We take a closer look at the world’s first Apartment-on-Sea NJORD which is scheduled for launch in 2025.
The rarefied world of uber-luxurious Super Yacht is in for a paradigm shift in terms of ownership and design. Scheduled for launch in 2025, Ocean Residences Development Ltd (ORD) is developing a one-of-its-kind ship M/Y NJORD, which will be all of 289 meters and have 117 uber luxury residences onboard, offering those privileged people a chance to explore the world’s hidden treasures across the seven seas.
NJORD isn’t all luxury. Rather, I would prefer the word “Purposeful Luxury” that best defines this vessel. With philanthropy in mind, NJORD will be well equipped with state-of-the-art scientific types of equipment to undertake marine and oceanographic research and already they have entered into collaborations with world-renowned marine and ocean research organizations.
Onboard types of equipment like 3D scanners, remote drones, an observatory, telescope, and retractable sliding glass roof will be fitted to aid in recording the ocean’s environmental conditions and mapping the ocean floor.
And, incredibly, Ocean Residences Development has roped in the world-renowned Meyer Werft shipbuilding company to do the structural design of the stupendous NJORD vessel. The mood at the NJORD camp is upbeat, which finds echoes in the words of Kristian Stensby, Chairman and CEO of ORD – “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with Meyer Werft, a company that has kept its shipbuilding on course for 226 years – that’s seven generations – and which is the world leader in building innovative and complex passenger vessels with a stellar reputation for exceptional quality, precision, and on-time deliveries.”
The star-studded team of naval architects, engineers, and designers is led by ORD’s chief designer, Jean Stutzman, a pioneer when it comes to the yacht and luxury residential design. He is ably supported by Espen Øino International and Foreship OY– both are world leaders when it comes to naval architecture. This is a team that has given the world of luxury some of the most amazing brands – Cunard, Ritz –Carlton, Cheval Blanc, Relais & Chateaux to name just a few!
According to industry insiders, NJORD will have residences of 21 diverse arrangements with a choice of 2,3,4, and 5 bedrooms that will range from 1,291 square feet to 8,601 square feet. What is more, the largest of them all will have as many as 14 duplexes and two triplex residences with inbuilt elevators.
The hallmark of NJORD residences will be on discreet privacy. Discerning owners of the residences will have uninterrupted ocean views and a private terrace. Modular kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, closets, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems are some of the features included.
When it comes to fine dining, NJORD’s dining options are the stuff of connoisseurs. There will be both variety and quality – literally, the very best of world cuisines will be available onboard. I guess the expression – “World on Your Platter” is the most appropriate summation of the culinary blitzkrieg onboard the vessel.
When it comes to wellness and entertainment, they will come king-sized. Not at all surprising when you have somebody of the stature of Jean Stutzman behind. High–end spa, gyms equipped with state-of-the-art fitness gadgets, aerobics, an onboard dance studio, swimming pool, child-friendly pools, a miniature golf center, and an exclusive sports deck awaits you.
To further compliment owners’ entertainment options, a bewildering array of high-quality transformational and life-enriching experiences through seminars and brainstorming sessions on board is just what the doctor ordered.
Post Corona pandemic, tourism and travel have to be “mindful and conscious exploration”. The stress needs to be on sustainability, local community experiences, and conservation, all of which creates a value that catapults the discerning guests onboard a luxury yacht to an altogether different pedestal where the ancient Indian way of life “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam” – literally meaning “the world is one family” comes alive. Indeed, NJORD is attempting to do just that.
According to the visionary Founder of RARE India – https://www.rareindia.com/, Shoba Mohan – “We in the travel industry should try to raise a toast to the setting sun, dance, sing or just be. Exploring the Seven Seas is to explore the world differently and make travel transformational as we take you through the posse of destinations- villages, hamlets, forests, and iconic cities – thriving, dynamic, and moving with personal stories of conservation and achievements, colors, and contrasts, intangible heritage, history, and MAGIC.” Inspiring words! ain’t it?
The resurgence of Yoga – the ancient Indian mind-body wellness philosophy is unmistakable, and if you are an Indian, there is every reason to feel proud of your ancestors. The soaring popularity of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi coupled with celebrity Yoga Gurus like Ramdev, Bikram Choudhury, Iyengar, and others of their ilk have meant that today Yoga has become one of the hottest selling lifestyle brands. NJORD definitely is going to be a great platform for Yoga.
For instance, a visit to the remote Swedish Ski Resort of Are, located in Jamtland County with a population of just 1,417 reveals a truly Indian phenomenon on the rise – it’s freezing outside, but you find groups of shirtless men absorbed in Yoga poses in the early morning snow. And if they come to know you are an Indian visitor, they greet and embrace you with – “Oh, you are from Modi’s land? Modi is great for the globe” kind of salutations, which even a decade back, was unthinkable for Indian visitors.
