I just saw a program about the ResidenSea and it looked absolutely beautiful. This is the most luxurious cruise ship ever. I just wondered if anyone has ever tried it and if you have, how do you afford it?

Hi Sally,<BR><BR>I took a four night cruise right after its inaugural for $500pp per night. Stayed in a 2-bedroom residence. Service and food can not be compared to even Silversea, Crystal or Seabourn. They let you raid the refrigerator in the kitchen at night. It is exceptional. Similar to a small city. Only missed the limo to take us to the theatre. No production shows. Many lectures. <BR><BR>Other than the ambiance it is not a destination ship. It is a place to live as you visit prime areas around the world. The ship will dock at major tennis tournaments, Olympics, America's Cup, world expositions, etc.<BR><BR>There are staterooms available to the general public to book but they are only standard staterooms. The residences may be booked through agents if the owners will allow it.<BR> <BR>If the itinerary would tickle your fancy then spend the money.<BR><BR>How can you afford it .... easy ...sell your house and buy a condo on the ship. See the world from your house.<BR><BR>Paul

Paul, I'm curious. I saw this show as well - It may have been a 2-part series on the Travel Channel. I saw where they were interviewing some people who were "Guests" rather than residents, and if I remember or heard correctly, the guest felt that they were treated as second class citizens compared to the residents. (Maybe sociology at work already?) I'm curious if you noticed such a thing?

Sorry, Paul, but with condos on the ship priced at 2.5-7 mil, I would have to sell more than my house (try more than everything i own) to be able to afford one. I guess your house is worth a little more than mine.<BR> Sure did like the private jacuzzi on the balcony though. *sigh*

I too saw the show. Ship is beautiful but they may have left out a few key points...<BR>#1 They need to sell out all the condos to be profitable.<BR>#2 They need to fill the 88 "guest suites.<BR>#3 The "guets" find the ship boring and so you may lack good PR to get thsoe guests on board.

OK, so sell the house and float a loan. I wonder what a banker will say when one asks about a ship mortgage?<BR><BR>I wasn't treated like a second-class citizen at all. You know the saying "when in Rome do as the Romans do." I did. Best sport jackets, chinos, best imitation Rolex. Couple of cubans in your top pocket. Tux or dinner jackets in the evening. Heaven forbid, don't wear a t-shirt. Tip extravagantly for extra services no matter how much it hurts. Order a bottle of First Growth, Chateau Mouton Rothchilds 1993 and keep it on ice. Don't order a "big mac" in the deli. Which, by the way, you must pay. Practice saying "my dear I reeely raather not."<BR><BR>Must remember, it is not a "real" cruise ship. It is regarded as "your" home in a moving city.<BR><BR>Boring? Possibly, depending on the person. I thought the seminars and lectures were extremly interesting but have to admit I did doze at times. Also string quartets tend to put me to sleep.<BR><BR>I do not really believe they will have a problem selling the ship. There are very few residences left to sell. I am guessing the guest suites may be a tad difficult unless the itinerary is of interest. The Cannes Film Festival is already sold out.<BR><BR>I really enjoyed the "different" experience, but would I do it again? No. The guest suites are not that spectacular and I certainly would not like to live on a ship without exciting entertainment.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR><BR>