The Master of the World

During my early years as port agent for the Wind Star cruise line the captains and officers were Norwegian, and I grew to know and like them all. The captain of one of the ships was named “Dag”, and that was also the name of the first officer. In order to avoid any confusion, the captain was known as “Big Dag” and the officer “Baby Dag”, nick-names that stuck to them like white on rice! Big Dag was tall and quite handsome; Baby Dag was shorter, much younger and equally handsome, and both men had sparkling blue eyes that twinkled with good humour. Big Dag eventually left the Wind Star ships and Baby Dag was promoted to captain, but he would always be referred to as “Baby Dag” by those who knew him well.

Years later, Baby Dag cruised into Bequia at the helm of a brand new ship, and WHAT a ship! It was much different from the Wind Star ships, and the difference wasn’t just its lack of sails; launched in 2002 and named The World, Dag’s ship was the first of its kind, a unique floating 644-foot condo complex the likes of which I had never imagined let alone seen. Those fortunate enough and WEALTHY enough had the opportunity to live at sea in luxury on board a vessel that would cater to them in comfort and in style. The ship was (and still is) collectively owned by its residents and they, together with the captain, choose its itinerary. The World travels the globe continuously, stopping at unusual and exotic destinations for the enjoyment of its owners and their guests.

Dag invited us on board for supper, and gave us a detailed tour of the ship’s 12 decks. Six of the decks were for the apartments, most of which had already been purchased by a mix of people from 20 different countries. Although there are 165 residences the owners aren’t always on board, and as a result there are usually no more than 200 people sailing at the same time. Dag showed us a few of the suites, some with as many as three bedrooms, and the interior décor was unique for each as well as quite beautiful. No expense had been spared when it came to furnishings, but I figure those who purchased the suites were paying for and expecting nothing but the very best.

The World has 6 restaurants, but residents can arrange to have meals cooked in their apartments if so desired. There are numerous bars and comfortable lounges located throughout the ship as well as 2 swimming pools, a tennis court, putting greens, a spacious spa and fitness centre, a watersports marina and jogging track, an art gallery and large theatre, a chapel and a well-stocked library. There is also a large helicopter pad used for the ferrying of arriving and departing passengers, making it easier for owners to come and go as they please. The only feature that was less than perfect was the putting green; the grass wasn’t growing as well as expected, and Dag figured they would have to resort to Astro-turf. How very sad!

We ate a delicious gourmet meal with Dag in one of the hushed dining rooms, and the word “hushed” kind of says it all. The entire ship seemed “hushed”, certainly different from the usual cruise ships packed with boisterous vacationers. Bequia’s favourite band “New Direction” was performing on board and even THEY sounded oddly “hushed”, playing music suitable to the surroundings instead of the lively numbers they were famous for ashore. It was all very impressive, but I wondered how long I would last on board The World before getting a titch bored.  I’m certainly willing to give it try though, who on earth wouldn’t be!?

At the end of the evening, Nik and I asked Dag what his favourite part of the job was. With a boyish grin and a twinkle in his eye, he said;

“Whenever I answer the phone or radio I get to say, “this is the Master of The World speaking!”

Yes, Baby Dag has accomplished what many despots throughout history have never been able to achieve; he is, indeed, the “Master of The World!”