Imagine sitting in your living room, on your favorite couch, wearing your worn, comfortable slippers. When pulling the drapes you have the panorama of the Seattle skyline for a view.

Imagine a few days later, same living room, same elegant couch, same slippers, yet you pull the drapes and this time have a view of the San Francisco. Impossible? No. This is reality if you cruise on The ResidenSea World.

This unique cruise ship, with 110 condominium units and 88 rental suites, circumnavigates the globe, offering its passengers a new way of travel in the most elegant form. Ever wondered how Cinderella felt at the ball? After spending six nights aboard, sequestered in my studio suite, I think I know.

From the moment I crossed the gangplank in Vancouver, B.C., until I disembarked at the sea wall in downtown Portland last August, I was in a comfort zone usually known only to millionaires, and even zillionaires, I think.

The SARS epidemic in Asia caused the ship to redirect its itinerary away from that area last spring and summer. It came instead to the West Coast, doing a series of short cruises at much reduced rates. I benefited from the steep discount. Realizing it was a once-in-a-lifetime event, I signed up for the haul from Vancouver to Port Townsend, Wash., to Seattle to Portland. Six nights of absolute self-indulgent living. The fare might have been reduced, but everything else was up to the standards required for such high living.

There were about 300 passengers, with 320 crew. The total capacity is 926 people. We couldn’t lift a finger without someone coming to our aid. Each of the crew knew our names and recognized us from the moment we boarded. No “Ma’am,” it was “How can we be of help, Miss Hill?”

The ship is understated elegance – no glitz – very quiet and subdued, but very rich.

There are no costume parties or organized events. You are on your own to enjoy the four restaurants and deli. The French restaurant, Portraits, is rated 6-Star.

One night at dinner, seated at an oval table for eight, we had eight waiters hovering above us. The other restaurants, a Mediterranean, an Asian and one featuring contemporary cuisine, are more relaxed. You eat where you want, when you want and with whom you want.

“This ship is not for everyone,” Capt. Dag Saevik said. “It is for the independent traveler who enjoys doing his own thing. It is private. We do not focus on activities. It’s like owning a prime waterfront home everywhere in the world.”

Personal Reaction

I slipped into “The World” of refinement the moment I stepped off the gangplank. Settling into my studio suite I was welcomed with a bottle of iced champagne and a fresh yellow rose by Austrian born Birgit, who would be at my beck and call for the duration.

The appointments in my apartment were rich blues, golds, mauves, stripes and brocades. The bedspread, pillows, drapes and upholstery on the loveseat and chairs were of the richest fabrics available. The spacious bathroom, which included a tub and a shower, was in marble. The drapes in the living area parted to reveal sliding glass doors that opened on a balcony with two navy and white deck chairs and a table, providing ample room to sit outside, feel the breeze and inhale the crisp sea air.

What to do first? Enjoy a glass of that iced champagne, of course, and ring the 24 hour room service for some fresh jumbo shrimp (included in the fare) to accompany the beverage. Donning the thick white terry cloth robe and slippers provided, I sipped, nibbled and unpacked, which was easy as there were plenty of closets, drawers and a safe. The suite also had a TV, video player, desk, phone and dry bar stocked with alcohol and soft drinks. Birgit kept the dry bar supplied with ice.

We were surrounded by service and wrapped in the luxury of our surroundings. No crowds, no lines and no money changed hands until we docked in downtown Portland. Everything, including tips and drinks was included in the fare. Incidentals, such as the spa, laundry and items in the boutique, were extra to be paid upon check out. We were issued a credit card upon check-in which served as our ID on board as well. For a few days, it was a cashless world.

Private Club

This exclusive ship is like a private club. It’s the brainchild of Norwegian Knut U. Kloster Jr., former chairman of Royal Viking Line and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Afloat since March, 2002, 80 of the spacious condos are sold. Owners fly in and out depending upon their schedules and the ship’s itinerary.

One European couple, who were owners, had been on board for 10 months. They loved the lifestyle and this unique way of seeing the world. The ship has a grocery store just for owners. If they don’t have a desired item in stock and can’t get it at the next port, they fly it in. No wish goes ungranted.

When polling the group I was with about what they liked best, everyone seemed to have a different preference.

“It’s the beds. No, it’s the bathrooms. Obviously, it’s the food. It’s all the pillows on the beds. It’s the decor. It’s all of this, and especially the food,” they all chorused.

The World is the only ship afloat with a full-size tennis court. It also offers membership in its golf club to any passenger. This allows you to play golf around-the-world on 52 private courses and more than 100 public courses while in the various ports. The library, computer room and study are open 24 hours a day. There are lounges and bars, a Cigar Club, a nightclub and casino, an art gallery, a meditation room and an arts and crafts studio. What better time to start that painting you’ve always dreamed about?

Ellis-Ranian Travel House in Beaverton had the only Portland group on board for this cruise. Owners John and Mila Ellis accompanied the group. Their agency, which is listed by Conde-Nast Travel Magazine as one of the best 125 travel agencies in the world, was able to offer special rates for this short sail.

“From now on the itineraries will be more extended,” Ellis said. “However, world conditions or weather could change those plans. Best to call for future itineraries.”

Regular rates start at $450 per person per night in a studio suite. Rent rates on the condos are available upon request. Should you be so inclined, condominiums are available for purchase from about $1 million on up, and that’s not counting annual maintenance or monthly fees. However, the units come fully furnished and decorated. All you have to do is move in.