Can?t afford a piece of the The Rock? Then why not splash out on a slice of The World?

The first self-styled ?private community at sea? glided into Hamilton last week, full of well-heeled residents who call the ocean home.

Bermudians priced out of the Island?s sky-high property market may be forgiven for casting an envious eye over the cost of a plush floating condo.

Studio prices on board the 43,000-tonne luxury vessel, measuring the length of two football fields, start from about $800,000.

Although top of the range three-bedroom apartments ? priced at up to $6 million ? might sink even the healthiest of bank balances and bring on sensations of sea sickness.

For those not keen on the idea of a floating mortgage and a permanent ocean view, rates for a six-night stay start at $1,000 a night.

The cruiser, bought by its residents in 2003, was originally scheduled to make its Bermuda debut in its first year at sea.

That was before Hurricane Fabian triggered a quick change to its glamorous, year-long world-wide itinerary which takes in exotic getaways like Rio, Barbados, Acapulco... and now Bermuda.

The ?timeshare? vessel holds 657 people, although estimated average occupancy is 200 residents and guests. Of the 165 homes on board, there are 106 private apartments, 19 studio apartments and 40 studios.

The private flats ? ranging in size from 1,000 to 3,000 sq ft ? come with a veranda and optional jet pool, as well as advanced audio and video equipment.

The 350 sq ft studios, meanwhile, feature an entertainment centre and a marble bathroom and all interiors were drawn up by internationally renowned interior designers from Rome, New York and London.

The World has round-the-clock room service, security and medical cover, including x-ray and emergency areas, and boasts a 250-strong crew.

Other attractions include a retractable marina, hair and beauty salon, gourmet market, a conference centre, a library, a collection of fine art and four restaurants.

There are two swimming pools, a full-size tennis court, golf driving ranges and a jogging track.

Music fans can lap up classical performances while classes in dance, navigation, languages, cookery, computers and photography are available.

And for those with cash to spare, there is also a casino with 45 gaming positions.

Nikki Upshaw, senior marketing vice president for The World said ?The World is a pioneer ? there is no other vessel of its kind in existence.

?From inception, the vessel was designed to be the globe?s first private resort community at sea. While exploring the earth, residents of the vessel take their vacation home with them ? a significant shift from typical cruise experiences, where guests leave home to travel aboard a cruise ship.?

She said residents had a vested interest in the ship, as they helped direct the vessel?s annual itinerary, which averages several days in each port.

ResidenSea, the Miami-based company that runs The World, said the boat was ideal for people who enjoy ?a lifestyle of adventure and discriminating luxury?.

They add: ?This strikingly beautiful ship is elegant and intimate and promises gracious and personal service in a warm, inviting ambience much like that of a private yacht, seaside villa or exclusive country club.?

Norwegian-built The World, dubbed the only private residence at sea, criss-crosses the globe and stays an average several days in port at ?interesting destinations?.

The average tenant on board has been described as an executive in his mid 50s, who plans to live on the ship three months a year. The World, which has visited destinations including South Africa, Vietnam, India and Greenland so far this year, left Hamilton earlier this week.