About Storylines Cruises

Storylines was founded in 2016 by Alister Punton and Shannon Lee with the vision of creating a residential community at sea. Aimed at providing a "more affordable" entry into concept of living at sea, the company has one ship which is scheduled to launch in 2025. Operated like a condominium complex, MV Narrative will have 547 "residences" priced at between $1 million to $8 million. These accommodations are significantly less than the private residential cruise ship The World, which was launched in 2021.

Headquartered in New York, Storylines originally planned to convert an existing ship into a residence at sea. More than 12 vessels were considered including Henna, first built for Carnival as Jubilee, the Marco Polo that sailed for the now defunct Cruise Maritime Voyages and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's Grand Classica. However, the introduction of stricter environmental regulations meant the scheme to use an older ship was no longer viable. The company switched to a plan for a newbuild vessel with a lifetime of some 60 years as opposed to 24 years on an older ship

MV Narrative was conceived with a team of industry experts including well-known maritime design company Tillberg Design of Sweden. The Storylines team is made up individuals from the cruise, real estate, and leisure industries with over 250 years of collective experience. The contract to build MV Narrative went to the Brodosplit shipyard in Croatia.

Storylines Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Storylines cruise ships?

Storylines says it offers residents an "all-inclusive global lifestyle" rather than a cruise. The vessel, which will journey across six continents and circumnavigate the globe every three years, is set to attract professional remote workers and retired people with money to invest in a long-term project combined with spending long periods of time at sea. MV Narrative is geared up to cater for this with facilities including 20 bars and restaurants, kitchen facilities in all residences, a large wellness center, fully-equipped medical facility and education program for children to be schooled by onboard and remote teachers.

To help cover costs, residents can also rent out their floating condos. The residences can also be sold.

Do I have to dress up on a Storylines cruise?

No. As it is not a cruise ship, but a floating community, there is no dress code and residents can wear whatever they would normally wear at home.

Is everything free on Storylines cruises?

Almost. Residents pay an annual service charge which covers all food and drink and 24-hour room service -- bar a few menu options that carry a surcharge and premium beverages such as Champagne -- fitness and sports facilities, medical check-ups, housekeeping, laundry, produce grown on the ship, Wi-Fi and gratuities. Extras include salon services, childcare, excursions ashore, medical treatment at the clinic and items from the onboard shop and market.

What are Storylines’s most popular activities?

The ship will provide plenty of options to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle including swimming pools, a golf simulator, marina platform with complimentary watersports equipment, sports court, yoga area and running track.

When MV Narrative is docked it will spend several days in each port of call to allow time for exploration. There is also an onboard storage facility for bikes so residents can go out for cycle rides in the various destinations visited.

Best for: Cruise fans, including couples and families, looking to invest into turning their dream vacation into a permanent lifestyle

Not for: Budget cruisers and anyone that likes experiencing different ships and lines on traditional itineraries of a set length

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Storylines Cruises