Although free time in retirement may seem like a dream, the logistics of financial planning can be daunting — especially for those who like to spend their time traveling.
Now, Villa Vie Residences, a residential cruise line, is offering a three-and-a-half-year cruise (if guests choose to take the entire voyage; it's also available in segments) for $299,999 for single occupancy and $499,999 for double occupancy through the cruise line's Endless Horizon program, which will depart from Northern Europe on May 30, 2024. The voyage will visit all seven continents and 147 countries.
A look at the pool area on board the Odyssey. (Villa Vie Residences)
“Our goal is to provide a seamless solution for those looking to retire on a fixed budget, so they no longer have to worry about ongoing expenses,” said Mikael Petterson, CEO of Villa Vie Residences in a company statement. “This is more than just a travel opportunity; it's a new way of life. For less than the price of an average home, you can secure a lifetime.”
The rooms will be available on the company's Odyssey ship, which is currently undergoing “extensive refurbishment” at a port in Belfast. This will be the inaugural voyage of the refurbished ship.
A look inside a balcony view room aboard the Odyssey. (Villa Vie Residences)
“One aspect that most people nearing retirement age worry about is ongoing living expenses and being able to outlive their savings,” said Kathy Villalba, COO of Villa Vie Residences. “This program completely eliminates that concern by offering the ultimate dream: exploring every corner of the world by sea.”
According to the latest data by the International Cruise Lines Association, cruising as a mode of travel has grown in popularity with an estimated 31.7 million passengers sailing in 2023, nearly two million more than pre-pandemic cruising in 2019. It is estimated that 35.7 million passengers will sail in 2024.
Connected: Passengers on the 3-year-old cruise who have yet to receive refunds are pursuing fraud charges
Villa Vie Residences isn't the first of its kind to offer self-contained residences for aspiring travelers, although owning a boat is a good first step.
IN November 2023, a direct competitor at Sea, Life at Sea abruptly canceled its three-year residential cruise due to the company being unable to secure a boat, much to the dismay of customers who claimed they still had no refunds months later.