Unique cruise ship docked in Seattle, and you can own a part of it
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SEATTLE -- A luxury ship cruising the waters of Puget Sound for the last couple of days has everyone talking.
But this is no ordinary cruise ship. You can actually own a part of it and spend your golden years sailing the seas.
"We decided this is a nice way to travel," said George Clopfer. "Bring your home along with you."
The World is home sweet home for Clopfer, his wife, and 129 other families.
"All the amenities and the comforts are there. But the difference is, this is a private residence," he said.
The World is a condominium co-op for a gaggle of sea bums. Each resident owns his or her apartment.
The behemoth of a boat weighs a whopping 44,000 tons, boasts three staffers to each resident and hosts 165 private condos, some up to three bedrooms.
This year, The World takes residents to 31 countries, from South Africa to the U.S, and through the Northwest Passage -- a trip only fit for those with their sea legs and fairly large wallets. Listings have reportedly run up to $13 million.
Clopfer says some people think he's crazy. Other's say he's one lucky duck.
"I've never tried to figure who's the majority but those who do get it, they wanna come along," he said.
The World will call Seattle's Pier 66 home through Tuesday evening, then sail toward Friday Harbor.
But this is no ordinary cruise ship. You can actually own a part of it and spend your golden years sailing the seas.
"We decided this is a nice way to travel," said George Clopfer. "Bring your home along with you."
The World is home sweet home for Clopfer, his wife, and 129 other families.
"All the amenities and the comforts are there. But the difference is, this is a private residence," he said.
The World is a condominium co-op for a gaggle of sea bums. Each resident owns his or her apartment.
The behemoth of a boat weighs a whopping 44,000 tons, boasts three staffers to each resident and hosts 165 private condos, some up to three bedrooms.
This year, The World takes residents to 31 countries, from South Africa to the U.S, and through the Northwest Passage -- a trip only fit for those with their sea legs and fairly large wallets. Listings have reportedly run up to $13 million.
Clopfer says some people think he's crazy. Other's say he's one lucky duck.
"I've never tried to figure who's the majority but those who do get it, they wanna come along," he said.
The World will call Seattle's Pier 66 home through Tuesday evening, then sail toward Friday Harbor.
I'd much rather tour Europes canals on a rental barge:
http://www.flickr.com/search/show/?q=canalboat
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And I'd be your neighbor, Elaine!! 8-)
If I had that kind of money - I would be definitely signed up and enjoying the cruise life in my golden years.