The largest private residential mega yacht on Earth has been spotted in B.C.

The warm weather in B.C. has made the province an attractive summer destination, and that includes for passengers aboard a unique mega yacht spotted by Vancouver Island.

But you’re going to need a bigger wallet if you want to set sail.

The World, which bills itself as the world’s largest private residential yacht, has docked at Ogden Point in Victoria.

According to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), the massive cruise ship operates as a floating apartment complex.

“Instead of buying a temporary ticket for a vacation cabin, passengers are actually resident owners who purchase luxury apartments on the vessel,” said the GVHA.

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The World launched in 2002 and has 165 custom-designed homes on board, ranging in size from studios to multi-bedroom apartments.

Owners can even hire interior designers to decorate and remodel the apartments on the mega yacht to suit their personal needs.

“While traditional cruise ships carry thousands of guests, The World hosts a tight-knit community of people from about 20 countries, with around 150 to 200 residents and guests on board at any given time,” added the GVHA.

“The 12-deck ship also features world-class restaurants, a massive spa, and a regulation-size tennis court.”

According to The World’s website, residents on board the mega yacht can also enjoy private performances by local artists, exclusive access to museums and art galleries at destinations, and even have personal conversations with Nobel Laureates.

Those looking to set sail may be in luck, as a limited number of residences onboard become available for resale each year.

A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment that is 1,106 sq. ft. in size is currently accepting offers above $4.75 million for a 50 per cent partnership stake.

That is a relative deal, as some homes onboard can fetch prices up to $15 million.

 

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The GVHA also highlighted that The World’s residents collectively vote on stops to add to its annual global itinerary.

“The World also stays docked for an average of three days in each port,” explained the authority. “This slower pace of cruising gives residents ample time to explore more than 100 destinations annually.”

Residents on board the mega yacht will get to see more of B.C. during their time in the province, as the vessel is scheduled to stop in Port Alberni on Saturday, June 20.

It is the first cruise ship to stop in the Vancouver Island city’s harbour since 2019.

B.C. adventurers looking for their next thrill on solid ground will want to head to Vancouver Island for a new attraction now open at the Malahat SkyWalk.

The Overhang is the first enclosed glass cube in the world to be attached to the top of a spiral tower, and is located about a half-hour drive from Downtown Victoria.

Summer is just around the corner, and Canadians who are hoping to hit the road are looking at Vancouver when planning travel closer to home.

On the mainland, Vancouver recently ranked among the most popular summer travel destinations, according to Skyscanner’s latest Smarter Summer Report.

It placed third on the travel search engine’s top 10 destinations Canadians are searching for most, beating out tourism heavyweights like Paris and Rome.