Villas at Sea: Luxury Homes That Travel the World with You
Dreaming of renting or buying villas around the globe for your next adventure? Well, here’s a twist on the typical travel tale – Miami-based Storylines is crafting a floating eco-friendly paradise with 530 luxury homes aboard. Forget cabins, condos, or villas – this is a private residence vessel, and the dwellings are rightfully called ‘residences.’
The vessel, MV Narrative, is scheduled to set sail in 2027 from Split, Croatia, embarking on a journey around the world every three years. Unlike the hurried pace of a typical world cruise, this voyage offers a more measured experience, allowing residents to immerse themselves in each region for up to three months and savor five days at every port. This thoughtful pace benefits not only the residents but also the port cities, many of which are seeking relief from the overwhelming influx of day-trippers delivered by traditional cruise liners.
As for life aboard this extraordinary ship, imagine residing in a home where the view is ever-changing, revealing the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and the vast, serene ocean. Whether your tastes lean toward a cozy interior studio, ideal for those who favor simplicity, or an expansive four-bedroom penthouse with multiple balconies, there is a residence to suit your preferences. An annual fee, in addition to the purchase price, covers all maintenance, concierge services, and grants access to the ship’s numerous amenities, ensuring a life of comfort and elegance as you sail across the globe.
On that note, the luxury doesn’t end at your doorstep – The onboard community enjoys access to an array of world-class facilities rivaling those of the finest land-based resorts. Whether it’s indulging in gourmet dining at one of the ship's several specialty restaurants, rejuvenating in the full-service spa, or keeping active with state-of-the-art fitness facilities and pools, every aspect of life onboard is designed to enhance your well-being, longevity and enjoyment. For traveling families, children can enjoy the cinema, a library, and even an onboard school, ensuring that every resident, whether retired or working and raising a family, has the resources and spaces they need to live life fully. The education includes on-shore excursions for world-schooling.
For those fortunate enough to have the freedom to work remotely, the ship is fully equipped with high-speed, reliable satellite internet, ensuring that you stay connected no matter where in the world you are. Imagine logging into your virtual office while sailing past the rugged cliffs of the Mediterranean or taking a conference call with the vibrant skyline of Hong Kong as your backdrop. That would certainly take the grind out of work!
Along with many of the residences coming equipped with home offices, dedicated co-working spaces provide the perfect environment for productivity, featuring ergonomic workstations, private meeting rooms, and stunning views that make even the most mundane tasks feel inspired.
One of Storylines goals is to create an environment with the most healthy work-life balance imaginable. After a day of work, you can unwind by exploring a new port of call, or simply relaxing with fellow residents in one of the many luxurious lounges, one of which is a waters-edge marina – this includes use of watersports equipment such as scuba gear, kayaks and jet skis.
What’s on offer?
Storylines offers a range of options, each residence a unique blend of comfort, elegance, and innovation, designed to cater to your every need while you journey around the globe. Prices start from $625, 000 for an inside studio up to $8,600,000 for the premium penthouse.
50% Co-ownership Options
For those seeking a part-time residence on the ship, similar to a vacation home, Storylines offers 50% fractional ownership. This option provides access to a luxurious residence for six months each year. Not only does this significantly lower the cost, but it also allows your vacation home to explore a different part of the world each year.
While there are nine different design-types, we will focus on one each from the five classes - RU1 to RU5. Starting from entry-level to their most premium homes, let’s take a look at what Storylines offers.
These interior studio residences showcase cutting-edge European space-saving design, offering both style and functionality. With the push of a button, your luxurious 6-star mattress bed smoothly folds away, transforming the space into a cozy lounge area. While this is the entry-level, inside studio (meaning there is no window), a digital screen window brings the outside world to you – it displays live scenes from various onboard CCTV cameras, so you never miss a moment of the ever-changing view.
The spacious RU2 range homes are all outside balcony units, featuring a large waterfront living room with a minibar that separates the living and sleeping areas. You can choose between a Murphy bed that folds away to make space for a table and chairs or a sofa that converts into a queen-sized bed, providing both comfort and space.
The RU3 range are stunning one-bedrooms that offer abundant space, featuring a dedicated workspace, a wet bar with a dining area, and a spacious lounge. The bedroom is a luxurious retreat, enclosed in glass with curtains that can be drawn for complete privacy or left open to enjoy the breathtaking views from bed. It also includes a generous walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom with a combination bathtub/shower.
The RU4 range includes expansive two-bedroom homes that boast an extra-deep balcony designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living. The waterfront master bedroom includes a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom, while the guest bedroom also offers its own private bathroom. The lounge area features a pop-up television lift cabinet, allowing you to enjoy stunning views during the day and your favorite shows at night.
The RU5 range is the cream of the crop. The premium residences span two levels on decks 17 and 18. Available in three floor plans with options for two or four bedrooms, this expansive home is perfect for a family and ensures your guests feel right at home. The living area includes a full bar, a dining setting for eight, and cozy lounges to enjoy the ever-changing scenery. The open-plan design fills every corner with natural light and fresh air. With two balconies, each over 100 square feet, this is a true home at sea, ideal for entertaining or simply relaxing.