Hawaii, easily one of the world’s most beautiful places and one destination that NJORD will definitely touch is blessed with earth, never-ending crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, landscapes that are dramatic, to say the least, has lured many a traveler from times immemorial.
Apart from natural treasures, Hawaiian people are a blissful lot and peace is of paramount importance to the natives here, superseding even trade, commerce, and all that big talk about money that actually drives the contemporary world.
No wonder that billionaire Yoga Guru Bikram Choudhury( https://www.bikramyoga.com ) has opened his signature Hot Yoga Studios in several scenic locales in Hawaii so as to offer the original, therapeutic, effective, and proven method of being blissful, just as nature wanted. As an Indian, it is so inspiring sight when in front of your eyes, hundreds of Yoga freaks from across the world actually stretch out on the big island of Hawaii, immersed in a series of 26 life-changing Yoga postures. Here in Hawaii, you actually feel that “Yeah, India has arrived”.
Hawaii is so dramatic that just about every lane is charming. From the best-kept secrets of the Napali Coast to biodiversity-rich national parks, visitors are spoilt for a choice when it comes to choosing the perfect place for holidays. Just imagine the excitement and the mind-elevation you will attain when you actually visit Hawaii onboard a vessel, touted to be the ‘World’s Ultimate Private Superyacht’!
According to Yoga Guru Bikram Choudhury – “The Hawaiian landscape is perfect for Yogic indulgence. The Yoga journey is lifelong and every experience is unique. You will experience a range of emotions like exhaustion & exhilaration, sadness & euphoria, soreness & herculean strength, anxiety & fearlessness. Nothing is untouched. It is just that you need to be alert”. What a statement! And so very ancient, ain’t it?
This country has earned the epithet of – “The Land of Fire and Ice”, courtesy of the geological presence of some of the most awe-inspiring glaciers and some of the planet’s most active volcanoes. This one country where the ethereal pay of mother nature’s light phenomenon consisting of light and darkness, characterized by long summer days (24-hours sunshine) are compensated by short winter days with barely a few hours of sunshine.
It is a foregone conclusion that NJORD will sail to Iceland. This country has earned the epithet of – “The Land of Fire and Ice”, courtesy of the geological presence of some of the most awe-inspiring glaciers and some of the planet’s most active volcanoes. This is one country where the ethereal play of mother nature’s light phenomenon consisting of light and darkness, characterized by long summer days (24-hours sunshine) is compensated by short winter days with barely a few hours of sunshine.
Iceland is and forever will be for those who travel in search of experiences that defy the stereotyped human tendencies and the discerning prospective owners of NJORD residences will want to visit the arctic circle; and believe it or not, half of Grimsey’s land-mass, (island to the North coast) lies in the Arctic Circle.
Countries neighboring Iceland are Greenland located at a distance of 286 km (180 miles), The Faroe Islands – 420 km (260 miles), Scotland – 795 km (495 miles), and of course Norway located at a distance of 950 km (590 miles). It will be interesting for humanity to observe what new scientific revelations NJORD scientists have to offer.
Although I am not a scientist myself, I would still love to see how NJORD Researchers collaborate on a range of issues ranging from climate change to flora & fauna conservations. I hail from India’s Marlboro Land – the North East and I have a gut feeling that native people – the tribals and indigenous people often know a lot about issues that are perplexing the contemporary scientific community.
Today, cutting-edge research is underway and scientists are investigating how the Arctic climate and weather influence and interact with the rest of the world. Blessed with state-of-the-art types of equipment, it is only befitting to expect stellar results from NJORD’s scientific community.
It is not just NJORD wanting to Sell You a Luxury Condo on the High Seas. Buying a yacht and that too a residence onboard a Superyacht is truly a personal journey. NJORD will work up close & personal with the prospective discerning global owners – offering advice and insight based on their long years of maritime experience and practical acquaintance with the latest yachting trends. With an award-winning team of yacht consultants based worldwide, NJORD promises honesty and integrity at every step leading to the actual purchase.
Long back, I meet Brookie Obie, an avid new age traveler who keeps coming back to the land of Aloha (Hawaii) and I still remember what she had to say – “ For the natives, Aloha is not just a way to greet people; it’s much more divine – it’s a lifestyle of love, compassion, and recognition. Out here in Hawaii when you greet someone with Aloha!
It is more about recognizing a person’s humanity and their significance in creation. When you utter the word Aloha! you actually recognize the god that dwells within the other person”. What a powerful message for today’s stressed-out jet-age traveler in search of contentment in a discontented world! Let’s hope NJORD epitomizes all that and more!
