Live Aboard Forever: Inside the Floating Village of Villa Vie Odyssey

A radical reimagining of retirement and travel, Villa Vie Odyssey is no ordinary cruise—it’s a floating residential community.

Retirees, globetrotters, and home-seekers tired of brick-and-mortar possibilities now have the option to buy or rent cabins on a ship that sails continuously, offering both wanderlust and permanence.

A New Era of Nomadic Living

Operated by Villa Vie Residences, the Odyssey was a converted vessel acquired in late 2023 and overhauled in Belfast.

Today, it sails unbroken on global circuits, touching hundreds of ports in 147 countries across all seven continents over a 3½-year route.

How It Works: Packages & Pricing

Buyers can opt for indefinite residencies via the “Endless Horizons” package—starting at $349,999 for an Ocean View cabin—and go up to $1.74 million for couple-friendly suites with enhanced services.

A “Golden Passport” variant exists: long-term leasing spanning 15 years, with cabin ownership or extended stays priced from around $130,000 (for interior units) and rising accordingly.

Alternatively, there’s flexibility for shorter adventures, with segment packages ranging from one to four years. Maintenance, meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, and access to amenities like spas, fitness centers, theaters, and lounges are included, with optional upgrades for medical care, grooming, or spa treatment.

This Isn’t Just a Cruise—It’s a Community

Residents enjoy more than transport—they belong to a floating village.

Shared spaces include a pool deck, entertainment lounges, fitness and wellness programs, culinary classes, and even pet spas. The onboard community is vibrant, filled with fellow travelers, retirees, and like-minded explorers forming friendships and routines in international waters.

Real-Life Stories: Why People Chose the Odyssey

For many, such as a 77-year-old ex-teacher, the Odyssey offers liberation from traditional retirement living.

One resident praised the ship’s lifestyle as more budget-friendly and carefree than mainland alternatives. Another couple met aboard during early delays (caused by technical glitches) and celebrated an impromptu wedding onboard—events now woven into their new seafaring life. A fitness instructor sold her life ashore to pursue this lifestyle, embracing travel, social life, and the serenity of the sea.

Not Without Challenges

While appealing, life aboard isn’t for everyone. Some residents miss having family close, while others adapt to the deeper logistics of global travel—paperwork delays, technical hiccups, or limited visitations. Critics on travel forums have questioned contracts and long-term liabilities, reminding would-be residents to understand the fine print.

Still, for those who make it work, the Odyssey represents a radical freedom—a way to live surrounded by changing horizons and a community at sea.

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