What The World's $30M Dry-Dock Means

By Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

From our own experience of living at sea, we know that a ship is a living, breathing thing. It's constantly in motion, and it needs regular care to keep it happy and healthy. That's why we were so fascinated to hear about the recent, and quite significant, dry dock of The World, a vessel that has long been a flagship in the residential cruising space.

The World just completed a six-week, $30+ million dry-dock at Navantia Shipyard in Cádiz, Spain. It's an immense investment, and for those of us who have chosen this unique lifestyle, it's a window into the future of our homes at sea. We can't help but think about our own vessel, the Villa Vie Odyssey, and what this kind of dedication to long-term maintenance and upgrades means for us.

What is a dry-dock and why is it so important?

A dry-dock is when a ship is taken out of the water to be inspected and have maintenance performed on the hull and other parts that are normally submerged. It's a critical, and often very expensive, part of a vessel's life. Think of it like a full-body check-up and a deep cleaning for a cruise ship. For a residential ship like The World, or even our Villa Vie Odyssey, it's a necessary process to ensure the long-term safety, efficiency, and comfort of everyone on board.

According to us, Chris and Michael, the dry-dock period is more than just maintenance; it's a chance for a ship to be reborn. We've been following the journey of our own ship and have seen firsthand the work it takes to get a vessel ready for a life of perpetual travel. You can get a glimpse into our own experiences and the excitement of this new adventure by checking out some of our videos on our DC Hidden Gems YouTube Channel.

What technical upgrades did The World receive?

While The World's dry-dock included a number of cosmetic and amenity upgrades, the most interesting and forward-looking changes were the technical and environmental ones. Three of the most significant were the new High Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC) system, a redesigned bulbous bow, and new Zodiac tenders.

• Shore Power (High Voltage Shore Connection System): This is a huge step forward for environmental sustainability. A shore power system allows the ship to "plug in" to a port's electrical grid and turn off its diesel engines. This significantly reduces emissions and noise pollution while in port. As the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) explains, this can reduce emissions by up to 98%, depending on the port's energy source mix. For those of us living on board, it means a quieter, cleaner experience when we are in a port that is equipped for it.
• Redesigned Bulbous Bow: A bulbous bow is the protruding bulb at the front of a ship just below the waterline. Its purpose is to reduce a ship's hydrodynamic resistance, which in turn improves fuel efficiency. The World re-engineered its bulbous bow to reduce hull resistance by up to 10%. This is a big deal. For a ship that is constantly moving, even a small increase in fuel efficiency translates to massive long-term savings and a smaller environmental footprint.
• New Zodiac Tenders: Zodiacs are robust, inflatable boats that are a huge asset for a vessel focused on exploration. They are used for shore excursions and to ferry passengers to remote locations that larger lifeboats or tenders cannot access. This upgrade enhances the ship's ability to offer unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences for its residents, which is a key part of the residential cruising appeal.

What do these changes mean for the future of residential cruising?

These upgrades are not just about modernizing The World; they're about setting a new standard for the entire residential cruising industry. For us, on a smaller ship like the Villa Vie Odyssey, this is particularly relevant. We've seen firsthand how our ship is being upgraded to meet the demands of long-term life at sea, from its updated Starlink internet to a unique "Customized Floating Oasis" marina.

These kinds of investments show a long-term commitment to the lifestyle. The move toward shore power, for example, is becoming mandatory in many ports around the world, including parts of the European Union. By making these investments now, a ship is securing its future and ensuring it can continue to visit the world's most beautiful destinations for decades to come.

A ship like The World is a huge asset, and its ongoing maintenance and modernization reflect the value its residents place on their homes. As we've explored in our post on the Villa Vie Golden Passport, these vessels are not just modes of transportation; they are communities. The dedication to improving the physical plant of the ship is a testament to the belief in the longevity of this lifestyle.

What about the Villa Vie Odyssey?

While the Villa Vie Odyssey is a different ship with a different price point, the same principles apply. We've already seen significant investments in its refit, and as we continue our journey, we anticipate further upgrades that will ensure our ship remains a comfortable, efficient, and modern home. For instance, the Odyssey has already received a multi-million-dollar transformation that includes a large business center and a new golf simulator, to name just a few things. These are the kinds of investments that make a real difference in long-term life at sea.

By focusing on improvements like shore power and more efficient hull designs, residential cruise lines are not only becoming more sustainable but are also ensuring their ability to navigate a future with tightening environmental regulations. This is a win-win for everyone involved, from the residents to the planet itself.

What ship upgrade, whether for a cruise ship or a residential vessel, do you think is the most important for the future of cruising?

Sources:

• The World, Residences at Sea Celebrates Completion of Transformative $30M+ Dry-dock, PR Newswire
• Major drydock refurbishment of MS The World ship at Navantia Shipyard (Cadiz), CruiseMapper