Newly established Villa Vie Cruises is carving a niche as a residential cruise provider. It revealed on Tuesday that it is going after a market that’s ripe for the picking—folks who want to retire at sea.
For those who want to spend their golden years on a cruise ship and forego many of the hassles of daily living, Villa Vie Cruises announced one of the longest itineraries at sea, specifically targeting retirees.
Their new adventure, Endless Horizons, takes guests to over 425 ports in 147 countries over a span of 3.5 years. Passengers can also opt for shorter sailings from 30 to 120 days. They are guaranteed an outside cabin and access to more than 50 interest groups.
| “Our goal is to offer a seamless solution for those looking to retire on a fixed budget to never worry about ongoing expenses again,” said CEO Mikael Petterson. “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 of experiences,” he added. |
The sailing takes place onboard the cruise line’s only ship, Villa Vie Odyssey, a 31-year-old cruise vessel undergoing extensive refurbishments in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Its 480 staterooms will be renovated, and new amenities will be added. The 924-passenger ship has 3 restaurants, 8 bars, 4 lounges, a pickleball court, 3 pools, a fitness center, a theater, a golf simulator, and a culinary center.
Last owned by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Villa Vie Odyssey was originally scheduled for a May 15 departure from Southampton, UK. It has since been moved to May 30 from Belfast.
How much does it cost?
The highest fare is around half a million dollars. Single occupancy costs $299,999, while double occupancy is $499,999. The one-time payment includes meals, lodgings, and community activities. Passengers can lease out segments of their itinerary that they won’t be joining.
Villa Vie Residences isn’t the first cruise line to target retirees. In December 2023, a similar venture called Life at Sea Cruises offered a 3-year cruise for up to $231,000.
Its embarkation was delayed several times before the sailing was finally canceled. Several passengers, who found themselves facing homelessness and financial straits, filed legal action, hoping to get their money back.
