I Lived at Sea on a Cruise Ship For Three Years. What It Was Like and Why I Left (Exclusive)

Taking a Leap of Faith: Three Years Living on a Luxury Cruise Ship

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lynn Krominga shares her unique experience of living on the world’s largest residential cruise ship, The World, for three years. Lynn, who was the head counsel at Revlon in New York City during the 1980s and ’90s, found herself at a crossroads in 2011. After discovering The World, a luxury condominium-style ship that continuously circumnavigated the globe, she made the bold decision to sell her New York City apartment and embrace a life at sea.

The allure of The World lay in its promise of exclusive access to extraordinary locations around the world. Residents, including Lynn, had the privilege of private tours to renowned sites, expeditions led by National Geographic experts, and the chance to explore remote destinations often inaccessible to the average traveller. The ship’s residents, a mix of wealthy individuals and self-made achievers, shared a common passion for curated travel experiences.

Despite being accustomed to luxury travel during her corporate days, Lynn found The World to be a different realm altogether. The ship offered a range of amenities, from fine dining options to onboard entertainment venues. Residents could enjoy themed dinners, live music performances, and even karaoke nights. The ship’s staff were attentive to every detail, ensuring a seamless and comfortable living experience for all onboard.

One of the highlights of Lynn’s journey on The World was waking up to a new port every morning. The ship’s concierge team meticulously planned excursions for residents in each destination, offering opportunities to explore local culture and landmarks. Lynn fondly recalls private tours to iconic sites, including a memorable visit to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and a meeting with a Nagasaki bomb survivor in Japan.

The voyage was not without its challenges, as Lynn recounts encounters with rough seas in Antarctica and security threats in the Red Sea. During precarious situations, such as a missile incident off the coast of Yemen and the threat of pirate attacks near Somalia, the ship’s crew and security measures ensured residents’ safety. Despite such adversities, the sense of adventure and exploration remained a constant theme throughout Lynn’s time on The World.

As time passed, Lynn noticed a shift in the ship’s atmosphere, with a focus moving away from cultural exploration towards social events and leisure activities. Feeling disconnected from the initial spirit of discovery that drew her to The World, Lynn made the bittersweet decision to bid farewell to her maritime lifestyle and return to New York City. While her cruise ship journey had come to an end, the memories of her extraordinary adventures would forever hold a special place in her heart.

Lynn’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of travel and the importance of embracing new experiences, even in the most unconventional of settings. Her journey on The World may have ended, but the lessons learned and the connections made during those three years at sea will continue to inspire her in the next chapter of her life.