Even the most adventurous travelers may want to sleep in their own bed after a while. With that in mind, Alister Punton, co-founder and CEO of Storylines, will launch his first residential cruise ship in 2024, departing from Croatia.
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“Well, you bring your home with you,” said Punton, who started the company that will offer residences at high sea, like a residential cruise experience, with CSO Shannon Lee.
The vessel, named MV Narrative, will have 547 residences and various amenities. The ship will sail to six continents, and residents can treat the units as floating homes, so their travels never have to end. Here’s what travelers can expect:
What to expect from the residential cruise?
The MV Narrative will travel the world and, although the itineraries are not yet finalized, destinations will likely include Rome and Naples, Italy, the Greek island of Santorini, and Split, Croatia, among others.
The MV Narrative will spend three to five days in most ports, Punton said, giving passengers time to experience more than on a typical cruise.
The units range from one to four bedrooms, most with a balcony, and residents can choose between “coastal or contemporary interior design styles”, according to a press release. There are 20 restaurants and bars on board, plus a microbrewery, three swimming pools, a bowling alley, gym and medical facilities and other amenities.
The ship will also offer an education program for young people that can serve as a school for children on board.
“What better way to learn about the Roman Empire than to stay at the Colosseum with a Roman historian?” Punton said.
With an emphasis on sustainability, the MV Narrative uses cleaner burning liquefied natural gas and will feature a solar-powered hydroponic garden on board, as well as a farmers market.
How much does this experience cost?
Residences start at $1 million (R$ 5.2 million) for the lifespan of the ship and go up to $8 million (R$ 42 million). There are also some 24-year rentals, which start at about $616,000 (R$ 3.2 million), according to the Storylines website.
In addition, residents must also pay all-inclusive fees that cover most meals, cleaning, Wi-Fi, laundry service, tips, and more.
These fees start at $61,564 (R$ 320,000) per year for a 22-square-meter studio. Finally, Punton noted that residents can rent their homes when they are not using them. Financing is also available.
