About Villa Vie Residences Cruises

Villa Vie Residences, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, was established in 2023 to operate continuous round the world voyages on the residential ship Villa Vie Odyssey.

The founder and CEO is Mikael Petterson who has more than 18 years' experience in cruise line finance, including roles at Royal Caribbean, Prestige Cruise Holdings and Norwegian Cruise Line. Most recently he was Managing Director of a similar residential cruise concept, Life at Sea Cruises. He resigned in May 2023 and in November, after ongoing delays, Life at Sea Cruises canceled its debut three-year voyage due to the lack of a suitable ship.

In December 2023, Villa Vie Residences announced it had acquired the former Fred. Olsen Cruise Line ship Braemar, constructed in 1992, to operate 1,301-day world cruises visiting 425 ports in 147 countries. Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment, the vessel has been renamed Villa Vie Odyssey and is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage in May 2024.

The upgrade includes creating a large business center to attract passengers that will be able to carry on working remotely during the sailing.

Passengers can opt to buy cabins, starting from $99,999 and which they can rent out when they are not onboard. Alternatively, they can purchase one or more of the 17 segments of the voyage, ranging from 35- to 120 days, from $89 per person, per day.

Petterson said: "Villa Vie Residences is not just a cruise; it's a lifestyle reimagined. With the launch of our new brand, we are empowering travelers to make the world their home, all while enjoying unmatched luxury and flexibility. Villa Vie Odyssey will be customized for her immersive 3.5-year global circumnavigations, ensuring all the comforts and amenities of home."

Villa Vie Residences Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Villa Vie Residences cruise ships?

The line is looking to create a "community at sea" of travel enthusiasts and explorers looking to sail the world. While many are likely to be seniors, the line is also looking to attract professionals, particularly those who work from home or remotely. With this in mind, Villa Vie Odyssey has been equipped with a business center with meeting rooms and the ship uses Starlink and Viasat 3 which provide the fastest Wi-Fi at sea.

Villa Vie Residences will also appeal to anyone without too many land-based commitments who can either lock up, or rent out, their homes for the duration.

Do I have to dress up on a Villa Vie Residences cruise?

As a floating home from home, passengers -- or "global residents" as they are referred to by Villa Vie Residences -- are free to wear whatever they feel comfortable in. There is no dress code and there are no formal nights. Indeed, the main decision with clothing will be what to pack for a voyage of more than three years, so most people will opt for casual attire with layers for the different climates and buy extra clothing along the way.

Is everything free on Villa Vie Residences cruises?

Yes. Ownership starts at $99,999, with monthly fees from $1,750 per person sharing and $2,499 for solo travelers. This includes all meals, including wine, beer and soda, shore excursions, entertainment, fitness center and sports facilities, housekeeping and laundry services, Wi-Fi and complimentary healthcare consultations. Friends and family can also visit free of charge and stay overnight when Villa Vie Odyssey is in port.

What are Villa Vie Residences’s most popular activities?

With two- to seven-day overnights at each of the 400-plus visited there will be a big focus on in-depth exploration through shore excursions and independent discovery. Passengers will have the opportunity to see the world's greatest sights including the Great Wall of China, the Acropolis in Athens, Eiffel Tower in Paris and Sydney Opera House, to name just a few.

Back onboard Villa Vie Odyssey, there is a culinary center, golf simulator, pickleball court, enrichment program and entertainment in the theater.

Best for: 40+ digital nomads, active retirees and globetrotters looking to live and work at sea and spend up to a week exploring global ports of call.

Not for: Time-poor cruisers, families and anyone who can only spend a limited time away from home

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