The Four Seasons Ocean Residences, which was launched in Dublin last Tuesday, is a 48,600-ton, 719ft long, 13-deck cruise ship, built by Aker Yards and designed by Tillberg Design US, with 112 private residences on board, that gives a whole new meaning to owning a home overseas.

But this is no floating tax shelter and there's little chance of renting out rooms for financial gain. This is very much a lifestyle buy, and a very expensive and indulgent one at that, with specification, staffing and hotel-style services provided by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

The brainchild of BV International Ocean Holdings, a joint venture between Bayview Financial and Ocean Development Group, apartments at The Four Seasons Ocean Residences range in size from 800 to 8,000sq ft and comprise one, two, three and four bedroooms including single storey, duplex and triplex. They start from 2.885m and go all the way up to a whopping 30m for a four-bed triplex penthouse.

And for a home with a 50 year shelf life the payouts don't stop with the initial cheque. These apartments come with an annual service charge of 77,000 for a onebed to 750,000 Though what you get is just as eye-popping as the price tag. Apartments are designed in a linear layout so all rooms boast sea views, with floor to ceiling windows and expansive wraparound terraces maximising the effect. These aren't cabins. They're designed as homes from home with every need taken care of: gourmet kitchens, master bedroom suites with walk-in dressing rooms, en suite bathrooms, spacious living areas and fully wired home office. Of course, should you require more to float your boat, buyers have the added privilege of an on-board Four Seasons concierge at their beck and call.

While not an entirely new concept (remember The World? ), the developers of this luxury liner are promising even better luxurious surroundings in a more intimate setting, minus the package holiday makers to spoil the experience.

On board activities and entertainment will include a 11,000sq ft Four Seasons Spa, fitness facility, four restaurants, designer retail, a Monte Carlo style casino, a gourmet market, business centre with secretarial and video conferencing, wine cellar, helipad, putting greens, driving range, launch for jet skis or sailboats and a marina facility for ship-to-shore services.

The ship's first journey is scheduled to depart in 2010, with the first two years following a fixed itinerary, stopping off at some of the world's most fashionable destinations, including the Antarctica, the Amazon, the London Olympics and the Grand Prix in Monaco.

Since the private party launch on Tuesday evening, attended by Ireland's rich list, it's believed that at least three individuals have reserved apartments.

For more information contact Paul Daly at Savills HOK on 01-618 1474.