Voyage of a Lifetime: Luxury Cruise Promises Eternal Summer as It Circles the Globe

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Under a bright blue sky at the iconic Harland & Wolff shipyard in Northern Ireland, known for building the Titanic, the small Villa Vie Odyssey is parked in dry dock. It looks tiny next to the massive 12-deck Caribbean party boat towering next to it.

After undergoing extensive refurbishment and cosmetic enhancements, this 31-year-old ship will embark on its maiden voyage on May 30. It is set to become one of the most exciting new additions to the cruise industry, as one of only two residential cruise ships currently in operation.

With around 300 passengers, referred to as "residents," the ship will depart from Belfast and travel to 425 ports in 147 countries across all seven continents. This world tour, completed every three-and-a-half years, will mark a successful launch for a ship that stands out from previous failed attempts.

Embark on a never-ending cruise where passengers have the choice between pay-as-you-go or ownership options. You can spend as little as 35 days or your entire life on board, with the ship being replaced every 15 years. Enjoy 1,301 days of summer on this unique journey.

The 924-capacity vessel is small enough to dock in the heart of destinations, allowing for longer port stays of two to seven days. This is a departure from the typical short visits of larger cruise ships, giving residents the luxury of time during their cruise experience.

The global itinerary is divided into 16 segments spanning 1,301 days. Carefully planned to coincide with spring and summer seasons in both the northern and southern hemispheres, residents can avoid the winter chill if they wish.

Residents at Villa Vie Residences have the flexibility to choose how long they want to stay on board, whether it's for the full three and a half years or just for certain segments. According to CEO Mikael Petterson, the most popular part of the journey is in South America, while the transatlantic section is the least preferred among residents.

The company has learned from past experiences and allows residents to have the freedom to decide their own journey without any commitment to stay for a specific duration.

Takeup for the cabins on the ship has been high, with 270 out of the 295 available cabins already sold at launch. Some residents have opted to join later on in the voyage. CEO Petterson anticipates that all cabins will be fully booked by the end of the Northern European segment, which concludes in August. Additional cabins will also be made available during segment two, covering the route from Greenland to Miami.

Petterson mentions that there is a significant number of individuals who wish to visit the ship in person before making a commitment, which is understandable. This upcoming launch has been a long journey, and it is not the first venture of its kind.

In November 2023, Life at Sea Cruises had to cancel its three-year voyage at the last minute because they couldn't find a ship. This left passengers in a tough spot, trying to get back the tens of thousands of dollars they had paid for the trip.

Villa Vie was founded by Petterson and some other ex-members of the Life at Sea leadership team. They left the company when the original team broke up in May 2022. According to Petterson, they have been able to avoid repeating the same mistakes made by their predecessors.

A balcony cabin with a crisp nautical design.

A balcony cabin with a crisp nautical design.

Maureen O'Hare/CNN

Conservative option

The ship currently named Villa Vie Odyssey was originally built in 1993 and was bought last year for $13 million from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. An additional $12 million was spent on renovations and ensuring it met all necessary standards.

According to Pettersen, the total cost of $25 million for the ship is significantly lower compared to others in the market. With financing and equity already secured, along with sales exceeding those of Life at Sea, Villa Vie Odyssey is in a strong and unique position.

The team chose this conservatively sized and priced vessel because they wanted to ensure they could handle it easily. The main challenge has been with the technical aspects of waking the boat up, but they are almost done with that. Moving on to the hotel part is going to be much easier, he says with a laugh.

The boat has aged gracefully and it hasn't been a constant struggle. It was expanded during a refurb in 2009, and received another renovation in 2019, with many public areas getting a fresh new look.

Many of these areas were recently renovated and have only been in use for four months, so there hasn't been a need for any additional work," Pettersen explains. The plan is to continue making improvements to these spaces even after they are opened, creating a more personalized and cozy atmosphere similar to a home rather than a standard hotel.

Peter Antonucci

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Under $33,000 a year

The ship, known as the Odyssey, will feature eight decks, a wraparound promenade, and a larger pool that combines the Braemar’s two pools for guests who enjoy swimming laps. For those looking to relax, there are two Jacuzzis available for lounging.

In addition to the recreational amenities, the Odyssey will offer three restaurants, five bars and lounges, a spa, a fitness center, a library, and a medical center. Guests can also enjoy the spacious business center with ocean views, internet access from Starlink and Viasat 3, and an “interactive culinary center” for those interested in cooking or taking cooking classes.

There will be a golf program with a simulator on board and outings to greens around the world.

