Turkish company offers telecommuters three years of 'floating paradise'
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, millions of people around the world have learned what remote work is. Now that the insidious disease has receded, many are not ready to return to stuffy offices. They are looking for comfortable and unusual ways to work remotely, and demand, as you know, creates supply. Such as the Turkish company Life at Sea Cruises, which invites "digital nomads" to a three-year cruise on the MV Gemin.
On November 1, 2023, the MV Gemin liner sets off from the port of Istanbul to circumnavigate the world. This is not an ordinary cruise - the organizers position it as a "remote dream" and this is not an exaggeration. On board a luxury cruise ship there is absolutely everything for comfortable remote work, life and leisure. Conference halls, 14 offices, libraries, cafes, lounges, swimming pools, a fitness center - this is not a complete list of what MV Gemin offers.
It is well known that remote work is impossible without fast and stable internet. With this on the liner, everything is in order. The network is organized on the basis of modern equipment from Elon Musk Starlink. For the Internet, as well as for the use of offices, conference rooms and libraries, passengers will not have to pay extra. All expenses are included in the ticket price.
In addition, the price includes medical examinations, service, food and some drinks, as well as any port fees. From the guests of the liner, you only need to buy tickets and enjoy a three-year journey. Passengers can work or just relax - it all depends on the desire and, of course, the possibilities. It is worth saying that pleasure is not for everyone, as the cost of a cruise "bites".
Living in the cheapest cabin MV Gemin will cost 30 thousand dollars a year (2.25 million rubles). It is easy to calculate that a month of "floating paradise" costs 2.5 thousand dollars (190 thousand rubles). For the most expensive suites of the liner, with panoramic windows, balconies and luxurious furniture, you will have to pay $109,999 (8.25 million rubles) per year. And this is for every person!
But redemption of the cabin for a month or even a year is not provided. Life at Sea Cruises only sells tickets for all three years of the cruise. The only way to save money is to split the cruise in half. For example, you can buy a double cabin for the entire duration of the trip, but then split the trip in half with another couple.
You won’t be able to buy one ticket either - you still have to pay for at least a double cabin. True, the cruise organizers give such single travelers a 15 percent discount. But they can take a friend, relative or colleague on a trip - the rules allow this, because the place is paid anyway.
The ocean liner MV Gemini was built in Valencia and launched in 1992. Its length is 165 meters and the concept of large private yachts was used in the design of the vessel. The liner offers 400 cabins of different classes on 8 decks. Turkish cruise operator Life at Sea Cruises is not the first owner of the vessel. In 1992, it was named Crown Jewel and served as a floating hotel. The guests of the Summer Olympic Games, held in Barcelona, lived on the liner.
In 2017, the liner participated in a rescue operation. It became a floating base for rescuers who eliminated the consequences of the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria. In 2023, MV Gemini was on a humanitarian mission again. Its cabins housed residents affected by the earthquake in Turkey.
As for the travel brand Life at Sea Cruises, Miray International acquired the ship for it in 2020. This purchase was made specifically for the organization of a three-year round-the-world cruise for digital nomads. The liner, with a capacity of 1074 passengers, is now at the last stage of preparation for the trip, starting in November 2023.
During the three-year voyage, the liner will visit 375 ports in 135 countries. Passengers can board the ship both at the beginning of the journey, in Istanbul, and later. It is already known that MV Gemini will pick up people in Barcelona, Miami and Rio de Janeiro. The liner will plow not only warm seas and oceans. It will approach Antarctica and circle South America in the area of the legendary Cape Horn.
The liner will visit the islands of the Caribbean Sea, Hawaii, visit 12 ports in Japan, dozens of cities in Southeast Asia. Passengers will see New Zealand, India, the Seychelles and Maldives, Africa and many other places where everyone would dream to be. The cruise will end in Northern Europe. Swimming will not be a marathon, the goal of which is to set a record for calling at ports. In 208 out of 375 cities, the liner will be delayed for several days, and passengers will be able to visit the sights and just relax on the shore.