
Many even claim that full-time cruise living done right can be more economical because it includes accommodation, utilities and food at a set price all while enabling 'residents' to see the world at a fraction of the price of traditional holidays.
Proactive cruise companies recognising the birth of a new sector have begun investing in the construction of residential ships where people can actually buy suites onboard.
Residential cruise ships are appealing to those seeking a full-time cruise lifestyle because it removes the need the hop from ship to ship and live among traditional holiday-seekers.
Prices vary for residential cruise ships but many companies are catering for the higher end of the market.
Scottish company Clydebuilt is one such company looking to the future and aiming to lock in a cashed up clientele.
Clydebuilt is in the process of building a 230m-long residential ship which will include 236 suites across 12 decks.
The ship, Dark Island, is set to launch in 2028 and will feature suites of one-to-three bedrooms that range in size from 39sq m to 250sq m … but they come at a cost.
Suites can be designed to a buyer's needs and specifications with prices starting at AUD $8.7 million depending on size, location and views from the ship.
The most expensive accommodations top out at a hefty price tag of AUD $86.3 million but the cost doesn't stop there.
Residents aboard Dark Island will also need to pay a daily fee which covers food, shore excursions and running costs.
Residents in the two-person Glencoe suite will need to cough up an additional AUD $2400 a day or AUD $876,000 a year while those in the four-person Hebridean will by stung for AUD $6600 a day or AUD $2.4 million annually.
'Owning a suite is more than just acquiring a living area — it's a gateway to unparalleled freedom, luxury, and adventure on the open water among a community,' a Clydebuilt spokesman said.
'Founded on an absolute commitment to quality, Clydebuilt are dedicated to provide the ultimate experience living at sea. Purchasing a luxury, high-end suite aboard Dark Island is a fantastic choice for those seeking an elevated living experience.'
Dark Island will include three restaurants, deck areas, a spa, driving range and putting green, theatre, gym, pool, library and shops.
Scheduled events and classes will keep residents busy while at sea and the maximum capacity of 724 guests will be looked after by 540 crew.
Dark Island's maiden voyage will see the ship depart Southampton in the UK for a three-year cruise around the world followed by an itinerary the follows the routes of historical explorers James Cook, Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan.
Subsequent itineraries will then be subject to voting from residents.
The ship will also have its own medical staff and facilities, including a stored helicopter for emergency use.
Clydebuilt is just one of many companies going down the residential cruise ship path.
Storylines' MV Narrative, another residential cruise ship, is scheduled to depart in 2027.
Reportedly, residents must be worth at least $10 million to gain entry and be sponsored by someone already living aboard.
US woman Debra Kilgore has no qualms about sailing the world by herself. In fact, she bought a AUD $2.9 million apartment aboard the ultraluxe MV Narrative.
The MV Narrative has 530 furnished apartments, which range from 22-to-183 sqm and start at $US1 million for a studio and up to $US8 million for a split-level four-bedroom.