The World, which is the only residential cruise ship of her type, has arrived in Falmouth this morning. 

The ship was previously bunkered in Gibraltar and has been slow-steaming to Falmouth over the last week. 

She is now expected to lay up in the port for some months. 

There are no passengers onboard. 

A&P Falmouth said it did not wish to comment, but the owners' representative issued a press statement which said: “Due to the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19), global public health emergency, deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization and to protect the health and safety of its residents, guests and crew, The World Residences at Sea was taken out of service effective March 17."

All residents, guests and non-essential crew disembarked by March 20.

The vessel has not had a positive Covid-19 case on board and none of its residents, guests or crew have tested positive since leaving the vessel. 

A return to service date has not yet been released.

The World is privately owned and home to approximately 150 families from 19 countries and has an average resident and guest occupancy of 150 to 200 people.

The statement continued: "The decision to lay-up the private residential yacht was not easy, however it was deemed essential. 

"Protecting the health and safety of our residents, guests and crew is our number one priority. 

"We look forward to resuming operations and welcoming our residents back once we can safely do so by following industry best practices, maintaining our high standards and working in cooperation with global public health authorities, local port officials and government agencies around the world."