In terms of cost, the Villa Vie Odyssey experience is surprisingly affordable compared to other round-the-world cruise options. For example, on megayacht The World, prices start at $2 million a year. Meanwhile, on Villa Vie Odyssey, an annual rental costs less than $32,485, and a three-year stint is priced at $97,455.

Looking for a cozy place to stay on your cruise? An inside cabin is only $89 per person per day. If you prefer a view, outside cabins start at $119 per person per day. For a little luxury, balconies are available starting at $199.

What's included in your stay? All meals and soft drinks are on the house. Enjoy complimentary alcohol with dinner. Stay connected with Wi-Fi and have access to medical visits (excluding procedures or medicines). Need something in the middle of the night? No worries, 24/7 room service is available.

Not a fan of cleaning? Weekly housekeeping and bi-weekly laundry service are provided at no extra cost. Enjoy your cruise with all these perks at your fingertips. Welcome to Endless Horizons!

Meanwhile, if you choose to buy a cabin, you will need to pay upfront. Prices start at $99,000 for an internal cabin, $149,000 for an outdoor cabin, and $249,000 for a cabin with a balcony. In addition to the initial cost, owners must also cover monthly fees. These fees begin at $1,750 per person for an internal cabin, $2,500 per person for an outdoor cabin, and $4,000 per person for a cabin with a balcony. This equates to $21,000, $30,000, or $48,000 per year.

Once you own a cabin, you have the option to rent it out to others. You can manage the rentals yourself at no charge, or you can choose to have Villa Vie handle the rentals for a fee.

When purchasing a cabin, buyers can enjoy a guaranteed 15-year ownership, matching the estimated lifespan of the ship. Additionally, there is the innovative Endless Horizons program, allowing residents to secure lifetime access to a cabin by making a one-time payment of $299,000 and transferring to new ships as the cruise moves.

The prices for cabins are calculated based on double occupancy. Solo travelers receive discounts of 30% for an internal cabin, 20% for an outside cabin, and 10% for a cabin with a balcony.

There are more solo travelers on vacation cruises than you might think – in fact, 50% of the first-time cruisers are single. In the under-40 age group, there are more single men than women, but after retirement age, there are more female solo travelers. On average, the age of travelers is 58, with 80% coming from the United States, followed by Canadians as the next largest group.

The Howards have traveled from New Zealand to Belfast to begin their three-and-a-half-year adventure on board.

The Howards have traveled from New Zealand to Belfast to begin their three-and-a-half-year adventure on board.

Maureen O'Hare/CNN

THE LOVE BOAT, from left: Ted Lange, Gavin MacLeod, Jill Whelan, Bernie Kopell, Lauren Tewes, Fred Grandy, 1977-1986. TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection

THE LOVE BOAT, from left: Ted Lange, Gavin MacLeod, Jill Whelan, Bernie Kopell, Lauren Tewes, Fred Grandy, 1977-1986. TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection

Everett Collection

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Floating community

During the dry dock tour, some residents like John and Melody Hennessee were seen, sporting matching hats and vests. Known for their unique lifestyle of living on cruise ships after selling all their possessions, they were at the tour to plan their triple-cabin with the ship's team.

Residents have the opportunity to customize their cabins to their liking, with the team accommodating requests whenever possible. For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are a limited number of large suites available, with the most expensive one priced at $900,000.

Mark and Katrina Howard, a couple from New Zealand, were excited to see their new home for the next three and a half years. They had to downsize to fit all their belongings into a two-person cabin, but they had no problem with it.

Katrina mentioned that they had experience motor-homing in the past. She also shared that they first met on a cruise ship in 1994, departing from Auckland. Now, they are looking forward to celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary on board Villa Vie Odyssey.

Among this floating community of strangers who are soon to become close neighbors, there will be many celebrations, landmark moments, and life-changing events. Despite any challenges that may come our way, the summer schedule promises plenty of sunshine to brighten our days.

Special thanks to CNN’s Julia Buckley for her contribution to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The launch of Villa Vie Odyssey marks a pioneering advancement in the cruise industry, offering a unique and immersive travel experience. With its small size and extensive itinerary, the ship allows passengers to explore the world at their own pace, indulging in extended stays at various destinations. The flexible ownership and rental options provide diverse choices for those seeking a lifelong adventure or a temporary escape.

The success of Villa Vie Odyssey highlights the growing demand for extended cruise experiences. Unlike traditional cruise ships that focus on short visits to multiple destinations, Villa Vie Odyssey offers a more in-depth exploration of each location, allowing passengers to truly immerse themselves in different cultures and landscapes. The ship's focus on solo travelers and flexible pricing options makes it an attractive option for those seeking a unique and affordable way to explore the world.