They're kings of The World
They are the ocean-going A-list who think nothing of spending millions on a floating second home. Now we reveal the people on The World - the most exclusive liner ever built. They include the property developer, the clothing tycoon, and the astrologer, and will soon be joined by a florist turned novelist, plus others for whom money is no object.
The £185 million ship, the maritime equivalent of Millionaires' Row, boasts a tennis court, two swimming pools, five-star restaurants and an art gallery. Some of its 110 apartments, complete with marble-fitted bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and verandah, cost as much as £5 million.
Property developer Peter Beckwith, father of socialite Tamara, owns a £2 million suite and jokes that he can travel the world without leaving home. Mr Beckwith, chairman of PMB Holdings in Wimbledon, said: "Without wishing to sound pretentious, my family and I have a home in the Cote d'Azur but we've outgrown it. Now we can visit places we have never seen such as Australasia, parts of South America and San Diego.
"Those on board include a few property friends of mine and the rich who will do anything to keep their identities secret."
British-born investor Kevin Llewellyn, 57, spent £3 million to lease a three-bed bow apartment for 50 years. Mr Llewellyn, who lives in San Francisco, invited his parents Lorna and Harry, both 79, from Shirley near Croydon. "I can't fault it," said Mrs Llewellyn. "Our room is one of the best and we've got the helipad right in front of us."
Others who have bought a flat on board the ship include Hans Kristian Rausing, 38, the son of billionaire packaging tycoon Hans Rausing - the second richest man in Britain. Norman Tulchin is another businessman to have invested in the floating apartment block. The director of STA International, a New York-based debt recovery firm with offices in Maidstone, has bought a ninthfloor flat which he moved into last week. And the Norwegian shipping tycoon and ResidenSea director Einar Nagell-Erichsen and his wife Wiebecke have already made friends by hosting flat-warming parties.
George and Margaret Watson, from Paisley in Scotland, are guests of US clothing entrepreneur Edward Morrison. Mr Watson, 70, a retired director of a textile firm, said: "Ed and I are old business associates. When he said he had two spare rooms I asked to bring a friend and his wife and we all stayed in his apartment. It is another world."
Mr Morrison, 62, from Vermont, bought his apartment as a retirement gift for himself and his wife Donna. They both love travel and she loves "golf and golf". He added: "We're just ordinary people."
New Yorkers Athena Demartini and husband John have a £1 million one-bed home. Mrs Demartini, an Australian-born astrologer professionally known as Miss Starwoman, said: "I can see the whole world from the comfort of my home. I just don't see why I would ever want to get off."
Many more are set to buy after visiting the ship when it stopped briefly in London a few days ago. Novelist and former florist Jeannette Norell, from Belgravia, is clubbing together with three friends to purchase a £2 million apartment. Although prospective buyers need at least £3.5 million in the bank before they can be considered, money isn't everything. Mike Tyson's application was turned down because of his criminal record and everyone has to submit to a personality check to ensure they'll fit in.
