Dream Big!
Recently, our staff was asked to answer two questions:

1. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
2. If you could do anything (regardless of money, circumstance, skill or talent) what would you do?
   

I struggled to answer. With all the exotic, gorgeous, glorious places in the world, how could I possibly choose just one? As for the second question, it would probably involve traveling the globe in fabulous style and using my oodles of money to make the world a happier and healthier place.

Then I read about Utopia, a $1.1 billion uber-luxury ship being built by Samsung Korea.

Estates at Sea?
Utopia is no ordinary cruise ship – when this baby is launched in 2013, it will be large enough to comfortably accommodate 3,000 passengers but will only welcome 600 guests aboard at a time. Plus 600 crew members to cater to every whim. The Utopia will span 15 decks and have 190 private residences and 204 hotel rooms. Not a lot of details yet about the residences but with prices ranging from a mere $3.8 million for a 1,400 sq foot condo to a whopping $24 million for a 6,600 square foot “estate”, they are certain to be stunningly lavish. Early buyers can customize their homes with Utopia’s team of designers and architects.

Lifestyles of the globetrotting rich and famous
As far as onboard facilities, the ship will feature a 525-seat theater, several bars and lounges. a casino, swimming pools, marina, signature restaurants, art gallery, and private residents club. What about destinations? Utopia will forgo the usual Caribbean and Alaska itineraries. Instead, this ship will follow cultural and sporting events around the globe – from the Grand Prix in Monte Carlo to the Cannes Film Festival; from Carnival in Rio to the Running of the Bulls in Spain.

Travel with Purpose
OK,  this all sounds amazing. But what about the part where I get to help people and make the world a better place? Utopia’s got that covered, too – this ship prides itself as a “platform for learning, cultural exchange and philanthropy”. Utopia’s Philanthropy Office will keep a database of the philanthropic interests of all the residents and connect them with like-minded donors who share their passion. The Philanthropy Concierge will help organize humanitarian events in port cities around the world as well as charity balls on board. Apparently, the Utopia lifestyle is not just about living in luxury on a ship. It’s also about traveling with purpose and meaning.

Living large and saving the world…on a cruise ship? Now that’s a fantasy I can call my own.  Utopia Residences available for sale in 2010.  For details, go to www.utopiaresidences.com.

Filed under: Cruise News