If you think about it, living on a cruise ship doesn’t seem so bad. Save for the occasional bouts of seasickness; you get to wake up to the stunning views of the ocean every morning. You can visit multiple destinations without having to book separate trips, partake in fun activities every day, and enjoy a ton of world-class amenities, all in one floating paradise. If this sounds like something you can be on board with, a company called Villa Vie Residences offers travelers the chance to live large on a luxury cruise ship for months or even years at a time. It’s slated to set sail in May 2024 from Southampton, England, with its inaugural circumnavigation lasting three and a half years.
The cruise is divided into 16 different segments, each varying in duration. The longest one is a 131-day excursion across Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, where passengers can explore 18 countries and 52 destinations, including the vintage charm of Lisbon and the exciting nightlife of Ibiza. The cruise offers an ambitious itinerary that includes 147 countries and 425 destinations, with a planned 2 to 7-day stop at each port so travelers can fully immerse themselves in local experiences.
Villa Vie Odyssey features 485 cabins and a 924-passenger capacity. The compact design is intentional, allowing it to dock at the center of the planned stops. “It’s really less of a cruise, it’s a lifestyle – a home with ever changing backyards,” CEO Mikael Petterson told CNN.
What to expect aboard Villa Vie Odyssey
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The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship was purchased from the fleet of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and will be retrofitted to create a vessel built for long-term living. After its multimillion-dollar overhaul, it will have eight decks, three restaurants, eight bars, and four lounges. A spa and fitness center will be available for rejuvenation, a library packed with a wide range of titles for learning, and even a business center with speedy internet and private offices, perfect for digital nomads working remotely. “Villa Vie Odyssey will be customized for her immersive, 3.5-year global circumnavigations, ensuring all the comforts and amenities of home,” Petterson noted in a press release.
While complimentary meals are available for all passengers, there is a shared kitchen where you can whip up your own dishes. There will be cooking and mixology classes, too, along with areas designated for arts and crafts. Offering a truly all-inclusive experience, other amenities on Villa Vie Odyssey include free bi-weekly laundry service, weekly housekeeping, free wellness sessions, and even free healthcare consultations. However, medication and procedures come at an additional cost. If you don’t want to leave your furry friend behind, there’s a pet and spa resort on the ship. As far as entertainment goes, the onboard theater will offer live performances, movie screenings, and enrichment programs.
You don’t have to commit to the whole 3.5 years
Unlike conventional cruises, where you usually have to commit to the entire journey, Villa Vie Odyssey offers its passengers the option to hop aboard however long they want. There is an option to buy your personal cabin: $99,999 for an inside cabin, $149,999 for an outside cabin, and $249,999 for a cabin facing the balcony. While a monthly fee applies, owners can have guests over for $33 per day. You can also choose to rent out your cabin if you cannot go on board for an extended period. Owners are offered a buyback guarantee, too, so you can recoup a portion of your investment depending on how long you owned your cabin.
But those who don’t wish to own a villa can opt for the pay-as-you-go program, which lets you choose specific segments to join. Starting at $89 per day per person, you can select as many journey segments as you wish and pick from all three cabin categories. Like the ownership program, you can have friends and family join you onboard, and in case you need to disembark, you can transfer your boarding rights to someone else. “If you stay for less than three years, it pays to rent,” Petterson told CNN. “If you’re going for longer than three years, it’s better to buy.”
