World’s largest privately-owned yacht which offers apartments to live in for up to £8.5 million sails up the River Thames

THE World’s largest privately-owned yacht that offers lavish full-time flats for up to £8.5 million has arrived in London.

The huge boat, which measures 644ft long, is about to embark on a non-stop journey, covering all seven continents and has started sailing up the River Thames.

Residents can spend as much time on the ship as they’d like but many spend between three to six months on board.

After the yacht, called The World, leaves London it will cruise on to Belle-Île-en-Mer, in France, before continuing to Spain, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

The World, which was unveiled in 2002, has 165 privately-owned apartments, ranging in cost from £660,000 to £8.5 million for a suite.

The rooms of the boat are owned by 130 families and over the years, it has travelled to over 900 ports across 140 different countries.

Managed by Florida-based ROW Management Ltd, the yacht can reach up to 18.5 knots and boasts six restaurants, stunning lobby views, a deli and a food store.

Also, spread out over the 12 decks, is a boutique and showroom, a billiards room and a golf simulator for entertainment.

And guests can enjoy a game of tennis on the only-full size tennis court at sea, or go for a swim in the various pools and then relax in the 7,000-square foot spa and fitness centre.

Unfortunately those interested in purchasing a property may have to wait as there’s a waiting list for some room sizes, including three-bedroom flats and penthouse suites.

Each room comes with internet access and annual ownership fees are worked out based on the square footage of each apartment.

On board, the ship has a crew consisting of 280 people and they visit each port, on average, for two-and-a-half days.

The ground-breaking ship is the first of its size to burn marine diesel oil compared to heavy bunker fuel and in 2012 it became the biggest passenger boat to enter the North West Passage.

Residents who were on board were able to see polar bears and play golf in the Antarctic snow and itineraries are decided two years beforehand by a vote.