The world's hyper-rich have got a new liner on which they can circle the globe in sumptuous homes, costing up to $6.8 million.

Shrugging off a global economic slowdown and fears of terrorism after the September 11 attacks in the US, the owners of 80 out of the 110 apartments sold so far will move on to cruise ship "The World" in coming weeks.

The 43,000 gross tonne liner was blessed in a ceremony in Trondheim, central Norway, where it has been fitted out with everything from four restaurants and a supermarket to a golf driving range and two swimming pools.

"Travel the world without leaving home," private group ResidenSea says.

But owners will need a Midas touch to stay afloat. On the globe's first sea-going resort, prices range from about $2 million for a one-bedroom apartment to $6.8 million for a 300 sq m apartment with three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

"The World", built for $260 million, is to make its maiden voyage for some of the richest people on the planet from Oslo to Hamburg and then to London before crossing the Atlantic this month.