Why retire to one place when you can retire to a “home” that takes you all over the world? While it certainly doesn’t make sense for everyone, for some healthy seniors, living aboard one of a growing fleet of cruise ships catering to permanent residency is a retirement dream come true.
Residential cruising provider Villa Vie Residences is actively promoting its Endless Horizons program, which it says is “transforming the concept of retirement for adventurers who dream of traveling the world without the hassle of planning or ongoing expenses.”
A press release from the company states that with a one-time payment of $299,999 USD for single occupancy and $499,999 USD for double occupancy, individuals can now retire into a life of adventure and cultural immersion, with everything taken care of from meals and accommodations to community activities.
“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 Villa Vie Residences 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.”
The Villa Vie Odyssey, currently wrapping up an extensive refurbishment in Belfast, Ireland, is set to embark on a 3.5-year world cruise across seven continents beginning on May 30, 2024.
The company says the Endless Horizons program caters to individuals who envision their retirement years as a time for exploration and personal growth. Villa Vie Residences, they say, makes this possible by combining the comforts of home with the excitement of travel. Residents will enjoy a guaranteed Outside Cabin and access to more than 50 active interest groups ranging from culinary arts to fitness and purposeful exploration, “ensuring a vibrant and engaging community atmosphere.”
Wellness programs, including yoga classes, fitness training, and meditation sessions, are offered, as are onboard entertainment tailored for retirees including live music and educational talks. The ship also features a golf pro shop and simulator.
The Endless Horizons program promises a guaranteed villa at sea for life. It is all-inclusive with no monthly fees or extra gratuities. Additional options beyond the Endless Horizons program include owning a villa for 15 years or rental segments where retirees can embark on shorter adventures without having to commit long term. There are also options to have family or friends stay onboard.
“One aspect most people nearing retirement age are concerned about is ongoing living expenses and the possibility of outliving their savings,” says Kathy Villalba, Chief Operating Officer of Villa Vie Residences. “This program eliminates that concern altogether while offering the ultimate dream: exploring every corner of the world by sea.”
“For less than the price of an average home, you can secure a lifetime of experiences.”
Villa Vie Residences CEO Mikael Petterson
The continual 3.5-year cruise the ship is about to embark on includes an itinerary of 425 destinations, 147 countries and 100+ islands. Segment One explores northern Europe May 30-Aug. 9, 2024. Segment Two—Greenland and Beyond—hits Iceland, Canada, Boston, New York, Washington D.C., and the Bahamas before concluding in Miami. It runs Aug. 10-Sept. 25. Segment Three travels the Caribbean; Segment Four South America, Segment Five North America; Segment Six Japan and the Philippine Sea, and Segment Seven travels the South Pacific. There are 17 segments overall on the ship’s 3.5-year itinerary, wrapping up in December of 2027.
The website notes that retirees can “circumnavigate the world for as long as you want, for the rest of your life.” After the 3.5-year cruise wraps up, another one will be scheduled to begin.
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