FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – Ms. Jessica Hoppe is President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for The World, Residences at Sea, the largest privately owned residential mega yacht on Earth. She joined the company in February 2022 as General Counsel and Vice President of Strategic Alignment and was promoted to Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel in August 2023. In April 2024 the Board of Directors appointed her Interim CEO and in June 2024 she was appointed President and CEO. In this role Ms. Hoppe is responsible for leading the organization and managing the strategic direction of The World. This includes key assets and relevant functions such as operations, customer service, guest satisfaction, sales, marketing, and training to ensure best-in-class service delivery. She also directs the general care, maintenance, and upkeep of the Ship, the Senior Leadership Team, preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets and provides thought leadership about trends and relevant impacts to The World.

Prior to joining The World as in-house counsel, Ms. Hoppe served as General Counsel and Senior Vice President for Crystal Cruises, LLC, in Miami, Florida where she was responsible for all legal matters of Crystal Cruises, LLC and its affiliates up to the publicly traded parent company and was a member of various corporate boards. At Genting Americas Inc. in New York, New York and Miami, Florida, she served as General Counsel, Secretary and Senior-Vice President of Governmental Affairs where she was responsible for all legal and corporate secretarial matters of Genting and its subsidiaries, including oversight of all litigation matters and served as a board member of various corporate boards of the organization. She also held positions with Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP, in New York, New York and Balch & Bingham, LLP, in Gulfport, Mississippi and Birmingham, Alabama.

Ms. Hoppe received a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Tulane University Law School, in New Orleans, Louisiana and has Bachelor of Arts degrees in German and Biopsychology from the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She also attended the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School.

About The World

Launched in 2002, The World® is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service. To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.

April 2024

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Erin Williams is Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth. As CFO, Ms. Williams is responsible for all finance, accounting, and purchasing / supply chain logistics for the company both on and off the Ship. She is a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Ms. Williams is a finance executive who brings more than 25 years of extensive financial experience to The World. Most recently she was CFO of Virgin Voyages. Prior positions include Vice President and Treasurer of NCL Corporation Ltd., Vice President and Treasurer of Argosy Gaming Company, and Director, Investor Relations for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. She returns to The World after having served as its CFO previously from 2015 to 2021.

About The World

Launched in 2002, The World^® is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service. To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.

September 2024

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Fort Lauderdale, FL – Odalys Cadenas is Vice President of Human Resources for The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on Earth. In her role Ms. Cadenas is responsible for overseeing all human resource (HR) and training and development functions as well as a rotating global workforce of over 400 staff in the company’s Florida office and on board the Ship. Along with support from the HR Team, she negotiates and manages all aspects of crew welfare and benefits, ensures maritime employment regulations and legal compliance and handles Crew logistics, visas, contracts, union negotiations, payroll, risk management, and more.

Ms. Cadenas is a seasoned HR executive with over 20 years of experience in the passenger ship industry, bringing extensive expertise in HR planning and strategy, labor and employee relations, training and development, benefits and compensation, and talent acquisition. She has successfully led HR teams in both large and small organizations, managing multi-location, global responsibilities.

Prior to joining The World, Ms. Cadenas served as AVP of Strategy and HR Operations at Carnival Cruise Lines where she spearheaded a highly effective HR team focused on strategic initiatives that reinforced the company’s values and culture. She has held key leadership roles across the cruise industry including serving as Vice President of Human Resources for Crystal Cruises under Genting’s ownership. She also led HR at Costa Cruises and began her career with Cunard and Seabourn, all subsidiaries of Carnival Corporation.

Her leadership has consistently positioned HR as a true business partner, driving organizational success.

Ms. Cadenas studied at Florida International University and is fluent in Spanish.

About The World

Launched in 2002, The World^® is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service. To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit aboardtheworld.com.

March 2025

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Mr. Max Schmidt is Chief Information Officer for The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth.  In this role Mr. Schmidt is responsible for management and oversight of corporate and Ship technology delivery and operations; development and execution of strategic and tactical plans; overseeing contingency planning, IT security and compliance; developing plans to create technology efficiencies across the corporate office and Ship; and more.

Mr. Schmidt is an Information Technology executive with over 30 years’ experience in travel, hospitality, technology, and consulting.  Prior to joining The World he worked for Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (RCCL) as Vice President, IT where he was responsible for the overall quality of the shipboard environment including new build programs, shipboard revitalizations, IT lifecycle management, satellite services and shipboard IT operations.  He has also served as managing principal consultant for Oracle and Computer Services Manager for Miami-Dade County, Florida.

A graduate of Miami, Florida’s Barry University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Mr. Schmidt also attended the Wharton Executive Development Program and has Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training.  He is the recipient of InformationWeek’s 20 Great Ideas to Steal (2015 and 2013) and InformationWeek’s Elite 100 IT Organizations (2015, 2013, 2012 and 2010).

