How would you like traveling around the globe, participating in and enjoying prominent culture and sporting events across the world, working from your home, and relaxing seaside with the moon glowing at night? Well, technically, it won’t be seaside, but on the ocean.
Utopia is the magic wand. A planned residential ship, Utopia will live up to its name when it finishes and launches in 2013. This USD 1.1 billion project has 200 residences ranging in price from USD 3.9-25 million. The luxury ship will also have a luxury boutique hotel, casino, spa, theatre, night club, swimming pools, marina, signature restaurants, private residents club, complete business center and conference facilities, and many other amenities.
David Robb, Chairman of Utopia Residences, answers a few questions for LuxuryFacts
LuxuryFacts: What is the thought-process behind Utopia Residences?
David Robb: The world’s finest marine architects, engineers, shipbuilders, interior designers and environmental experts have collaborated to build the most technologically advanced and luxurious ocean liner ever conceived. Utopia will carry 199 residence owners, their families and guests year-round in spectacular full ownership private residences to the greatest events of the world. The ship’s innovative concept, design and itinerary have prompted shipping industry experts to call Utopia “the next generation in ocean travel and a way to travel the world without leaving home”. All the residences are beautifully furnished. They range in size from approximately 1,450 to 6,110 sq ft in 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom configurations with both traditional and contemporary design schemes.
Utopia will travel the globe to the world’s greatest and most prestigious events according to a 24 month itinerary, staying in ports 275 days per year. The Cannes Film Festival, the Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Carneval in Rio, The Melbourne Cup, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan, The Venice Biennale, Olympics – all appear on Utopia’s itinerary.
LF: What makes you think that people would be willing to stay in a mobile home?
DR: Well, Utopia is being built by the same maritime engineering team that built the world’s first residential ocean liner – The World. That vessel launched in 2002 and today is home to approximately 120 families. The other great attraction to a life onboard Utopia is the fact that an owners apartment moves at will – coming alongside the greatest events on the planet. Utopia’s itinerary allows residents time to explore the region being visited deeply as we stay in each port for an extended period. Your home’s ability to move becomes a key component of a luxurious lifestyle. Today, security is a main focus, and having a home on Utopia is the safest, most secure method of international travel.
LF: How has the response been so far?
DR: We have just begun our sales campaign primarily in the USA from our locations on Madison Ave, NYC and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Excitement has been building for some time and the response has been overwhelming. Our register of interest is growing daily and this means lots of effort from our sales teams to ensure we are keeping our future residents happy.
LF: Do you have a certain criteria for selecting a residence owner or can anyone buy these residences?
DR: With only 199 residences becoming available to a global audience we are working diligently to attract a diverse group of families from around the world. We believe travelling with a purpose will be attractive to many of these families. Our philanthropic outreach programmes speak about the potential this community will have to make a difference. In our commercialized world, Utopia will be a beacon for good works around the world. We wish to travel with a purpose, give back wherever possible and leave lasting footprints of our lives’ journey. Ultimately, we believe our residence owners pick themselves as they are all attracted to the Utopia lifestyle for different reasons.
LF: Are these homes feasible for retired people only?
DR: In fact our key buyer demographic is not even close to retiring age group! Most of our residents will be age 35-55. In fact, we believe that the age is less important than the attitude. The young at heart are all somewhat adventurous and look for inspiring experiences in everything they do.
LF: Then do you have provisions for education of children on-board?
DR: We have multiple educational choices for families with children and grandchildren onboard. Those offerings are tailored to suit depending on the families’ length of stay with Utopia. We may even offer a Swiss Baccalaureate certification for students if sufficient interest is shown in this aspect of residential ocean living.
LF: Do you have the infrastructure to let working people function from the ship?
DR: Absolutely! This is one of our primary objectives to enable our residents to continue operating their businesses 24/7 while onboard Utopia.
Well, we are waiting for the ultimate luxury ship to touch the oceans!
