New cruise brand Villa Vie Residences has announced that the company has taken delivery of Villa Vie Odyssey, the ship formerly known as Fred. Olsen’s MS Braemar.
The new cruise line aims to provide a luxury residential cruise experience aboard its first ship, with stays in each port ranging from two to seven days. Villa Vie’s ownership strategy will allow cruisers to experience each location for much longer than the average cruise ship port call.
Villa Vie aims to transform the way people experience global travel with a novel approach, allowing cruisers to own or rent an onboard “villa”—the company’s term for its staterooms. Villa Vie offers the opportunity to explore the world while living aboard a cruise ship at a price the company says is comparable to traditional condominium ownership.
Read more: Villa Vie Residences Purchases Braemar from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Villa Vie Odyssey will circumnavigate the globe after an eight-week refurbishment
The new cruise line’s Continual World Cruise will visit more than 425 ports in 147 countries across all seven continents as the ship circumnavigates the globe every three and a half years.
Through Villa Vie’s ownership program, the cruise line aims to offer travelers a global residence by purchasing a villa at sea.
Cruisers who don’t want to commit to the complete world program can create their own adventure by purchasing segments ranging from 35 to 120 days.
Villa Vie Odyssey will soon begin an eight-week restoration in Belfast that the company says aims to take the onboard experience to new heights while catering to the sophisticated needs of modern travelers.
Among the planned improvements are the construction of an up-to-date business center, the revitalization of the pool deck, a pickleball court, an observation deck, a culinary center, and full refurbishments of all 480 staterooms.
“We are thrilled to announce the possession of the ship and its transformation into Villa Vie Odyssey,” said Mikael Petterson, Chief Executive Officer of Villa Vie Residences, in a press release.
“This marks a significant step forward in our journey to provide residents with an unmatched quality of life and flexibility in residential cruising. Villa Vie Odyssey will set a new standard for global exploration, offering residents an exceptional blend of opulence, immersive travel, and personalized service,” Petterson continued.
After her refurbishment, Villa Vie Odyssey will sail from Southampton, England, on May 15th, embarking on an unprecedented three-and-a-half-year adventure across seven continents. Residents can expect a journey full of enriching experiences, ranging from visiting 13 of the 14 Wonders of the World to exploring distant tropical beaches while enjoying the comforts of home.
Captain Jozo Glavic will be Odyssey’s Master
Villa Vie Residences has engaged Captain Jozo Glavic to be the Master of Villa Vie Odyssey. Captain Jozo, who has over 20 years of experience as a worldwide mariner, has previously navigated the MS Braemar through the Corinth Canal and completed the last three dry docks for the ship.
“We are excited to welcome Captain Jozo to our team and look forward to his leadership as he helms our ship on our global adventure,” said Kathy Villalba, Chief Operating Officer of Villa Vie Residences.
More news about Villa Vie Residences
- Villa Vie Residences Takes Delivery of Odyssey, Announces Captain
- Villa Vie Residences Purchases Braemar from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Would you consider purchasing a cabin aboard a cruise ship like Villa Vie Odyssey? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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Darin B.
Thursday 7th of March 2024
HI Carrie,
Thank you for the great article on our new ship. I am a Founders Club member and an owner of a villa. When my wife and I started looking at this possibility about year ago the industry was on shaky ground to say the least. Mike, Kathy and the entire VVR team is making our retirement dreams come true. We are helping create the residential cruise life industry and I am so excited to do it with my fellow owners and the VVR team. New Friends New Adventures
Carrie Ann Karstunen
Friday 8th of March 2024
Hi Darin, thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience with Villa Vie so far. Happy cruising!