About The World

Launched in 2002, The World^® is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences.  A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations.  They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select.  In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service.  To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.

January 2023

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Capt. Dag H. Sævik is a distinguished veteran of the maritime industry with more than 30 years of experience and has gained a high level of professional expertise based on his worldwide cruising endeavors. As Master of The World, the largest privately owned yacht on earth, he is responsible for the daily maritime operation of the Ship including the overall onboard operation of the vessel as well as the safety, comfort and well-being of all Residents, Guests and Crew. He is also involved with planning the Ship’s continuous global itinerary.

Capt. Sævik has been with The World since its earliest days and was on board for a number of milestones – when the Ship left the shipyard in Rissa, Norway, for its inaugural voyage on 29 March 2002 when it set sail from Oslo, Norway for its official maiden voyage departing from Lisbon, Portugal on 2 May 2002, and for its christening in Venice, Italy on 17 May 2002. During his tenure he has made numerous voyages to some of the most intriguing and remote parts of the globe and has commanded the Ship during many expeditions to fascinating destinations including Antarctica, and the land of the Midnight Sun, the Arctic. In August 2018, he navigated The World to the furthest north the Ship has ever reached at 82° 41’ during the vessel’s Svalbard Expedition to the Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. On 28 January 2017, Capt. Sævik commanded The World when the Ship set a Guinness World Record for the most southerly navigation reaching 78°43,996´S, 163°41,425´W at the Bay of Whales in Antarctica during the Ship’s Ross Sea Expedition. He was also at the helm of the Ship’s history-making and record-breaking voyages across Canada’s Northwest Passage as the largest passenger vessel to sail ocean to ocean unescorted from the Pacific.

Capt. Sævik hails from the Aalesund area on the west coast of Norway and graduated from Tonsberg Maritime Academy, earning nautical and maritime law degrees. He has also received special training in vessel sanitation management, senior officer security management, crisis management, environment and protection, and human behavior management training. He holds Norwegian and Bahamian Master Mariner certifications.

Capt. Sævik joined The World in 2002 when the Ship was built. Prior to The World, Capt. Sævik worked for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Sea Goddess Cruises, and Wilh. Wilhelmsen and served in the Royal Norwegian Navy.

About The World

Launched in 2002, The World® is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service. To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.

January 2023

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Jan Helge Pile is Vice President, Marine & Technical Operations for The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth. In this position Mr. Pile is responsible for maintaining the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound marine, technical and medical operations of the vessel in compliance with all regulatory requirements. He is also responsible for ensuring the vessel operates at high standards, including equipment and appearance, follows a long-term maintenance program including equipment obsolescence management and strategically planned dry-docks; and works to continuously increase the focus on an enhanced safety culture and developing energy efficiencies by actively pursuing safety and environmental impact mitigation opportunities.

Mr. Pile joined the organization in July 2022 bringing with him significant experience of marine and technical ship operations. Most recently he worked for Color Line, Norway’s largest passenger shipping company in international trade as Senior Vice President & Technical Operations where he was responsible for marine operations, technical division, including purchasing, projects, and newbuilding. At HSD Sjø AS (now Norled), he was Senior Vice President Maritime for the Norwegian domestic shipping company overseeing operations, project management, safety and quality matters. He also worked for Royal Caribbean International in the New-building department in Oslo and at inspection offices at building sites throughout Europe.

Mr. Pile was born in Kvinnherad, Norway and served in the Royal Norwegian Navy. He holds a Master Mariner (D1) license and is also a naval architect with a master’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim.

About The World

Launched in 2002, The World is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service.  To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.

January 2023

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Capt. Mark Dexter has more than 40 years’ experience in the maritime industry having begun his distinguished career as a Cadet and spending the last 19 years as Master. At The World, the largest privately owned yacht on earth, he is responsible for the daily maritime operation of the Ship including the overall onboard operation of the vessel as well as the safety, comfort and well-being of all Residents, Guests and Crew. He is also involved with planning the Ship’s continuous global itinerary.

Capt. Dexter hails from Portsmouth on England’s south coast and currently resides in Canterbury (near Christchurch), New Zealand with his wife and their two sons. All are keen rugby supporters. Among his many interests are serving as a New Zealand and UK registered cricket umpire, motorcyclist and beekeeper. He holds a private pilot’s license and has a Silver Certification from the British Gliding Association. A graduate of Warsash Maritime Academy in Southampton, Hampshire, England, Capt. Dexter earned a degree in Nautical Sciences as well as his Master’s Certificate of Competency.

Capt. Dexter joined The World in November 2017. Previously he served as Master on both global luxury and discovery-style ships including the Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Pride, Swan Hellenic’s Minerva II, Hebridean Spirit, and Hebridean Princess.

About The World
Launched in 2002, The World® is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service. To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.

