Embark on an Unforgettable Three-and-a-Half-Year Cruise Journey Beginning in May

Join Unlocking the World, CNN Travels weekly newsletter for the latest updates on aviation, food and drink, accommodations, and other travel news. Goodbye to the three-year cruise and hello to the three-and-a-half-year cruise.

Life at Sea Cruises recently cancelled its three-year voyage due to not securing a ship before departure. However, Villa Vie Residences, a long-term cruise startup, has announced the purchase of a ship for its own three-and-a-half-year journey around the world, with departure set for May 2024.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has purchased the MS Braemar from the company, now renaming it Villa Vie Odyssey. The vessel, originally built in 1993 for Crown Cruise Line and later marketed by Cunard, has changed ownership several times before being acquired by Fred. Olsen in 2001. Peter Deer, managing director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, relayed to CNN that the ship has been sold to Villa Vie and is expected to be delivered at the end of February 2024.

The Braemar, now 30 years old, has continued to thrive over the years. It underwent an enlargement in 2009 and was renovated again in 2019, the same year it became the longest ship to navigate the Corinth Canal. The company announced its sale in November 2022.

With a capacity of 924 and 485 cabins, the relatively small size of the Braemar allows it to dock in the heart of destinations, according to a statement exclusively released to CNN by Villa Vie. Its flatter hull also enables it to navigate inland waterways.

The ship, like the Odyssey, will feature eight decks, a wraparound promenade, and an expanded pool to accommodate passengers who want to swim laps. Additionally, four Jacuzzi tubs will be added to the deck for passengers to enjoy. The ship will also boast three restaurants, eight bars, four lounges, a spa, fitness center, library, and medical center.

The ship is 30 years old, but it has been well maintained.

Villa Vie presents typical amenities, with added luxurious features for guests embarking on an extensive 1,301-day journey through 147 countries and 425 ports. These include high-speed internet from Starlink and Viasat 3, as well as an "interactive culinary center" for those wanting to cook or take cooking classes.

Guests can also enjoy a golf program featuring a simulator on board and excursions to golf courses around the world. Port stays range from two to seven days, offering the opportunity to delve deeper into the destinations visited rather than just a quick stopover.

For those interested in a long-term cruise but hesitant about committing to the full three and a half years, there will be the option to book "segments" starting at just 35 days onboard. And for those who find 1,301 days insufficient, the plan is to continue the cruise into additional periods so that individuals can live their lives at sea.

Life at Sea's three-year cruise has been canceled.

Life At Sea Cruises

The three-year cruise is canceled

Cruising from under $33,000 per year

Cabins with balconies are the most expensive.

Courtesy Villa Vie

Former members of the Life at Sea executive team, who left after the team split in May 2022, founded Villa Vie. CEO Mikael Petterson, the former managing director of Life at Sea, stated that the concept was inspired by feedback from customers interested in the other cruise.

After speaking with thousands of people, the founder of Villa Vie tells CNN that the concept was created based on feedback from Life at Sea. People expressed a desire for the flexibility of paying as they go, coming and going as they please, rather than committing to upfront payments for three years. Additionally, many wanted to own a cabin and have a say in the business. He describes Villa Vie as "quite different" from previous offerings, with a smaller ship and the option for "pay as you go" shorter stays onboard.

The prices for Life at Sea are comparable to the introductory offers, but with more options available. Passengers can choose to purchase a cabin, referred to as "villas," or rent one. Renting a cabin, which includes the cost of the voyage, starts at $89 per person per day for an inside cabin. This comes to $32,485 per person per year, or $97,455 for three years. Outside cabins start at $119 per person per day and balconies start at $199.

Passengers are not required to commit to the entire three and a half years. The 1,301 days can be divided into segments varying from 35 to 120 days. Travelers have the option to purchase as few or as many segments as they desire.

Buying is the smarter option if you're planning to cruise for more than three years.

Courtesy Villa Vie

Purchasing a cabin requires an upfront payment of $99,000 for an internal cabin, $149,000 for an outdoor cabin, and $249,000 for a balcony cabin. Monthly fees range from $1,750 to $4,000 per person, or $21,000 to $48,000 per year. Owners have the option to rent out their cabin themselves at no charge, or through Villa Vie for a fee. A 15-year guarantee is provided for those who purchase a cabin, which aligns with the estimated lifespan of the ship.

According to Petterson, the ultimate objective is to acquire additional ships, allowing owners to receive a 50% credit towards the purchase of another vessel after 15 years. In the event that this does not materialize, owners will receive 15% of their payment as scrap value.

Pricing is calculated based on double occupancy, with solo travelers eligible for discounts of 30% for internal cabins, 20% for outside cabins, and 10% for balcony cabins.

Petterson advises that renting is preferable for stays less than three years, while buying is better for longer durations.

The package includes all meals, soft drinks, and dinner alcohol. WiFi, medical consultations, weekly housekeeping, and bi-weekly laundry service are also included at no additional charge, making it an appealing option for US customers.Please note that procedures and medications are not covered.

In October 2023, excitement is building in Turku, Finland, as Royal Caribbean International's highly anticipated Icon of the Seas embarks on its second and final round of sea trials, marking one of the last construction milestones. Over the course of several days at sea, this groundbreaking vacation experience will be put to the test before its scheduled debut in Miami in January 2024. A team of experts will meticulously evaluate everything from the six record-breaking waterslides and seven pools to the first waste-to-energy plant at sea and the top speeds of the ship's engines.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean takes ownership of the worlds biggest cruise ship

Quite different from the three-year cruise

Former Life at Sea signups only have to pay a 5% deposit.

Courtesy Villa Vie

The failure of the Life at Sea departure may have left many feeling disappointed, but Petterson assures that Villa Vie will depart as scheduled.

To secure a spot, passengers are required to make a 10% deposit, which will be held in escrow until February 15. At that time, the first 90 days of the cruise will be charged, with subsequent payments due 90 days before the start of each segment.

The ship has been funded by private investment. Petterson has assured that no people's deposits will be used before February 15th. With the acquisition of the vessel, the next step involves a 10-week refurbishment, including a two-week period in dry dock.

The staterooms, soon to be referred to as "villas," will undergo upgrades, and a business center will be added. Additionally, the pool will be extended. According to Petterson, the bars and restaurants will remain largely unchanged as the ship is already in good condition.

Why trust Villa Vie after the Life at Sea debacle? According to Petterson, "We are quite different." He explains that they are not asking for large upfront payments, but rather a small percentage to gauge seriousness and commitment. Former Life at Sea signups will only pay a 5% deposit due to their demonstrated commitment to a similar project.