January 2023

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Thomas Legner is Senior General Manager of The World.  In this role he is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the entire hotel operation on the largest privately-owned residential yacht on earth.  Mr. Legner directs the staff in all Hotel departments (Enrichment, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Hotel Administration, Hotel Stores, Housekeeping, Human Resources, Laundry, Retail, Sales, Spa and Sports & Fitness) to ensure the delivery of exceptional and personalized service to all Residents and Guests.  He also works closely with the Captains and other executive and senior management officials.

Mr. Legner graduated from the Hotel Management School in Vienna, Austria, and completed Cornell University’s Professional Development Program, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Personal Leadership Effectiveness Program, InterContinental Hotel’s General Manager Development Program, and various other strategic management and communications programs.

Mr. Legner has proven leadership experience within the luxury hotel industry.  Prior to joining The World he served as general manager of the InterContinental Hotel in Vienna where he had responsibility for all commercial and operational aspects of the property and led 15 departments.  He also served as hotel manager for 450 employees at the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C. where he had direct oversight for the Engineering, Food & Beverage, Front Office and Concierge Services, Housekeeping, Laundry, Retail, Safety & Loss Prevention, and Spa & Health Club departments.  He has also held management positions with Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, and Silversea.

Born in Austria, Mr. Legner has both Canadian and Austrian citizenships, and is fluent in English and German.  He is married and has two children, a daughter and a son.  His personal interests include hiking in the Austrian Alps with the family dog Neila, running, biking, classical music, enjoying good wines and most of all, spending time with his family.

About The World

Launched in 2002, The World is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service. To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.

January 2023

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Fernando Arroyo is General Manager of The World.  In this role he is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the entire hotel operation on the largest privately-owned residential yacht on earth.  Mr. Arroyo directs the staff in all Hotel departments (Enrichment, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Hotel Administration, Hotel Stores, Housekeeping, Human Resources, Laundry, Retail, Sales, Spa and Sports & Fitness) to ensure the delivery of exceptional and personalized service to all Residents and Guests.  He also works closely with the Captains and other executive and senior management officials.

Mr. Arroyo is a highly accomplished hospitality leader with experience in luxury hotels and resorts, passenger ships, consulting, and lecturing.  Among his positions as General Manager include Viking Ocean Cruises, based in Basel, Switzerland; Hilton Hotels and Resorts worldwide in Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, São Paulo and Contagem, Brazil, Margarita Island, Venezuela and Guayaquil, Ecuador.  At the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore he was Director of Rooms and worked with Six Senses as General Manager in both Thailand and Vietnam.  He has opened resorts in Vietnam and Indonesia for small local luxury brands.

Mr. Arroyo also has consulting and training experience and has worked as a university professor, regional trainer, and talent assessor.  He has lectured at various universities in sustainability in the hotel industry, revenue management, customer service and service excellence.  He received his Master’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University, New Jersey, (Singapore campus), his Bachelor of Arts in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Santa Barbara City College (Santa Barbara, California), a certificate in Hotel Real Estate and Asset Management from Cornell University (online) and a Diplôme D’Études Supèrieures en Hôtellerie from École Hôtelière de Lausanne (Lausanne, Switzerland).

In his free time he enjoys nature – he loves a good hike – going to the theater and spending time with his family in addition to doing volunteer work in local orphanages and animal shelters.

About The World

Launched in 2002, The World is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service. To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.

January 2023

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Linda Schultes is Vice President, Sales & Marketing for The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth.  In this role Mrs. Schultes is responsible for leading the development and execution of the Ship’s strategic marketing objectives as well as administrative responsibility for Guest Services and Sales operations and personnel.  She also oversees the Corporate Communications and Public Relations areas.  Among her key responsibilities are assessing market potential, identifying leads, targeting new clients and markets, and identifying innovative marketing strategies that generate qualified leads for prospective Residents.

Mrs. Schultes joined The World in 2016 and has over 20 years’ experience in strategic marketing programs to develop brand image and create demand from high-net-worth consumers.  As Vice President of Worldwide Marketing for Silversea Cruises she oversaw the strategic planning and implementation of global marketing, brand management and onboard sales initiatives.  At Seabourn Cruise Line, she managed the brand marketing strategy, digital marketing, media buying, advertising, brochures, and marketing partnerships.  As Director of Marketing for the international luxury jewelry retailer Birks and Mayors Jewelers, Mrs. Schultes led their strategic marketing, brand management, and customer acquisition programs and successfully created lead generation campaigns for over 50 luxury retail stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Mrs. Schultes has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from State University of New York at Stony Brook.

About The World

Launched in 2002, The World is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury Residences. A diverse group of Residents from 20 countries own the homes onboard and share interests in world cultures, history, and adventure, and exploring fascinating destinations. They circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select. In-depth expeditions and one-of-a-kind experiences are complemented by world-class amenities and impeccable service.  To learn more about this unique lifestyle call 954-538-8449 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com.

March 2024

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